Jorita Ann Denning

Jorita 'Jo' Denning was born September 1, 1931 in a small town in southeast Kansas. The family moved several times before they settled in Parsons, KS where Jo attended both grade school and high school. She started college at a bible school in north Oklahoma, but switched to Oklahoma State her senior year. She majored in journalism and went to work for the Oklahoma City newspaper as soon as she graduated. 

Jo rented an apartment from Layne's grandmother and met Layne there. They quickly bonded and had a long range relationship; Layne at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Jo in Oklahoma City. They were married 72 days after they met. They continued their long-distance relationship for a few months until Jo could go to Oregon to get Layne's car and personal effects. While she was in Oregon, Layne received orders to to go to Aberdeen Proving Ground for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) school. She rushed back to Missouri and together they drove to Maryland. They started their married life in a four-story mansion with 10 other couples all going to school. After EOD school, they moved back to Fort Leonard Wood, where Jo worked for the Post Ordnance Officer full-time, and they stayed for three years.

After Layne was discharged from the Army they moved to Denver. Jo worked at the Air Force Accounting Center during Layne's first three years attending DU. During Layne's fourth year at DU, they adopted Lori and David and moved into the house where Layne still lives. 

During her grade school and middle school years, Lori was a Girl Scout. Jo got involved in scouting as a volunteer and quickly moved up the ranks until she became president of the volunteer group. When she stepped down she was given the highest award the Scouts provide. During this time, Jo also helped Layne with their travels. They have been half way around the world, both ways. They visited Russia when it was behind the Iron Curtain. Their last trip included Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada. After that trip they settled down in their house in Denver. 

Jo died peacefully in her sleep at home on June 4, 2024 from an infected gallbladder. Jo and Layne had 71 Very Good years together. 

Memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Celebration Community Church with reception to follow.