Joy L. Rivera

Joy Lynn (Mutchler) Rivera, 61, of Pekin, IL graduated to be with her Lord and Savior on October 10, 2024. We know that she ran not walked, into Jesus arms and reunited with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends!! Joy passed away with her prized possession her Bible! Joy was born on July 18, 1963 in Tacoma, WA to Kenneth and Judith (Alexander) Mutchler. Surviving are: her parents, Ken and Judith of Pekin; three sons, Wes (Leanne) Steidinger of Fairbury, IL, Ean Crowe of Lafayette, CO and Carson Rivera of Maumelle, AR; one daughter, Carly Rivera of Monticello, AR; four grandchildren, Blaine, Keegan Jack, Colton Steidinger and Emma Ann Crowe; two step grandchildren Thomas and Boston; and a grandson, Ethan, to be born soon; two sisters. Kendra (Rick) Halbert of Birch Tree, MO and Melinda Mulich of Statesville, NC; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jesus was the absolute lover of Joys soul, was her constant and earthly husband. She loved her children, family and friends. She always remembered the special details about everyone! Her favorite color was yellow. She loved anything old, quaint or shabby chic. Joy loved planning vacations for the kids and making memories but her daily favorites were Pepsi, smoke breaks, and a good meal! Not only could she fix a tasty meal, but she put away the food!! When Wes and Ean would visit there was never a shortage of Fresca and tacos. According to Wes, her red velvet cake was second to none!! She was so proud of her children. She loved the Cubs, but her tutoring and expertise on NFL football pools was sought after by many! Decorating and her antique booth, "Blast from the Past" gave her so much joy! She loved summers at the lake house, the Rocky Mountains, comedies and the changing fall leaves. Joys name embodied who Joy was. At Teen Challenge they sang, "JESUS IS THE CENTER OF MY JOY!" She loved UNCONDITIONALLY and with her whole heart. Even in her own heartbreak she loved others and gave as much as she could. As Womens Director at First Fruits Mission Teens, MANY lives were pointed towards Jesus and saved, physically and spiritually. Joys final wishes would be for you to accept and follow Jesus and to see you again in heaven! A Celebration of Life for Joy will be on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the Pekin Park Miller Center, 551 S. 14th St. Pekin, IL. Doors open at 5:00 PM with the service beginning at 5:30 PM. A meal will follow the service. To honor her, please wear your favorite Cubs or Bears merch, or team colors; as we know thats what she wouldve wanted. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Western Michigan Teen Challenge Womens Division. Please call 231-798-7927. Celebration of Life Tuesday, October 22, 2024 5:30 PM Pekin Park Miller Center 551 S. 14th St. Pekin,IL 61554