Joni Coates

JONI COATES

Wyoming

Joni Lynn Coates, 60, of Wyoming, Iowa, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, from complications due to lung cancer.

Joni was born Oct. 9, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to John and Martha Becker. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1974. Joni married Gary Darrow that same year and they had three children, divorcing after 20 years.

She worked at numerous local establishments, including Target, Aldi, WestSide Transportation, and for the last 10 years, Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative. Joni also worked as a handywoman in Jones County, culminating in her building a home with her partner, Ben Parker, outside of Wyoming, Iowa. They lived there until his passing in 2004.

Joni loved live music, NPR, "The Walking Dead," boating, traveling, New Zealand and reading. Most of all, she loved her grandchildren, Ryder, Wyatt and Chloe. She lit up in their presence. She always showed up with a gift and was eager to get on the floor and play with them.

She is survived by her mother, Martha Becker; brothers, Stephen (Jean) Becker, John Becker (Angie Douglas), Mark (Kelly) Becker and Matt Becker (Rebecca Clark); her children, Kevin (Angie) Darrow, Jennifer Darrow (Casey Douglas) and Nick Darrow (Jessica Caine); and her grandchildren, Ryder and Wyatt (Nick) and Chloe (Kevin).

A memorial reception will take place this Saturday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. at National Motorcycle Museum, 102 Chamber Dr., Anamosa, IA 52205.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the estate of Joni Coates, which will be forwarded on to National Public Radio and the Wyoming Public Library.