Joan Joy Scott Middleton Lunt, 88, of Dillsboro, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, with her loving family by her side in Jacksonville, Florida, where she resided the last several years of her life.
A farm girl from a small southern Indiana town who came to love big city life, Joy retired from the federal government after a career dedicated to the Republican Party. She was listed in Who’s Who in American Politics, Fourth Edition, 1973-1974, Biography & Genealogy Master Index. A daughter of the American Revolution through her ancestor William Rose, Joy’s heritage allowed her daughters to join a chapter of the DAR on Amelia Island. She knew at least three Indiana governors, met the governor of New Jersey, and attended New York Governor Pataki’s inaugural services. She worked alongside several leading political figures and had the privilege of meeting Presidents Nixon, Reagan, and Bush, as well as Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. One of her most cherished memories was attending the first inauguration ball of President Donald J. Trump.
Joy was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Scott; her mother, Neva Viola Philpot Scott; and her brother, Delbert Scott (Joan).
She is survived by her three children: Susan Middleton Cofield (Ken), Faye Middleton, and Ray Middleton (Cheri); one granddaughter, Lea Middleton Grosvenor (Philip); one great-granddaughter, Quinn; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Scott (Kay); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 10:00am-12:00pm at Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home, 12887 Lenover St., Dillsboro, IN 47018, with a service to follow. Joy will be laid to rest beside her mother and father in Oakdale Cemetery, Dillsboro, Indiana, where a short graveside service will be held. A dinner will follow at the American Legion Hall, 12915 Main St., Dillsboro, IN 47018. About 1:30pm. Family and friends are invited to join in a time of gathering and celebration as we remember Joy.
Filter-DeVries-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements: 12887 Lenover St., PO Box 146, Dillsboro, IN 47018; (812) 432-5480. Please visit our website at www.filterdevriesmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Joy.