Joann Youngren

JoAnn Youngren of Denver passed away on August 6, 2022, in Centennial, Colorado after a number of months of declining health. She had a passion for life to the very end! JoAnn was born July 16, 1927, to Daniel Ferguson and Margaret Ortloff Langley in Denver. She grew up in a busy household with her sisters Betty, Sue and Mary and her brother Dan. At 95 years old, she was the last survivor of her siblings.

While attending East High School and working at the Alladin Theater, which she talked about often, she met her future husband of 29 years, George. Together, they raised their four children, Cyndy, Doug, Greg and Joe. JoAnn lived in the very same home for close to 70 years!

Going back to work after raising her family, JoAnn became an “Avon Lady”. Her territory was near Holly and Yale, and she could still name many of her customers years later. She then worked at Yarbro Drug in University Hills Shopping Center until it burnt down in 1983! There she continued to share her beauty secrets, make friends and enjoy life.

Her customers and friends then followed her to the opening of the new Cherry Creek Mall where she shared her talent in cosmetics working for May D&F, Macy’s, Denver Dry Goods, and Joslins until the age of 81!   She always looked like a million bucks and everyone thought she was 20 years younger than her age. She won many trips because of her sales. But her best beauty secrets were the Ponds cold cream she used every day and how she didn’t like to talk about stressful or sad things. JoAnn looked forward to the holidays, especially Christmas, and decorating her tree and home and spending time with her family. She never threw out a single Christmas or greeting card that she had received through the years

She loved to play golf and was a longtime member of the Kennedy Golf Course Ladies group. The friendships she made golfing were what was so important to her. JoAnn also loved her bowling leagues where she was a pretty good bowler!

In her twilight years, she daily enjoyed her morning bowl of cereal, always with a banana, while reading her newspaper, watching her TV sitcom "Friends" and all its reruns. And she was one of the biggest fans of “The Young(ren) and the Restless”. She loved the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos. The Golf Channel was constantly on if you dropped by to see her. Taking care of her home, cleaning, yardwork, and keeping it well stocked with chocolates for friends and family were all obsessions of JoAnn.

She disliked mustard, in or on anything (she said it made her break out in hives). She hated being cold, being around cold drafts, and air conditioning (she always had her electric blanket turned up to 10!).

Like most mothers, she was passionate about her children, grandchildren, her great granddaughter and her grandpuppies!

The loss of our mother is unlike any other...She taught us to be who we are today and gave us the strength to find our own way...And although she's passed and it was her time to leave, may we rejoice in all she left behind...and after some time to grieve...relive the memories and share the stories, and know she'll always be a part of us and all we've grown to be...and the happiness in our hearts.

JoAnn is survived by her children;

Cyndy (husband John), their children Josh (NIcole) and Nick (wife Patricia)

Doug (wife Treva), children Tyler (deceased), daughter Kendra (husband Sean) and son Trey (wife Ashley and their sons Jordan and Jett) …

Greg (wife Tammy), their children Dan (Vicki), and Katie (husband James, and their daughter Haley) …

Joe (and his canine companion Malachi)

Celebration of life will take place on Monday, September 26 at Grace United Methodist Church, 4905 E. Yale Ave Denver, Co 80222 at 4:00 in the afternoon (Please use entrance to parking lot on the east side of the church.)  We will share a light dinner together.

We are hoping to share some stories you have about our mom, and have some of the celebration outside (weather permitting) in the courtyard on Yale. Please dress accordingly.