The Evergreen, Colorado community is in mourning following the tragic death of **Joannie Barth**, who died Friday, October 3, after falling some 40 feet while practicing on a rock-climbing wall at a local fitness center.Her passing has stunned family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew her.Originally from Lombard, Illinois, Joannie’s life trajectory reflected both intellectual rigour and a heart for serving others. She attended Montini Catholic High School, then went on to study English at Marquette University.
Later, she earned a Master’s degree in Special Education (Early Childhood Emphasis) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to educating and supporting young children.From early years to her professional life, she was known for her energy, her faith, and her selfless devotion to others.
Those who knew Joannie speak of a radiant soul—someone who welcomed people in, offered grace in difficult moments, and lived each day fully. Her husband, in tribute, expressed his profound grief, callingq her “my life; my everything” and speaking of how deeply she will be missed.In her work, she stood out: for over a decade,
she served as the sole employee of a small organization, managing the workload of many and spearheading innovations in communications strategies—blogs, social media, email outreach—and building a mailing list in the tens of thousands.Plans for a memorial service are underway at Rockland Community Church in Golden, Colorado, with viewings and a reception to follow.
The community is gathering in sorrow, sharing stories, prayers, and memories—celebrating Joannie’s kindness, her laughter, her dedication, and the many ways she touched lives. Her legacy will endure in the children she uplifted, the colleagues she inspired, and the countless hearts she warmed. May Joannie Barth rest in peace, and may those she loved find comfort in her memory.
