Joy L. Spetnagel, 66, of Chillicothe, passed at 12:48 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026 in the Adena Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

She was born September 26, 1959, in Ross County, to the late Elijah and Olga Nichols Cook.  On April 18, 1980, she married Kelly J. Spetnagel who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Kelly J. Spetnagel, Jr., of Chillicothe; a great nephew, Travis Carter, whom she helped raise and whom she considered a son; a sister, Glenda Matson, of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Brenda M. Cook-Hinton and Melody A. Hailer; and a stillborn brother, Lester Elijah Cook.

Joy attended Hilltop Mission and had worked as the Center Manager for Ross County Head Start in Frankfort.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers Jordan Zimmerman and Sonya Barnett.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 in Floral Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Douglas Campbell officiating.  There will be no public calling hours.  Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

You may sign his online register at warefh.com