Obituary of Jo Ann "Jody" Davis

Jo Ann Rose Davis, Jody or Ma Davis to most, died of a heart attack on November 25, 2015, at 76. Born in Greeley, Colorado, on September 4, 1939, she was raised on a dairy and farm where she developed a love of agriculture instilled by her parents, Roy and Dolly (Elgner) Redman. Jody met the love of her life, Phil, on June 14, 1956, and the two were married on November 1, 1958. This union, by a small miracle, produced one daughter, Julie, the following year. Phil and Jody celebrated 57 years of marriage this year. As newlyweds, Phil and Jody moved to Elbert County in 1958. The early years of her life were devoted to family and ranching. On the ranch, she kept the books for the registered Simmental operation and could give you the entire history of any cow on the ranch. She was the recipient of the Top 5 Bookkeepers Simmental Association Award. Phil and Jody were a team and worked together hand in hand to accomplish unheard of conception rates within the breeding programs on the ranch. She enjoyed cooking and was always prepared to serve a cowboy crew. While she served as a volunteer most of her life, her most active years came after Julie’s graduation. Jody’s tireless involvement in volunteer organizations includes but was not limited to the following: 4-H Leader - 42 years President of 4-H Leaders' Council - 38 years Leader/Advisor of 4-H Youth Council - 36 years Main Leader of Rural Rustler 4-H Club of 53 kids - 33 years Superintendent at the Elbert County Fair for: General 4-H, Beef, Round Robin, Load-out of Livestock, Carcass data, Supreme Contest data, MQA Instructor, Fashion Review, Weigh Master for All Market Animals, and Snack Shack Overall Manager President of Elbert County FCE (Family, Community, Education) President of Elbert County CattleWomen - 17 years Elbert-Douglas County Livestock Association Liaison for Cattlewomen to Cattlemen's Association in Elbert County Cattlemen's Scholarship and Catch-A-Calf Director Beef Ambassador Chair for Colorado CattleWomen - 18 years President of Colorado Foundation for Agriculture President of Colorado CattleWomen Past President of Colorado Farm Homemakers' Guild - 4 years Hunter Education Instructor - 17 years Director for Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation Director for Colorado Ag Council Director for Colorado Ag Community in developing Veggie Tales for Kindergarten and 1st Grade Colorado State FCE Sponsorship Chair American National CattleWomen Member Colorado Representative for the 5 State CattleWomen Roundup in New Mexico - 5 years Water Festival Presenter - 4 years Eastern Slope Horse Judging Office Manager Colorado Cattlemen’s' Association Member Kirk Hannah Leadership Forum's Classroom Presentation Instructor On-call Classroom Speaker for Denver Schools 2008 Winner of Channel 9 News Who Cares Award 2004 Parade Marshalls for Elbert County Fair She was involved in many other activities, committees, and sponsorships, so much so that it is impossible to list them all, but the above list provides a snap shot of how active and passionate she was. Jody also received numerous awards and recognitions that will just be left to her legacy. Her hobbies included reading, writing poems, crafting, playing cards, and puzzles of all kinds. Jody was also incredibly proud of her American Indian Heritage and loved animals. In her younger years, she loved dancing and ice skating. Her family was incredibly important to her, and speaking ill of them, especially her husband, would land you in hot water. Once you were a friend or “child” of Ma Davis, you became one for life. She is survived by her husband, Philip Davis of Agate, CO; her daughter, Julie (Walt) Marble of Atwood, KS; her sister, Joyce (Karl) Scott of Gilcrest, CO; two grandchildren, Echo Marble of Atwood, KS, and Chance (Michelle) Marble of Como, CO; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces; and a multitude of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers the Ma Davis Memorial Fund has been set up to help defray the cost of services, and all other funds will be used for a scholarship through the 4-H program. Donations and cards can be sent to the Ma Davis Memorial Fund, C/O Julie Marble, 16578 RD R50, Atwood KS, 67730.