PHOENIX, Ariz. – Joy Marian Karkos, age 71, passed away at Phoenix-St. Luke Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 1, following a five-month epic battle with respiratory illness.

Born Dec. 14, 1936, in Portland, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Fagone.

She was raised from infancy by her adoptive parents, the late George and Doris Fletcher of East Dixfield. She attended East Dixfield Grade School and Wilton Academy in Wilton, from which she was graduated in 1955.

She was a pianist at the East Dixfield Baptist Church for several years.

She married Dennis Karkos of Wilton on Nov. 29, 1957, in the Fletcher home in East Dixfield. After Dennis graduated with a degree in geology from Colby College in Waterville in 1959, Joy and Dennis and their 1-year-old son Terry Lee, moved to Austin, Tex., where Dennis worked on his master’s degree.

In 1960, the family moved to Superior, Ariz., where Dennis was employed for more than 36 years at the Magma Copper Co. mine. Their five other children – Larry, Laurie, Jeff, Scott and Robbie – were all born in Superior.

In 1965, the family moved to Apache Junction, Ariz., where Joy played the piano and organ for 40 years at the Apache Junction Baptist Church. She was also church treasurer for several years and printed the church service bulletin.

She loved God, country, and her extended family and friends. Most referred to Joy as “Mom.” She loved to be around her grandchildren and would always babysit for her beloved children. She was always there to support her kids.

She also enjoyed Elvis Presley songs and movies, and like to travel, which she and Dennis did quite often.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dennis; children, Terry and Rebekah Karkos of East Dixfield; Larry and Kathy Karkos of Queen Creek, Ariz.; Laurie Karkos of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Jeff and Brenda Karkos of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Scott and Caryn Karkos of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Robbie Karkos of Mesa, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren: Kimberly and Zack Barricklow of Gilbert, Ariz.; Kristy Karkos of Queen Creek, Ariz.; Kyle Karkos of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Joshua and Matthew Karkos, both of Austin, Texas, and Kyerstin and Ginger Clay, both of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Morgan Leigh and Cody Karkos of Las Vegas, Nevada; Daylen Karkos of Mesa, Ariz., and Jodeci Jarmolowicz of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and five great-grandchildren: Chase Matthew, Taylor Maegan, and Seth Mason Barricklow, all of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Hannah Baca and Kadync Kona, both of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and Joy’s brother, Frank and Judy Fagone of Gray.