Joyce Ridge died Jan. 5, 2013. Joyce moved to Phoenix in 1964 where she became known as a tireless advocate for children and adults with disabilities. She served as executive director at Upward Foundation, was program and community relations director for Bethany Ranch Home then became executive director of Lura Turner Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults, retiring in 2003. In 1999, she created a famed High Tea, which to date has raised over $400,000 for Lura Turner Homes. Joyce's education reflected her passion for learning and service. In 1956, she earned the British Home Office Certificate in Residential Childcare. By 1974, she received an MA in Special Education at ASU, where she taught the televised class, "Early Childhood Development," 1979-81. She was affiliated with several social service agencies and causes benefiting from her 45 years of dedicated volunteerism. She received awards including an award from the Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues honoring her with the Don Aldrich Advocacy Award. Under Joyce's inspired leadership, the first Civitan club in the world run by developmentally disabled adults, named the Phoenix Bird Civitan Club, was founded in 1979. In 2009 the Phoenix assisted living facility created by Joyce in 1989 was renamed in her honor to the Joyce Ridge Civitan House. Joyce accomplished all of the above and much more while living with the crippling effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Joyce was predeceased by her parents and a brother. She is survived by two brothers, three children and other relatives. A memorial service will be held for Joyce, 11 a.m., Sat. Jan. 12 at Madison Baptist Church, 6202 N. 12th Street, Phoenix. Visitation is 1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10 at Sunwest Funeral Home, 12525 NW Grand Avenue, Surprise. The family asks the memorial gifts be sent in Joyce's memory to Lura Turner Homes, Att: Max McQueen, 1432 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85009. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.heritagefuneralchapels.com.