Rita Joan Borg Nuttall-Stokes, known affectionately as Joni, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and community service. Born in 1933 on a farm near Victor, Iowa, Joni’s early life was marked by a strong aversion to farming, which she humorously recalled, stating, “Every time a friend would visit, a chicken would lose its head.” Instead of embracing rural life, she channeled her energy into music, mastering the piano and earning a scholarship to the State University of Iowa.
Her beauty and musical talent were evident early on; in 1952, she was the runner-up in the Miss University of Iowa beauty pageant. Following her graduation, Joni took her first job as an assistant manager in a local bank, where she met her future husband, Clyde Raymond Nuttall, a veteran of the Korean War. The couple shared a desire for adventure, and in 1955, Joni earned her flight attendant wings with United Airlines, launching a career that allowed her to travel extensively.
Joni and Ray welcomed their first son, Scott, in Des Moines, but soon moved to California, where their family grew with the births of Stuart in San Mateo and Stanton at Stanford. Settling in Los Gatos, they opened Oakwood Pharmacy, where Ray worked as a compounding pharmacist and Joni managed the cosmetics counter. Her flair for fashion and beauty services quickly established her as a prominent figure in the community, drawing high-profile clients such as Shirley Temple Black.
Beyond her business ventures, Joni was deeply involved in local theater as a pianist and offered music lessons from her home. Her passion for music led her to the Santa Cruz Symphony, where she volunteered on the board and participated in fundraising events. Joni’s connection to the piano provided solace during difficult times, including the tragic loss of her son Stan, who died after a motorcycle accident, and her husband Ray, who battled cancer.
Following Ray’s passing, Joni opened a consignment shop, “On Consignment,” in Capitola. There, she met Graham Stokes, a local CPA, and the two married on June 26, 1999. The couple enjoyed a life of travel, with Joni seeking out pianos wherever they went. She would often quip, “It has 88 keys, right?” before playing.
Her love for music continued with her acquisition of a church organ, where she performed when local musicians were unavailable. Joni and Graham were active members of the Rotary Club, contributing to various community events, including the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival.
As she celebrated her 90th birthday, Joni noted the absence of many long-time friends. A stroke at age 91 affected her mobility and left her unable to play the piano, a devastating blow to someone so deeply connected to music. Ultimately, Joni passed away surrounded by memories and love, looking out at the sky with a sense of peace.
She is survived by her husband Graham Stokes, 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. In honor of her remarkable life, loved ones are encouraged to plant a living memorial in her memory.
