Joan Terhune Ruffatto

Joan was born in Carmel, California in 1952. Joan suffered from severe allergies and asthma as a child. Joan spent summers in Texas and Alamosa, Colorado with her parents, but was raised the rest of the year by her loving grandparents, Dar and Eleanor ('Ollie') Stoffer, in Carmel. An early Wellesley graduate, Ollie instilled in Joan a passion for books and learning; honor; integrity; gentile manners; and a respect for others. Joan later moved to and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, overcoming health issues to rise in popularity among her widening circle of classmates and friends. Joan pursued her passion for learning by attending Northern Arizona University, graduating in 1974 with a unique combination of degrees and teaching credentials: one in elementary education and the other in special education specializing in learning disabilities and gifted and talented. Joan initially taught in Albuquerque, New Mexico and later in the Cartwright School District in Phoenix, Arizona, where she gained recognition and praise for her innovative thoughts, talents and leadership in creating district-wide programs in both areas. Joan and Mike met and married in Phoenix in 1978. Joan was forced to quit teaching in 1979 after the birth of her son, Chris. In 1981, she and Mike had a daughter, Kathie. Joan continued her passion for children, creating a home for a flood of children, from friends and cousins, to foreign exchange students and children from all lands, while raising two well-rounded children of whom she was always proud. Joan volunteered to create environments for children's success, creating programs in public and private schools, establishing and leading Daisies, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Equestrian Clubs and other groups. All revolved around Chris and Kathie, but all provided a comforting and nurturing environment and created an ever-widening circle of love that truly brought other children into her family. Joan and the family moved to Colorado in 1989. Joan continued her passion for education, staying actively involved as a mom and leader in the grammar, middle and high schools in Cherry Creek. She created and headed the legislative network, working hard with politicians to shape policies to better education for her children and for others. First Kathie and later Joan were diagnosed with Lupus. But, both continued to overcome the physical limitations of the disease, never letting disease alone stop the passion for life. Joan instilled success and became a passionate advocate for her children, allowing Chris to graduate from the University of British Columbia and pursue a career in the arts and film and allowing Kathie to graduate from the University of Denver and pursue a career in wellness, health and policy at American University. Joan's love and passion embraced others and the circle of 'adopted' brothers and sisters for Chris and Kathie she created grows ever larger from year to year and simply reflects her unbounded love, respect and dedication for all children. Joan returned to teaching at the University of Denver in the last two years as a study skills specialist in the Learning Effectiveness Program, where she was able to find the right combination of pushing, pulling, challenging and teaching to reach each student. It was simple: she extended her love to them in a way that made each succeed and know they were part of her family. Joan had a passion, energy and talent for helping children, particularly those who struggle with learning disabilities and other challenges. Their mother will always love all of them, no matter what, but can never be replaced and always will be missed. Services were held Friday, November 23, 2007, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Centennial, followed by interment at Fairmount Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Joan Ruffatto Memorial Education Fund, c/o Glenn Dyer, Wells Fargo Bank, 1740 Broadway, 49th Floor, MAC C-7300-492, Denver, Colorado 80274. To share a memory of Joan, please go to www.HoranCares.com.