Jo Ellen Clark (née Dillahunty) passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Eulala Dillahunty. Jo Ellen is survived by her children, son Eric Clark and his wife Ashley, and daughter Kelly Bowen. She was a proud grandmother to Aiden and Adelyn Clark and Vyla Bowen. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Dillahunty; her nephew, Carson Dillahunty, and his wife Audrey; and their children, Kamden and Kaylyn.

Jo Ellen was born on June 17, 1951, in the Texas Panhandle town of Perryton. In 1956, she moved with her family to Colorado, where she attended school and later graduated from Ranum High School in 1969. Jo Ellen excelled in cheerleading beginning in junior high and throughout all three years of high school, and she was honored as a member of the Homecoming Court during her senior year.

Following graduation, Jo Ellen attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. Although she did not complete her degree at that time, her passion for helping others never waned. In 1997, she reenrolled at Metropolitan State University of Denver, pursuing coursework in Human Services. Jo Ellen’s caring and compassionate nature shaped her dream of advocating for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, and her studies reflected her desire to be of service to others.

Jo Ellen married Robert Clark in 1976 and became the devoted mother of two children. Although their marriage eventually ended, Jo Ellen persevered as a single mother for many years, always putting her children first. Robert and Jo Ellen later reconciled, and in 1990 the family moved to Andrews, Texas. After their marriage ended a second time, Jo Ellen returned to Colorado in 1995 to care for her aging parents until their passing.

In 2015, Jo Ellen relocated back to Texas to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Becoming a grandmother brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Retired from the banking industry but fully devoted to her role as “full-time grandma,” Jo Ellen could be found cheering at soccer games, attending birthday parties, theater productions, and spelling bees—never missing an opportunity to support her grandchildren.

While Jo Ellen’s greatest love was her family, her first love was always the Colorado Rockies. She spent many cherished summers at the family cabin in South Fork, Colorado, and later years in Estes Park. She often said she loved the mountains so deeply that she never wanted to be anywhere else. The only place that came close to rivaling the Rockies was the family farm in the Texas Panhandle. Jo Ellen and her brother Steve spent many childhood summers there with their grandparents, riding horses whenever she could. She spoke often and fondly of those days, vividly recalling the expansive wheat fields, brilliant sunsets, parades down Main Street, and her grandmother’s exceptional cooking. Listening to her stories, one could easily feel transported back in time.

As Jo Ellen’s health declined, she made the decision to leave Texas and return to Colorado to be closer to specialized and advanced medical care. She passed peacefully at Collier Hospice Center, surrounded by family.

In accordance with Jo Ellen’s wishes, a private family ceremony will be held in the mountains to remember, honor and celebrate her life & the way she loved, supported, and stood by those closest to her.