Rita Joan Borg Nuttall-Stokes, affectionately known as Joni, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on March 1, 2026. Born on a farm near Victor, Iowa, in 1933, Joni’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a passion for music that resonated throughout her extensive career.
Joni’s early years on the farm did not align with her aspirations. She famously recalled, “Every time a friend would visit, a chicken would lose its head,” reflecting her unease with rural life. Instead, she cultivated her talent for music, mastering the piano, which earned her a scholarship to the State University of Iowa. Her talents were not limited to music; she also gained recognition for her beauty, securing the position of second runner-up in the Miss University of Iowa beauty pageant in 1952.
After leaving the farm, Joni took on a role as an assistant manager at a local bank in Victor, where she met her future husband, Korean War veteran Clyde Raymond Nuttall. The couple shared a desire for adventure beyond their small-town roots, leading Joni to earn her flight attendant wings with United Airlines in 1955. This position allowed her to travel extensively, igniting a lifelong passion for exploration.
The couple welcomed three sons, Scott, Stuart, and Stanton, while relocating to California. They eventually settled in Los Gatos, where they opened Oakwood Pharmacy. Joni became a notable figure in the community, providing makeup services that attracted high-profile clients, including actress Shirley Temple Black. Her influence extended into local schools, where she shared her expertise in fashion and health with the youth.
Joni’s artistic spirit flourished through her involvement in theater, both as a rehearsal pianist and as a piano instructor. Her love for music led her to the Santa Cruz Symphony, where she served on the volunteer board and performed at fundraising events. Music remained a source of strength during challenging times, including the tragic loss of her son Stan, who died following a motorcycle accident, and the illness of her husband Ray, who succumbed to cancer.
Following Ray’s passing, Joni channeled her grief into her business, opening “On Consignment,” a shop in Capitola specializing in estate-level housewares. It was here that she met Graham Stokes, a local CPA. They married on June 26, 1999, and embarked on numerous travels around the world, with Joni always seeking out pianos to play wherever they went.
Joni’s musical versatility allowed her to play in various churches when regular pianists were unavailable. Alongside Graham, she actively participated in the Rotary Club’s volunteer efforts, contributing to local events and the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival.
As Joni approached her 90th birthday, she faced significant health challenges, including a stroke that compromised her mobility and her ability to play the piano. Despite these obstacles, she remained a vibrant presence, known for her warmth and passion for life.
Joni Nuttall-Stokes is survived by her husband Graham, sons Scott and Stuart, daughter-in-law Debbi Bohnet-Nuttall, and grandchildren Lauren and Calvin. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 7, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, California. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory with flowers or by planting a living memorial.
Her legacy of creativity, resilience, and love for music will continue to inspire those who knew her.
