Joan A. Benner

April 12, 1943 – April 2, 2025

Joan A. Benner, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on

April 2, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born on April 12, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, Joan was the cherished only child of George O.

Argall Jr. and Patricia Haley Argall. She spent much of her childhood in California but held dear

the time she spent in Denver visiting her cousins on their family farm, affectionately known as

Junglewood. There, she found joy in cousin mischief and the freedom of horseback

riding—memories she treasured throughout her life.

Joan graduated from Sacred Heart School in Atherton, California in 1961 and went on to pursue

her passion for caring for others at the Seton School of Nursing at Penrose Hospital. It was

there, in 1967, that she met the love of her life, Larry A. Benner. The two were married on

August 24, 1974, in the Penrose Hospital Chapel, beginning a devoted and joy-filled partnership

that spanned more than five decades.

Together, Joan and Larry built a life rooted in love and shared passions—traveling across the

country, tending to their gardens, remodeling homes, and most importantly, raising their two

daughters, Jennifer and Trenna, who were the heart and soul of Joan’s world. Her compassion

extended beyond her home and into her career as a dedicated registered nurse at Penrose

Hospital, where she cared for patients in Pediatrics, Intermediate Care, and Post-Surgical units

for 34 years. She was also a devoted member of East United Methodist Church, where her faith

and service touched many.

In her later years, Joan embraced the freedom of retirement, exploring the country with Larry in

their RV, always making time to visit and connect with family. She found joy in simple

pleasures—gardening, weeding, and sharing stories with loved ones.

Joan’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love leave a legacy that will continue to live on in the

hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her daughters,

Jennifer Annese (Rob) and Trenna Pelka (Joseph); and countless family members and friends

who were blessed to be part of her journey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Patricia Argall.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at East United Methodist Church on April 18, 2025. A

viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Joan’s memory to the

Alzheimer's Association or East United Methodist Church.