JoAnn "Joni" Rothe, 76, passed away on June 13, 2026, in Brush, Colorado. Joni was born on August 2, 1949, to Joseph and Myra Rothe in Alton, Illinois. Joni grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois where she attended school and received her high school diploma. After graduation, Joni traveled around the country finally settling in Colorado in the 1970's.

Joni lived in Golden, Colorado for many years, where she held various jobs, working for the Golden Transcript being the one she was most proud of. Joni loved playing softball, she played for many years in Golden and developed lifelong friendships with her teammates. She was a mouthy catcher, she enjoyed teaching little ones how to bat and how to distract the pitcher with witty insults. While in Golden, Joni received her Paralegal Degree from Red Rocks Community College.

Joni moved to Nederland, Colorado in the 1990's where she worked at the Assay Office and Bear Necessities. Joni loved the mountain life, her circle of friends she made there, wildlife encounters, and fishing at Barker Reservoir. Since she lived so close to Barker, she had a favorite fishing spot and time she would go cast her pole. She would come home mad if the rude tourists would refuse to leave her spot after asking and blame them for her lack of fish count.

Joni had a big heart and loved many things. Family, friends, and food were her top three. She enjoyed collecting things that "might be worth something someday", making every holiday an excuse to buy someone something extra special, and making sure no one left her house hungry and sent you home with food in case you got hungry later.

Joni was proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Myra Rothe, nephew Colton James Rothe, stepmother Margaret Rothe, adopted Grandpa John Wilson, and her beloved cat Scarecrow.

Joni is survived by her brothers Tim Rothe, Mark Rothe, Tony Rothe, sister-in-law Lindy Rothe, children Chris Rothe, Brittany Rothe, Jesi Ball, son-in-law BJ Ball, niece Avery Latteman, grandchildren Zac Albatt, Billy Joe Ball, Cedi Ball and great-grandson Cohen Albatt.

There will not be a service for Joni, her family will be spreading her ashes in the mountains that she loved, per Joni's wishes. In lieu of flowers/donations, take a loved one out to lunch, make some memories and have a few laughs.