Joy Marilyn (Hollers) Qualley was born in Cody, Nebraska on October 14, 1940 to Florence and Basil Hollers. She received her early formal education as District 180 - Cutcomb Lake. Joy graduated from Cody High School and then attended the National College of Business in Rapid City, SD.
Joy was a rancher first and foremost, so taking care of the land and livestock came first. She loved working cattle horseback and was an avid outdoorsman. Fishing and hunting were among her passions, and she passed on her love of God to her children through nature. Telling and listening to the stories after the hunt was enjoyed as much as the hunt itself. Joy was an excellent horsewoman and one of the first in her community to adopt the Ray Hunt method of training horses, which was a kinder, gentler way. She was the Horse Project leader of the Sandhills Ranchers 4-H club for many years and was dedicated to teaching kids and parents correct and safe horsemanship skills. Joy enjoyed gardening and canning both while on the ranch and after moving to Valentine. Playing thirteen point pitch with her family and friends was also one of Joy's passions, and Basil's rules were upheld. She was a staunch patriot and loved her country. Joy was a member of the NRA and the Episcopal Church.
Joy passed away April 15, 2017 at Cherry County Hospital in Valentine at age 76. She was preceded in death by parents Florence and Basil Hollers and brother Larry Hollers. Joy is survived by special friend Pat Schemmer, children Jody (Duane) Hronek, Kris Qualley, Ed (Lynette) Qualley and Jackie Qualley, (Shannon Martin). Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda, Julian, and Kristen Qualley; Kari (Dakota) Sage, Jessie (Breann) Qualley, Kyle (Jami) Etson Qualley.