Betty Joan Derr (nee Nelson), beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023, in Thornton, Colorado, at the age of 91. She was born on February 27, 1932, in Wyoming, to the late Philip Nelson and Margarite Cochran (nee Nelson). She shared her birthday with her identical twin sister, Barbara Jean Hancock.
Joan (pronounced JoAnne) grew up in Centennial and Laramie, Wyoming, until high school, when her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She and Jean met the Derr boys, Ralph and Robert, while attending North High School. Joan dated Robert and Jean dated Ralph, but that all changed when the Derr boys joined the Army during the Korean War and shipped out—Ralph to Okinawa, Japan, and Robert to South Korea. Joan kept in touch with her friend Ralph, giving him a constant connection with his home back in Colorado. When he left the Army, his friendship with Joan deepened into love and they were married in Denver upon his return.
After a long career in banking, Joan retired at 62 in 1994. An avid reader, she enjoyed exchanging books with her daughters, Diane Derr (nee Fouts), Vicky Dawson, Glenda Derr, and Linda Derr. Joan was a passionate needle-pointer until she lost her eyesight to macular degeneration—the entire family treasures the results of that passion, detailed hangings that have become family heirlooms as they each received hand-made frames by Ralph and were hung in the family home and admired by anyone who visited the Derr household.
Joan is survived by a host of her family, including her son, Rodney, and daughters, Vicky, Glenda and Linda, along with eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. In addition to her parent, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Derr, daughter, Diane Derr, twin sister, Jean Hancock, grandson Micheal Dawson and brother Robert Nelson.
Private visitation will take place Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 12:30 pm at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland, 10201 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Derr family.
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