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, she worked as a teacher (teaching kindergarten and home economics to numerous students in the Roaring Fork Valley and staying connected with many throughout her life), ran a ranch and volunteered 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, crossword-doer, jigsaw-puzzle solver and more. Traveling was one of her favorite passions. She saved quarters 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 included Greece, Italy, many South American countries and Machu Picchu in Peru. 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, New Mexico 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 cooked during branding days and cattle drives for years, providing food to the many helping hands needed during each event. 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 her great grandkids.
Her homemaking skills qualified her as a judge in 4H events in many counties across the state and at the state fair.
When Jo and Rex 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, Jo 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, husband Rex Coffman, four younger sisters, Jackie Knotts (two 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.
Sour cream
chocolate cake:
Use a 9 inch x 11 inch
cake pan.
In order, mix and beat
the following:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs, 3 T cocoa
1/2 cup sour cream
Dissolve 1 t-spoon of baking soda into 1 cup of boiling water, add it to the recipe and beat again.
Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
JoAnn was active in Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) which provides scholarship grants, awards, loans and 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.