Joy Ann Moore Burkhardt

Joy Ann Nelson Moore Burkhardt flew away into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ shortly after 1 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Finishing her journey less than two weeks short of her 96th birthday, she will be remembered with Joy by all who knew her as a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend and devoted Christian.

Joy was born February 9, 1930 in Indianapolis at the onset of the Great Depression. She was raised in that difficult time and came of age during World War II, living to see space travel, the digital age, and more than a quarter of the 21st century. She is preceded in death by her cherished parents, Byron Addison Nelson and Rhea Fleta Strode Nelson.

She grew up in a little house on High School Road, which was near present I-70 and the FedEx complex. She loved to recall playing in the fields, streams and woods that have now been enveloped by Indianapolis International Airport. Joy was a fifth generation Decatur Township native, tracing her roots to the pioneer McCreary, Hoffman, and Strode families who first came to the township in 1820.

Joy attended all 12 grades in the building that housed Decatur Central High School and is now the Excel Center. She was a member of the choirs, a cheerleader and the 1947 Homecoming Queen before graduating with the Class of 1948. A large amount of her high school memorabilia has been donated to the Heritage Center. Joy recalled riding her bicycle north on High School Road to West Washington Street where she would catch a bus for piano lessons at Krannert in downtown Indianapolis. Her love of playing the piano brought happiness to her and many people. She worked for a time for the State of Indiana before she was fixed up with educator and coach Bob Moore, brother of Joy's best friend Mary Ann Moore (Seerley). They were married on October 15, 1950, having three children and spending 25 years together before his sudden death in 1976.

At age 46 with income and insurance suddenly gone, Joy took a job as assistant catering manager at the Airport Hilton Inn where she stayed six years rising to become catering manager, overseeing events.

The founder and longtime member of the Camby Community Church choir, Joy married fellow widowed choir member and high school friend Don Burkhardt on January 21, 1982. They seamlessly and successfully blended their families and spent 40 happy years together until Don's passing in June 2022. The couple enjoyed family, many good friends, church activities, travel and several winters in Florida. They resided for nearly 30 years at Crystal Bay in Plainfield, relishing boat rides on the water and hosting family and friends. They moved into Cumberland Trace Plainfield in 2018.

Joy and family attended Bethel Methodist Church on High School Road near the airport during her childhood. She was baptized in a nearby creek. From 1960, she and family were stalwarts of Camby Community Church where Joy taught Sunday School, Bible School, directed and sang in choirs, played piano and organ, and faithfully served in a variety of capacities.

Blessed with good health until the last years of her life, Joy was a true matriarch, presiding over a large extended family of five children and their families, eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was always willing to offer her counsel and unwavering love. She loved cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the most, and was also a fan of Indiana University athletics and the Colts. She was delighted to see IU experience undefeated national champion seasons in both basketball and football. Great family times often included gathering to sing show tunes and American standards around her prized baby grand piano.

Joy is survived by five children: Dianne Moore Farmer, Denise Moore (Frank) Holmes Clark, Rick (Michele) Moore, Dawn (Steven) Massey, Shelly (Kane) Neese, and eight grandchildren: Heidi (Ryan) Brumback, Bob Farmer, Brandon (Ashley) Holmes, and Daniel (Maggie) Moore; Landon (Delaney) Massey, Carson (Megan) Massey, Bethany (Dixon) Correa, Emily Neese, and 14 soon to be 15 great grandchildren: Chase, Cooper and Camby Brumback, Alex and Adelyn Holmes, Monroe Farmer, Emma, Henry and William Moore, Broden and Stetson Massey, Stella, Summer and Scottie Massey, and Baby Girl Correa on the way.

She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins on all sides of the blended family.

In addition to her parents, Barney and Rhea Nelson, Joy was preceded in death by her husbands Robert R. Moore and Donald G. Burkhardt; a much loved sister Meredith Nelson Gagen, an infant brother Richard Nelson, sons-in-law Jef Farmer and Kenny Holmes, and several brothers and sisters in-law.

Family and friends may show their love and support from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday, January 31st at Camby Community Church, 8604 Camby Road, Camby IN 46113. A celebration of life service will be held at 12 pm following visitation at the church. Joy will be laid to rest with Bob at West Newton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joy's memory to Camby Community Church, 8604 Camby Road, Camby IN 46113

To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Joy, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com