Joni-Lou Arvilla Sibella

12/2/1940-07/16/2023

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Joni Sibella. Joni was called home to join her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

Joni was born in Berkley California on December 2nd 1940 to John and Loys Schriever. Her father John was a construction superintendent by trade which required him to frequently re-locate the family. John worked on projects such as the Hoover Dam in Nevada, Elmendorf Air Force base in Alaska, and eventually the Marine Corp Air Station in Mojave California, where Joni would eventually meet the love of her life Martin Sibella at a local coffee shop while visiting with friends, in October of 1956. However, according to some sources, it wasn’t until Marty “rescued” her from a would be suitor during a 1957 New Year’s eve party that their love truly began to blossom. Four months later the two were married on April 12th 1957. As an enlisted serviceman in the United State Marine Corp, Marty was deployed to Japan just 3 short months after they were married but would religiously write letters almost daily expressing his love and excitement for the day they would once again be reunited. Over the next 66 years of their marriage Marty and Joni welcomed four children into the family including three wonderful sons; John, Tony, Scott and finally their “baby girl” Tina; and since have been blessed to see the legacy of the family continue on with the addition of five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

After moving to Las Vegas in 1969, Joni worked for Safeway for five years eventually working her way up to store manager until finally embarking on her dream of owning her own gift and decor store. After the success of her shop “Imaginations Unlimited”, she partnered with her best friend Jewell to develop a wholesale gift business. Working out of the family kitchen, and with the help of Marty and Jewell's’ husband Butch or “Butchie” to all who loved him, “Creations by Joni and Jewell” was launched. With Joni handling the creative side of the business and Jewell overseeing the numbers, their business would eventually grow into a larger space and include a complete line of decorative pillows, jars, magnets and more.

Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Joni genuinely loved the creative process. On any given day she could be found creating beautiful floral arrangements, painting her favorite scene, refinishing furniture, or hand making decorations for display when hosting memorable holiday or family gatherings. Along with being a phenomenal cook, some of her favorite past times included reading, writing and seeing scary movies with her grandson’s, and romantic comedies with her granddaughter. When she wasn’t spending time with the grandkids, she loved snuggling up with her four legged kids. Joni had a deep affection for animals and truly loved them all, especially her yorkies Holly and Pepper aka “the Pep”.

When she wasn't being creative, or hanging out with the grandkids, you could likely find her SHOPPING... She LOVED to shop! Christmas was her favorite time of year. Joni would elevate shopping, and more importantly gift wrapping, to a whole new level. She took great pride in finding the perfect gift for everyone and was meticulous in the wrapping and presentation of those wonderful treasures. As much as she loved this special time of year, those that knew her best, knew that simply spending time with her family was her most cherished treasure. She didn't care what she was doing as long as she was surrounded by those she loved. While we mourn her loss we find comfort knowing that aside from being 15 minutes late, she has been reunited with her loved ones who preceded her in death, including her mother, father, brother, and beloved son Johnny.

Joni’s love of god and her country served as a guiding light throughout her life, bringing her peace and strength during challenging times, and brightening even the darkest days. Joni you were the heart and soul of our family. We are going to have big shoes to fill; carrying on your traditions, celebrating life's milestones, and loving one another as you loved us. You touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. You were loving, kind, caring, compassionate, nurturing and funny.

Joni, mom, momma, honey, grandma, gigi, tootie , you will be forever in our hearts until we meet again…

A visitation for Joni-Lou will be held Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 31, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129. A committal service will occur Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 10:40 AM to 11:20 AM at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Sibella family.