Joni Ross-Donley
November 9, 1949 ~ February 11, 2025
Joni Ross-Donley, 75, was born in Germany on Nov. 9, 1949, to Paul and Lucille Ledbetter and passed away on Feb. 11, 2025. Her father was a Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army. She lived in Texas, Colorado, Alaska, and California. After she Graduated from CSU Ft. Collins she moved to Pueblo, and was employed at the Community Center School for the Handicapped which later became Blue Sky. Joni was a ballet dancer and preformed with the Pueblo Ballet, and later The Pueblo Arts Center. She was Business manager for the Pueblo Ballet and also taught dance mostly to younger students.
Joni was the wife of David Donley for 47 years, and mother of Lauren Donley of Arizona who passed four years ago. She has brothers, Jerry (Val) Ledbetter of Pueblo, Paul (Carolyn) Ledbetter of Brighton, John (Katie) Ledbetter of Bennett; and sisters Linda (George) Greer of Pueblo, and Eileen (Bill) Arnot of Pueblo.
Joni received her Masters in Education from UCCS and taught in the District 60 school system for 25 years, at Heaton, Keating, and South High. She was a special Ed Teacher and a reading specialist.
When she retired, she and David bought a home in Arizona where they spent winters, and summered at the Donley Cabin on the Conejos River in Antonito. Four years ago they moved back to Pueblo where they have friends and relatives.
Joni has two wonderful grandchildren, Alexander Donley who is 14, and Scarlett Donley who is 10, and live in Arizona. They travel to Pueblo every two to three months and call often.
Joni was a six year Pancreatic Cancer Survivor and was cancer free. She was a spokesman for The Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer foundation and had traveled to several fund raisers on their behalf.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the Montgomery & Steward Banquet Hall.
Condolences may be made at www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Celebration of Life: March 22, 2025 2:00 pm
Montgomery & Steward Banquet Hall
1317 N. Main St. (Upstairs)
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
I just learned of Joni’s passing and moments before of Lauren’s passing much earlier. David, I think of you folks often. I am so sorry for your loss of Lauren and Joni. I can only imagine it has been very difficult years. I hope our paths cross again one day, but I am a long way from Pueblo on the Big Island on our small Kona coffee farm. I have fond memories of our times together through the 80s and early 90s in Pueblo. You in my thoughts.
Tim
although we didnt know Jonie well, we heard great things about her from her loving brother, Jerry and his wife, Val who are good friends of ours….Jonie is no longer suffering and is now in God’s Heavenly arms….God rest her soul and healing prayers for her family.
I am so sorry to hear of Joni’s passing. She was such a sweet presence. May God console the hearts of her loved ones.
David, I was very sad to hear that Joni had passed. When I think about Lauren and my Lauren, it always brings a smile to my face. He was like a brother to my daughters, and I know that his passing was a heartbreaking loss. My condolences to your family.
Mike and Sandy
Very saddened to hear of Joni’s passing. We know she is in peace and will always be with you and her family and friends. Take care and enjoy the many memories of your wonderful life with Joni. Best wishes……….. Jim and Julie Crain and family.
Saddened to read of Joni’s passing; she had such a positive, joyful outlook. I taught with her at Keating where she was a wonderful, knowledgeable teacher, an inspiration to all around her. Gina Panepinto
Dave. I am sorry to learn of Joni’s passing. Sally sent me the news by e-mail this AM. I am not on any of those social media sites. I had a nice conversation with Joni before Christmas and she sounded good, as we talked about old neighborhood news.