Joni Gayle Westbrook passed away at the age of 63 on March 17, 2022 after a 5 year battle with multiple myeloma. She passed away peacefully at her home in Laramie with her husband, Tad, by her side.
Joni was born on May 9, 1958 in Portland, Oregon to Mary Gayle Christianson and John Erskine. When Joni turned 4 years old, her mother relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and married Buzz Hodson. Buzz adored Joni. Joni grew up around her beloved horses and skiing at Lake Mead. Unfortunately, at 14 years of age, Joni lost her mother, Gayle, to a brain aneurysm. Buzz then raised Joni as his own. She graduated from Eldorado High School in 1976. After high school, she accomplished one of her dreams of learning to scuba dive and used that certification doing fish surveys for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Later, she worked for the MGM Grand Hotel. On December 7, 1981, Joni met her soul mate, Tad Westbrook, at Sam’s Town Dance Hall. Shortly after, she took a leap of faith and moved to Laramie with her Wyoming cowboy. They were married on July 1, 1982.
Joni and Tad spent the first 10 years of their lives together on the Joe Miller Ranch. During this time, they started their family: son, Shay, and daughter, Shiloh. Joni cherished raising their children on the ranch. But, they eventually moved to town which allowed Shay and Shiloh to be more involved in community activities. They played hockey, soccer, baseball, and enjoyed many other activities. Joni put in countless miles transporting them to and from; and truly loved every moment. In 1987, Joni and Tad bought Ann’s Pawn Shop, which Joni managed until she retired in 2018. If you visited Ann’s Pawn Shop, you had the pleasure of meeting Joni and her beloved boxers (Max, Rocky and Huck).
One of Joni’s favorite places was the cabin she and Tad built to get away from the hustle and bustle of the “big city.” She loved to hear the elk bugle, and thought it was the most magnificent sound she had ever heard. She could sit for hours just listening and doing crossword puzzles. She loved going on long walks with her family around their property; however, mindful of the bears and mountain lions. She always knew that she was a slow runner and figured if one came after them, she would be their feast. She enjoyed cooking for others, and had numerous 4th of July celebrations at the cabin. Her family and friends will never forget her famous Christmas peanut brittle and 7-layer cookies that she loved to make and give out.
Joni was the most amazing mom and grandma. She never missed an event; whether it was hockey, soccer, baseball, football, a music program or birthday. Her greatest passion in life was her family. She always loved revisiting her roots with extended family in Las Vegas and Oregon. She loved those visits and would speak about them often. She believed in the importance of reconnecting with family. She always talked about going back to the Oregon coast that she loved.
Joni was a dear friend to many. If you ever met Joni, you were instantly her friend. She had the ability to bring a smile to anyone, and make them laugh. She had an infectious and positive demeanor that would brighten any person’s day. She had incredible friends and support systems. Her Saturday morning coffee “Goddesses,” were her closest friends. They kept her strong and happy: Debbie (Harvey) Allred, Kathy (Rod) Oliver, Maureen (Dave) Lutterman, and Diana (Bill) Meyer. She also developed an incredible bond with her beloved “Mermaids.” This group of women shared the same love of water exercise as she did; but more importantly, became some of her biggest supporters during very rough times.
Joni is preceded in death by her mother, Gayle, father, John, step-father, Buzz, half-brothers, Phil and Terry, as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Bonnie Westbrook.
Joni is survived by her husband of 39 years, Tad, son Shay (Kim) Westbrook (Laramie), daughter Shiloh (Cory) Krebes (Cody), and four grandchildren who were the light of her life: Carson Krebes, and David, Adeline and Michael Westbrook. She is also survived by her best friend and “sister” of 51 years, Debbie (Harvey) Allred (Laramie), Aunt Pinky (Terry) Thomas and cousin Sherry Curran. She has a large extended family that she adored including numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Joni will be missed deeply. But, even though her journey was cut short, she lived life to the fullest. She was a bright light to all of us and will continue to be forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made in Joni’s memory to the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center or Hospice of Laramie. Both have been so instrumental in helping Joni, her family and friends, especially in the last days of her journey with us.
