Josephine Ann Henson

Josephine “JoAnne” Henson, 69, of Rocky Ford, formerly of Ordway, passed away October 8, 2017. JoAnne was born April 20, 1948 to Eileen and Tom McAuliffe.

She is a true trailblazer with a long list of 'first woman to's' that she earned through proving herself. Among those firsts was being the first woman police officer in Western Colorado and the first female heavy equipment operator for EB Construction. She maintained a beautician’s license for nearly 60 years, once worked on an investigation on Ted Bundy’s case and flashed Clint Eastwood. JoAnne left this world like she lived it, she fought hard. She lived by example and touched the lives of everyone she knew.

She is survived by her daughters, Rebekah (Kem) Colgin of Moran, Kansas; Rachel (Bruce) Patrick of Rocky Ford; grandchildren, Preston Henson, Jill Wallace, Jami Wallace; sister, Glee Brouse; brothers, Dan (Carol) McAuliffe and Tom (Pam) McAuliffe. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary McAuliffe; husband, John C. Henson; parents, Tom & Eileen McAuliffe.

Celebration of JoAnne’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Rocky Ford Elks.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care in memory of JoAnne Henson, 26678 Frontage Road, La Junta, CO 81050.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.