Joan Perez

Jo was born on December 19, 1947, in Vernal, Utah, to Neldon Eaton and Betty Eaton. From the beginning, family was the center of her world, a value she carried with her throughout her life.

In 1964, she married Rubio Santistevan, and together they welcomed two daughters, Melissa and Josie. Later in life, Jo married Ray Perez, and from that union came her third daughter, Jolene. Jo took great pride in being a mother and grandmother, and her family remained her greatest joy.

Jo dedicated much of her working life to caring for others. She spent years working in healthcare before becoming a small business owner, fulfilling a dream by opening the Yellow Rose Nail Spa. Whether caring for patients or clients, she was known for her kindness, warmth, and strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Jo found happiness in the simple things—tending to her yard, watching birds, and spending time with her family. Her home was a place of comfort, love, and laughter, and she will be remembered for her gentle presence and generous heart.

Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray Perez; her daughter Josie Burch; her parents Neldon and Betty Eaton; and her siblings Judy Gerini and Michael Eaton and her first husband Rubio.

She is survived by her daughters Melissa (Jeff) Johns and Jolene (Steve) Walls; her grandchildren Krista (Otto) Whisner, David (Nikki) Decker, Travis (Shelby) Decker, Destin Johns, Greg (Shylar) Merrick, Cori (Jarred) Soron, Steven (Mati) Walls, and Samuel (Caitlin) Walls; and her great-grandchildren Raven Doolin, Kensey and Jaxson Soron, Josyah Merrick, Ashtyon, Fayth, and Kaylee Whisner, Sam and Joseph Walls, Kane Bohrer, and Lucas and Colter Decker, Emberlyn, and Zinnia Decker.

Funeral services will be held January 6th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Craig, Colorado, with a graveside service and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jo’s name at Yampa Valley Bank via Betty Jolene Walls donation account.

Jo will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished so deeply. As a reminder of the enduring love she leaves behind:

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller