JoAnne Busing was called to her eternal home and entered Heaven's gates Friday, December 16, 2022, at the age of 77.

JoAnne Beryl Cooper entered this world on May 22, 1945 in Saffron Walden, England, the first born to Robert Cooper and Annie Davies Cooper. JoAnne soon embraced her role as big sister, later welcoming sisters, Michele and Lynne, and brother, Bobby. As a military family, they made the move from England to Las Vegas, Nevada, where JoAnne graduated from high school in 1963. She attended two years of college and during that time, met the love of her life, John J. Busing. The two were united in marriage on October 16, 1965 in Las Vegas.

After being married, John and JoAnne moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming and welcomed their first daughter, Christa, in 1969. A short time later, the three made the move to Hyde, Colorado, near Yuma, where their sons were born: first Kyle in 1971, followed by Kael in 1972. The final move for the family happened in 1976, landing them in Akron, Colorado – a place JoAnne quickly immersed herself in. Their family was completed in 1977 with the birth of their daughter, Meredith. John passed away in 1991, and after her kids were all grown, JoAnne was ready to start over. It was in the late 90s that she completed the adoption of her final child, a one-year-old son named Aziah.

JoAnne's love for children grew as she expanded her family, so it was only fitting that she operated a home daycare from the mid-1970s to mid-1990s, allowing her to watch not only her own children grow, but so many others in the community. When her own kids began showing interest in 4-H, she served her first year as a foods project leader in 1977-1978, beginning an amazing 45 years of dedication to the Washington County 4-H program.

When JoAnne received her fifth-year leader pin in 1982, she decided it was time to really step up and took over as head club leader of the Miscellaneous Mavericks 4-H Club. Not only did she see her own kids through the club, but also watched as her grandchildren became members of her club. She continued to serve as head club leader until this year, and capped off her 45th year with being presented the "Friend of 4-H" award this October. The award is nominated and voted on by Washington County 4-H leaders and members, and was presented at the annual achievement program. In addition to club leader, JoAnne acted as a County 4-H Council Leader Advisor for about 20 years. Even after that role ended, she continued to attend every council meeting.

Starting in 1981, JoAnne began serving as a staple of the Eastern Colorado Roundup, working as the 4-H Department Superintendent. She absolutely loved lining up prizes to recognize the hard work of 4-H members, and worked tirelessly in the 4-H building from interview judging days clear up until long after projects were dismissed. If you ask her, one of the highlights was when the new Event Center was built, allowing for air conditioning to sit in during the long fair days. It is certain that the 2023 ECR will have a different look without JoAnne greeting everyone who comes in to check out the exhibits.

JoAnne truly was a Jack of all trades. Other occupations held by her include a waitress at the Norka, County Express driver, ABC Daycare provider and probably most notably, a newspaper freelance editor and ticket taker during Akron School District sporting events. For well over 30 years, JoAnne was the face behind the table, along with her space heater, at every junior high and high school sporting event. She always made sure to clear her calendar for every game, because seeing the kids and visiting with members of the community made her day. Even during her final days, she insisted that she needed to let the school know she wouldn't be able to take gate for a few weeks.

In 2000, JoAnne jumped onboard at the Akron News-Reporter. The weekly paper was filled with recaps from every event and meeting in town. JoAnne loved getting to attend the meetings – school board, commissioners, chamber, town council, action team, county council, fair board – she really did enjoy them all, and continued to write for the paper up until the end. Not only was she always there for meetings, anytime a meal or dessert was needed, she was always quick to volunteer. While in the hospital, JoAnne told her granddaughter, Ally, she was ready to go home. Ally asked what she planned to do there. JoAnne's response? "I need to go work on the paper."

JoAnne never planned to retire. Working was something she loved to do, and she did it well. When she was younger, JoAnne was an avid bowler. She was quite competitive. This carried over to her love of games and card games, any time her family was together. However, make sure not to stand next to her during a game of Spoons, because you just might get an

elbow. She may have been small, but she was feisty.

She loved to cook. Her infamous applesauce cake, chocolate wet cake and pumpkin pies were widely requested. After having great-grandkids, she made sure to teach them how to make Easter Egg Bread, and the kids looked forward to this every year. Because her recipes were 'a little of this and a little of that', it'll be hard to ever recreate anything as good as she did.

JoAnne was a crossword puzzle whiz, and was rarely seen anywhere without one by her side. She loved a good book under her blanket, and thoroughly enjoyed watching the Little League World Series every summer on TV. Speaking of TV, JoAnne never could get enough Walker, Texas Ranger and was even quite annoyed that it wasn't on any of the channels at the hospital. HGTV just "had" to do. Her taste in music can be summed up in two words: Neil Diamond. Several years ago, her son, Kyle, and daughter-in-law, Carrie, took JoAnne to a Neil Diamond concert. When "Sweet Caroline" came on, JoAnne made sure to tell Kyle and Carrie that only SHE would be singing the first verse – they could join in after.

More than anything though, JoAnne loved people. She adored her grandkids and great-grandkids, and never missed an opportunity to brag about one of them for a minute. She loved this community, and everything she did for it will be hard to replicate. Although, it has become quite clear in the last several days that love for JoAnne was reciprocated. A beautiful soul, asset, dedicated, a gem, kind, encouraging, unselfish, legend, caring, independent, community minded, hard worker, fixture, determined, a beautiful lady with a heart bigger than her – these are just some of the words used to describe JoAnne by the many people who loved her. JoAnne was one of a kind, and she will never be forgotten.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Annie; husband, John; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Evelyn Busing; sister, Lynne Mikita; and brother, Bobby Cooper.

She is survived by her five children, Christa Vasquez and husband, Steve, Kyle Busing and wife, Carrie, Kael Busing and wife, Megan, Meredith Pinnix and husband, Randy, and Aziah Busing; grandchildren, Alicia Barry and husband, Dirk, Alec Vasquez, Allyson Vasquez and partner, Chase Murphy, Nathan West, Holden West, Brody Busing, Jones Busing, Gracie Busing, Devery Pinnix, Ranen Pinnix, Katriel Pinnix and Gabrian Pinnix; great-grandchildren, Harper Barry, Haven Barry, Harlow Barry, Brogan Richardson, Berklee Richardson, Briggs Murphy and baby Murphy, expected in April; sister, Michele Johnson; sisters-in-law, Betty Klein and husband, Elvin, Donna Schroeder and husband, Darrell, and Ella Scott; brother-in-law, Tim Mikita; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at the Washington County Event Center in Akron, Colorado, with Bowin Funeral Home handling arrangements. A private inurnment service, for family, will be held at the Akron Cemetery following memorial services.

Memorial donations, in JoAnne's memory, may be made to Washington County 4-H, 181 Birch Avenue, Akron, CO 80720, or to the Akron Schools Athletic Department, 600 Elm Avenue, Akron, CO 80720.