Lonnetta Ann McKinstry

Lonnetta Ann McKinstry of Fort Collins, Colorado passed away unexpectedly May 18, 2026 at the age of 81.

Lonnetta was born in Ovid CO on Oct 16,1944. Her unique name was bestowed upon her by her parents, Lonnie and Marie Miller. She and her little brother Tim were raised in Julesburg CO, where she spent most of the first half of her life. She was married to Charles B McKinstry and raised their daughter, Ann there as well. She later relocated to Fort Collins, near her brother. Here she met and spent the remainder of her life with her loving significant partner, (Albert) Randy Baird.

Professionally she worked as a hairstylist, bank teller, tile installer, bookkeeper/accountant. She was quite the mix of analytical and artistic.

Lonnetta loved to transform her spaces from ordinary to beautiful. She had an eye for design and the skills to take the work on herself in many instances. Many renovations were made to her small home and yard in Julesburg, making it resemble a tropical oasis not traditionally seen in rural northeastern Colorado. She lived in several homes in the Fort Collins area, putting her mid-century modern stamp on each well before it was trendy. She even painted the exterior of a two story home herself in her early 70’s and mowed her lawn last week. Sitting in Lonnetta’s yard on any summer day was like being at the botanical gardens. Tending her yard was always a labor of love.

Her sense of personal style was always extraordinary as well, often looking as if she stepped from the pages of a fashion magazine. She was described recently as a cool grandma with a rad haircut and style.

Lonnetta had a myriad of passions. These last couple of decades, she cultivated a beautiful relationship with her granddaughter, Shea. She spoiled many canine family members beyond measure. She loved reading and had a large library of books who were her friends. Until the last few years, she enjoyed traveling to Hawaii or other tropical locales, to the annual “cousin’s” reunion or with her daughter on architecture tours.. She loved family holiday gatherings and connecting individually with friends and family members. She loved her country, proudly displaying an American flag, even if it didn’t quite match the decorating scheme.

A reception to remember Lonnetta will be held on July 11, 2026 at 11am at 5265 Georgetown Dr. Loveland CO 80538 . Condolences and donations can be made in Lonnetta’s memory to the NoCo Humane Society and mailed to the same address c/o Ann Morgan

Her beautiful soul and quiet faith in the Lord improved any space and situation. Just as she was always ahead of her time, she left us ahead of time.