Joan Maxine Rather

Joan graduated from the University of Denver in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and devoted decades of her life to the healthcare field. She was married and divorced twice, to Joseph Santos and Jim Rather.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, JoAnn Diedrich (widow of Joan’s brother, George Diedrich, who passed in 2011); her nieces, Monica and Lisa Diedrich of Denver; and her cousin, Steve Derby of Denver, along with his family.

Joan had a deep love for animals—especially cats—and a lifelong passion for science fiction and fantasy. She was an avid fan of Star Trek and Supernatural, and had a particular fondness for anything related to dragons.

A true free spirit, Joan never lost her childlike curiosity about the world and how it works. She remained eager to read and learn, nurturing her thirst for knowledge throughout her 90 years.

Creative and artistic, Joan found joy in crafts and any engaging art project. Music was also close to her heart, especially the songs of Frank Sinatra and her lifelong crush, Dean Martin—whose picture remained in her room until her final day.

Joan’s one-of-a-kind personality, her sense of humor, her gift for storytelling, and her remarkable memory of the Diedrich and Derby family history made her truly special. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Englewood Post Acute Rehab for providing excellent care and a safe, cozy home during the last nine years of Joan’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MaxFund Animal Adoption Center, a no-kill shelter that was close to Joan’s heart.

A visitation will be held at the Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery in the Ponderosa Chapel, located at 8600 East Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231, on November 9, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A graveside service will take place at the same location on November 10, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.