July 11, 1931 – May 12, 2026

(July 11,1931-May 12, 2026) JoAnn (Jo) Gwendolyn Coffman, 94, passed away at the Sopris Lodge in Carbondale, Colorado. Her loving family, friends, and caregivers were close by and attentive for months up to her passing.
She grew up in North Platte, Nebraska and then attended The University of Nebraska, where she met her husband, Rex Coffman who she first saw riding his horse and his heart was stolen. They married in 1952. When he returned from Korea because of their daughter, Kristen’s health issues, they moved to Colorado Springs to fill out his military service, then bought a ranch in Eagle where Doug and Greg were born, finally ending up in Carbondale. They lived at the Coffman Ranch until 2023.
JoAnn led an ambitious life and had many interests. In addition to raising three children, working as a teacher (Kindergarten and Home Economics to numerous students in the Roaring Fork Valley and many who she stayed connected with throughout her life) running a ranch, and volunteering her time to many causes.
Her life’s narrative was defined by always doing something. She was a seamstress, watercolor painter, stained glass maker, golfer, hiker, did crossword and jigsaw puzzles and more. Traveling was one of her favorite passions which she saved quarters for to pay for the travels that were on her bucket list before that was even a word. She traveled the world, many times by cruising. Highlights were Greece, Italy, many South America countries including Machu Picchu. For their 50th wedding anniversary, she took the entire family and their children on an Alaskan cruise. She and Rex also RV’d around the country, and took many trips to Lake Powell. Many of her trips were taken to meet the requirements for teacher recertification, such as visiting fabric mills in Europe and taking a class in Taos to learn Mexican food recipes and weaving.
Jo was especially talented in the kitchen and was responsible for the sweet tooths of all the Coffman clan, including her one grandchild, and two great grandkids. Also, she spent years of cooking for branding days and cattle drives for all of the help required to complete those tasks. She had an innate quality of thinking of those around her by making loved ones their favorite meal or treats, including preparing adventures for her family, especially great grandkids.
Her homemaking skills qualified her as a judge in 4H events across the state in many counties and at the state fair.
When they finally retired, they went to Arizona initially with their RV which they parked in Greg’s backyard, then finally purchased a casita in Sun City West where they resided during the winters for 20 years.
Known as Gigi, she is survived by Kristen Melsen (Glenwood Springs), Doug Coffman (Julie) (Carbondale), Greg Coffman (Christel) (Carbondale), Lindsay Coffman her granddaughter (Wife: Suz) and great grandchildren Bowen Coffman and Josephine Coffman. (Bend, Oregon) She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Nellie Knotts, four younger sisters, Jackie Knotts (2 months old), Suzee Knotts (10 years old), Glennis Greeley, and Janet Johnson.
There will be no public service to celebrate her life, however her granddaughter, Lindsay wishes to share with you Jo’s favorite famous Sour Cream Chocolate Cake recipe in her honor. Please make this cake and enjoy it with friends and family while you share stories of Jo if you knew her or stories of your own grandmother’s life.
SourCream Chocolate Cake: 9 x 11 cake pan, Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 eggs, 3 T cocoa, 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix these in order and beat. Then add 1 cup boiling water with 1 t baking soda dissolved into it and beat again.
JoAnn was active in PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization which provides scholarship grants, awards, and loans, along with stewardship of Cottey College. The Sisterhood proudly offers unwavering support to deserving women from all walks of life. She requested that any donations be made on her behalf to this organization. Please send checks to Chapter HC, 14 Maroon Drive, Carbondale, CO. 81623.