Sweet, kind, loving, gracious, joyous, and ever-smiling Joan "Jody" Graves Scholfield, 95, of Greeley, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, leaving her physical pain behind and celebrating a new life in heaven.
She was born May 23, 1929, in Lancaster, MO, to Gerald and Ivalee (Lucas) Graves. She was a 1946 graduate of Lancaster High School. Jody married Orren Scholfield in Denver, CO, on November 7, 1954. They began their married life and grew their family on the Scholfield Brothers Dairy farm east of Greeley, CO before moving to West Des Moines, IA in 1967. They returned to Greeley in 1985 as they entered retirement.
Jody graduated high school and left home at age 16, becoming an independent working woman with jobs at Sheaffer Pen Co. in Ft. Madison, IA, and Bell Telephone Company and Montgomery Wards in Denver, CO. Once married, she became a full-time mother and homemaker. In addition, she enjoyed a career as an Avon representative for many years. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and enjoyed flower gardening, quilting, handwork, puzzles, and reading. Jody was an extraordinary cook and baker, whose fried chicken, barbecued chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth divinity were family favorites. Her cinnamon rolls received blue ribbons at the Weld County Fair for years. Most of all, she enjoyed the love and company of family and friends.
Jody is survived by her sons, James G. Scholfield and Gerald J. Scholfield; a daughter, Lori J. Scholfield Selby; four grandchildren, Joshua L. Selby, Caleb J. Selby, Seth J. Selby, Rachel J. Selby; and one great-grandchild, Callen J. Selby.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orren Gilbert Scholfield; her parents, Gerald Grant Graves and Ivalee Florence Lucas Graves; along with all five of her sisters: Mary Ilene Lunceford Fields, Geraldine Olson, Sara Florence Aeschliman, Martha Ann Tallman, and Naomi Lee Darnielle. Jody was the last living member of the six sisters, lovingly known as the Graves Gals.
A celebration of Jody's life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Jody's name.