Joann Skaggs

Joann E. Skaggs, age 87, passed away Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, in Lakewood, CO.  Joann Elouise DeGryse was born August 28th, 1937, in Snyder Colorado to Edmond and Bessie DeGryse.  Joann’s father immigrated from Belgium and came to US via Ellis Island.  Joann was the youngest of 7 kids and grew up on a farm in Snyder, CO.  

Joann graduated from Snyder High School with a graduating class of 13.  After graduating in 1955, Joann moved to Denver to live with her sister, Ruby, where she worked for New York Life Insurance.  In the spring of 1960, Joann met Larry Skaggs at the Zanzabar Lounge in Denver and they were married later that fall.  Larry and Joann went on to have three children, Brenda (1963), Jody (1964) and Rex (1975).

In 1969, Larry and Joann bought a home in Golden, CO on ½ acre.  They later acquired another 13 acres adjacent to their home where they built several outbuildings and barns where they raised cattle and hogs. 

 Real estate was always a large part of Larry and Joann’s life.  Over the years, they owned many rental properties.  Larry and Joann own property in Missouri and had a farm in Dodge City, Kansas.  They also enjoyed their cabin in Wyoming.

Joann was an avid Denver Nuggets fan and was thrilled to see them take the championship in 2023.  She knew all the players by name.  Her favorites were Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, who she fondly called, “Kansas”.  

Joann’s biggest joy was her family.  She is survived by her children, Brenda Shepard (Steve), Jody Kerr (Thom) and Rex Skaggs.  She had 5 grandchildren:  Stephen Shepard, Chrissy Shepard (Brandon) and Mark Shepard, Regan Ross (Kenny) and Marlo Kerr (Jack) and 4 great grandchildren:  Sawyer, Colton, Landon and Brielle. 

Joann’s funeral will be held Friday, January 17th at 10:00am at Fairmount Bible Church (15100 W. 48th Ave, Golden, CO) A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church.  A private burial is to be held later that afternoon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Fairmount Bible Church in Joann’s name, 15100 W. 48th Ave, Golden, CO 80403 or to Elevation Hospice 7850 Vance Drive, Ste 230 Arvada, CO 80003.