Joy Wyatt

Pastor Joy (Kanesewah) Wyatt, 67, of Mescalero, New Mexico, went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2025. She was born on April 27, 1958, to Leonard Kanesewah Jr. and Goldie Agnes Kanesewah.

Joy was one of eleven siblings: Pansy Ahidley, Cheryl Rice, Beverly Kanesewah, Mary Kanesewah, Ida Kanesewah, Helen Kanesewah, Leonard Kanesewah III, Fredrick Kanesewah, and Brenda Kanesewah. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Goldie and Leonard Kanesewah Jr., and siblings Belva Choneska, Raybert Jolsanny, and Leonarda Kanesewah.

Auntie Joy, as many lovingly called her, was outgoing, caring, and full of life. She was a prayer warrior - anointed, faithful, and deeply compassionate. She had a heart big enough to hold her family, her community, and everyone she met.

From a young age, Joy felt a strong calling from God. After graduating high school, she attended American Indian Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona, where she earned her Associate of Arts in Social Work and her Associate of Arts in Christian Education. It was there she met her husband, Pastor John Wyatt. They married on August 11, 1984, and together shared 41 years of marriage and ministry.

Following God's direction, Joy and John helped found Carrizo Christian Fellowship in Mescalero - a church that began in their home and grew into a thriving place of worship through prayer, faith, and perseverance. Their ministry touched countless lives across New Mexico and beyond.

Joy was also a gifted artist, known for her beautiful beadwork, turquoise jewelry, and Apache burden baskets. She spoke fluent Apache and was passionate about preserving her language and culture.

She loved to fish, shop, watch her favorite show Walker Texas Ranger, and cheer on her Seattle Seahawks. Above all, she loved the Lord and lived her life as a testimony of His faithfulness. Even through sickness and hardship, she remained steadfast in her faith and continued to lead others to Christ.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

She was faithful to the very end. Her life was a light to all who knew her - a reflection of God's grace, strength, and love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, prayer, and compassion will continue to live on in her family, her church, and the many hearts she touched.

The funeral procession will depart from LaGrone Funeral Chapel of Ruidoso at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, traveling to Carrizo Christian Fellowship. A prayer service to honor Joy will begin at 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Carrizo Christian Fellowship, with burial to follow at the Mescalero Apache Cemetery. The address for Carrizo Christian Fellowship is 656 White Mountain Drive, 3.0 miles West of the Inn of the Mountain of Gods Resort & Casino.