July 31, 1940 – June 20, 2023 –Ely, Nevada
Joan (Joni) Nancy Coca, 82, of Ely, Nevada passed away June 20, 2023. She was a beloved family member and friend who will be deeply missed.
Joni was born on July 31, 1940 to Alvin (Al) and Marjorie Stark in Ely, Nevada where she grew up and spent much of her adult life. She was an adventurous, driven, and brilliant woman whose beauty, kindness, and intellect inspired those who knew her.
As a young woman, Joni competed in beauty pageants for Native American women, modeled, and had a successful career as an Administrative Assistant. She was a member of the Ely Shoshone Tribe and a passionate and faithful believer in the Creator, Jesus Christ.
Joni dedicated much of her life to loving and caring for her late husband, Abenicio (Ben) Coca and her stepsons.
Joni is lovingly remembered by her step-sons; David, Peter, and Cory. She is also survived by her brother, Jake Stark and six sisters: Sally Marques, MaryLue Griffin, Dee Bishop, Elva Vergara, Nellie Griffith, and Cora Stark. Additionally, Joni leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and cherished friends. Over the last several years, Joni also made a special friend in Paul Isaacs. She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Marjorie, her late husband, Ben, her stepson Frankie Coca, her brother Darrel Stark, her sisters Jean Lopez and Alice Sandoval.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Joni at the Ely Shoshone Education Center in Ely, Nevada, located at 250 Heritage Dr., on Saturday, July 15, 2023 starting at noon.
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