A lot of Joy has gone out of the world for the relatives and friends of Joy Geddes, 103, of Arlington Heights, Ill. This beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt to many, joined her parents and siblings in a better world on December 16, 2025. Born 22 May 1922 in La Harpe, Hancock County, Illinois, she brought Joy (both figuratively and literally) to everyone she met in her long, fascinating, and influential life.
Joy was a pioneer flight attendant, first with Capital Airlines out of Washington DC, then with United Airlines out of Chicago. Although she rose to become United’s Chief Flight Attendant, she volunteered to go back on flight duty to assist refugees on those last desperate flights out of Vietnam. In 1974, she was named the “Flight Attendant of the Year” at United Airlines.
Flying afforded Joy the opportunity to travel the world. Home movies, and later videos of her adventures, were the highlight of every family gathering. Her photography and her Christmas letters inspired generations to model her adventuresome life.
Being single was mandatory during her early years with the airlines. Joy never married, and, throughout her life, she campaigned doggedly for women’s rights. Her great nieces remember fondly that Joy gave them quarters to use to call her for help if they ever felt unsafe.
After retirement in 1984, she continued to spread Joyfulness by singing with a community choir, even after she lost her sight. A natural bell soprano, Joy had sung with the Pittsburgh Opera Company when she was stationed there. Her thrill for music will live on through the great nieces who now direct or sing with choirs across the continent.
Joy never forgot a birthday or a special occasion and Joyously celebrated the usually less remarkable achievements of other family members. She showed everyone how to live with grace and purpose - and Joy.
Joy is sorely missed by her surviving family - sister-in-law, Erma Geddes of Iowa; nephews John Lynn of Illinois, Brett and Tom Geddes of Texas; nieces Karen Mitchell of North Carolina and Barbara Shave of British Columbia; many great nieces and nephews; and special friend, Barb Sakely. She was predeceased by her parents Allen G. and Edna Montague Geddes of Fountain Green, Illinois, brother Allan “Monte” Geddes of Mediapolis, Iowa, and sister Jean K. Lynn of Peoria, Illinois.
Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe is assisting the family.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at the McConnell-Geddes Cemetery, near Fountain Green, Ill., with Pastor Nathan Batson officiating.