Joan Marlane McCloud was granted her angel wings on August 13, 2016.  She passed away surrounded by family at home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Joan was born May 22, 1950 in Greeley, CO to Harold and Ethel Gilfry. She grew up on the family farm just south of New Raymer with her amazing parents and twin sister, Georgia Michael. She was blessed with a loving childhood that left her with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

She graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1968. She continued her education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in education. She later earned her master's degree in education in 2000.

She was a beloved elementary school teacher for 37+ years who never lost her joy to teach children. She was the teacher you always wanted your child to have. She taught at Prairie, Weldona, the original Baker School, Columbine Elementary, and Sherman School. Even after her retirement, she continued to substitute and volunteer in the classroom.

She enjoyed being with her family and friends, playing cards, reading books, going for walks, cheering for the Broncos, weekly coffee time with her friends, and traveling. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church who truly lived the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, her biggest joy in life was her family.

Joan married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth McCloud, on September 3, 1971. They were blessed with two children, Bradley Donald and Amy Nicole, who cherished their mother. Joan was delighted with the addition to her family when both her children married. Bradley married Jammie in 1999 and Amy married Barney in 2003. Joan's greatest pride and joy arrived when she became Grammy Jo. She adored and doted upon her four grandchildren; Keith Bradley McCloud, Madison Lewellen Padgett, Brogan Lucas Padgett, and Kennan Louis McCloud.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ken McCloud; her children and spouses, Bradley and Jammie McCloud of Grand Junction, CO, and Amy and Barney Padgett of Fort Morgan; her grandchildren, Keith and Kennan McCloud of Grand Junction, and Madison and Brogan of Fort Morgan; her twin sister, Georgia Michael (Rick) of Colorado Springs; many other extended family members and lifelong friends who were family in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ethel (Jones) Gilfry.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 18 th at 2:00 pm at the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church. Joan requested that all people attending wear "a splash of red" to celebrate her.

Joan was the most positive and optimistic person you could ever meet. Her loving and selfless spirit filled the room and it will never leave our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army C/O Heer Mortuary.