Feel free to go to www.montgomerystryker.com to share stories, send condolences or to sign the online guestbook. There will be a celebration of life for Joni this summer with her family and friends.
We are very sorry for your loss. Joni's obituary described a beautiful person who knew how to live life and loved her family very much. Our sincere condolences. Tom and Pat Parish
We were friends, that I am sorry to say lost touch with each other after I moved from the area. I am very sad to learn of Joni's passing. Your family will be in our prayers.
My partner and I moved back to Laramie when our son was about 6 months old. Every Saturday we'd head to the coffee shop and often run into the "Goddesses" who we happened to dub the "coffee shop grandmas." Joni was always so incredibly friendly and showed such warmth for our son, who is now seven. We didn't know her well, but we looked forward to seeing Joni and the rest of the grandmas each Saturday. We always knew we would be greeted with a smile and kind words from Joni. We were so sad to learn of her passing. We are thinking of her friends and family during this difficult time.
A beautiful picture of a beautiful woman. Laramie has lost an amazing woman. Prayers for Joni's family and friends. She will be missed.
Joni, Debbie and I worked for several years at a place called Husky Travel Shop about 20 miles out of Laramie. I remember what great work ethic Joni and Debbie had and how it inspired me to work hard as well. Later, I taught at Valley View and Joni was an integral part of the school community- such a great lady with such a positive attitude. It was always a great time to see Joni over the years and how proud she was of her family. I hope your wonderful memories of Joni will hold you all tight through this tough time.
Joni gave me a lot of advice throughout the years, too many to mention but one does resonate with me often. She would tell me to just “sit down and enjoy the game”. Meaning don’t get caught up in all the static. It started out as kind of a joke but as the years went on we figured out how helpful that statement really was. Enjoy every moment you have with your family and loved ones. Tad, Shay & Kim, Shiloh & Corey and grand-kids, I am so sorry and I hope that you will find some peace and calm with all the many memories we all have and with all the many Joni stories we have yet to share. One story I will share is when Joni first moved to Wyoming she told me that Tad has such a big family, it’s so wonderful, it’s what she always wanted, a big family of her own. Love you all, Debbie
Joni's family was everything to her and we are so sorry for your loss. Her family and friends will forever miss her and the bright light that was always shining on her.
I am truly sorry for the loss of our dear friend. Such a precious soul who touched many lives. She was such an inspiration to me and many others. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. She will be missed so much.
You guys did a great job on Joni's obituary. I was her mom Gayle's youngest sister. We all dearly loved Joni. Her personality was always so upbeat. We already knew how much she loved her husband Tad and their children, Shay & Shiloh, and their spouses. Grandkids were special loves to her. How heartwarming to read of her extended friends who completed her circle of life. God bless you all!
Tad, Shay, and Shiloh, Please accept my condolences during this time of loss. I remember Joni's smile and can do attitude. Cherish your memories and keep her in your hearts always.
Dear Tad and family...Joni. will sure be missed by us all May god bless her and you all. She was a very outstanding lady, caring.... ive been blessed to have know Joni.... ... Patrick
I’m so sad to hear this! Joni was such a special lady and I will never forget our time in the pool working on strengthening. Sending so much love to the whole family!! Levi, Kelly and boys Carpenter
Dear Tad and family. I am truly sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person. I am sorry I did not get to visit her before she passed. Just know that I was thinking of you all and want to express my sincere condolences.
You will forever be missed by your loved ones, family, and all who were fortunate to be called your friend. Always a smile for anyone who met her, and the greatest friend you could have. I will miss you in my life, "Joni girl". Love and prayers to Tad and family. Cousin Sherry
Condolences from uncle Paul aunt Lupe Genifer and Pauline. Much love and prayers to the family
Tad and Family, I am so very sad to learn of Joni's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Tad, and Joni's family and best of friends, Prayers for you all. I loved her stories about how her and Tad met, and her life on the Ranch. God Bless, Mike and Reggie Fluty