JoAnn Carol Hansen

JoAnn Carol Hansen passed away peacefully at home on December 19th, 2025. Born on September 17th, 1940, in Sterling Colorado to Ted and Ann (Stertz) Ruf, JoAnn lived a life marked by strength, independence, and an unmistakable spirit.

JoAnn’s early years were spent attending Trinity Lutheran Schools and participating in the 4-H program. In 1951 at the age of 10, JoAnn contracted the polio virus - an experience that shaped her resilience and determination for the rest of her life. She faced challenges head-on and never allowed them to define her or limit her voice.

JoAnn graduated from Sterling High School in 1958 and attended Colorado State University. She began her professional career working at Martin Marietta, later holding various roles throughout her lifetime, including a position at the Pentagon - a testament to her intelligence, capability, and strong work ethic. She was very proud of her service to the United States government and was honored with multiple awards in recognition of her dedication and outstanding work.

JoAnn married William Bruce Burch in May of 1964, with whom she had three daughters: Brenda, Stephanie, and Julie. In March of 1990, she married Charles Hansen, gaining a stepdaughter, Michelle.

Known for being feisty, outspoken, and honest, JoAnn always said exactly what was on her mind—and those who knew her wouldn’t have had it any other way. She had a lifelong love of Pepsi, which became one of her signature joys.

Above all else, JoAnn was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and her strength, humor, and fierce love will live on through them.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles Hansen, her brother Gerald Ruf, and her sister Joyce Kellogg. JoAnn is survived by her three daughters Brenda (Mike Schmit) Burch of Greeley, CO, Stephanie (Timothy) Mitchell of Parker, CO, Julie Burch of Plymouth, IN, her stepdaughter Michelle (John) Whannel of Littleton, CO, her 9 grandchildren, Charlie, Jessica, Sarah, Taylor, Brianna, Timothy, Kody, Casey, Ryan, her sister-in-law Norma Ruf of Sterling, CO, her brother-in-law Stan Kellogg of Grand Lake, CO, her great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 2nd, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel (3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80227). Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery (3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80234).

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