Joni Francis McConnell was born to Keevin McConnell and Debra (Oliver) Barth on February 20, 1983, in Duncan, Oklahoma. She passed from this life on May 23, 2020, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 37 years.
Joni grew up and attended school in Pernell and Elmore City, Oklahoma. She attended East Central University, in Ada, Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Counseling. She taught school for the past 12 years. Most recently, she was a kindergarten teacher at Santa Fe Elementary in Moore Public Schools. She had a heart for teaching little ones, and she influenced the lives of hundreds of children throughout her teaching career.
Joni had a true passion for running. She completed 4 full marathons, 7 half-marathons and countless 5 K's. She also enjoyed travelling. The Colorado mountains were one of her favorite destinations. She loved hiking any mountains she could find. She loved spending time with her family, and she enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with her friends and fiancé, Cody. She was very talented at crafting and decorating – completing many beautiful projects to decorate her home and create gifts for her friends and family. She also loved spending time at home with her Lucy Dog and Henry. She was a member of Life Church, in Moore, Oklahoma.
She is survived by her fiancé, Cody Lange, of Oklahoma City; parents, Keevin McConnell of Elmore City, Oklahoma, and Debra Barth of Leonard, Texas; 3 brothers, Joshua McConnell of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Caleb McConnell and wife Bree of Wheeler, Texas, Colt McConnell of Moore, Oklahoma; and one sister, Jessica Vaughn of Purcell, Oklahoma; 4 nieces, Brooke Vaughn, Kaylee Vaughn, Harlee McConnell, and Embree Tru McConnell; and 2 nephews, Cale McConnell and Caze McConnell; paternal grandparents, Joyce and Glenford McConnell, of Pernell, Oklahoma as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends who loved her dearly.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 26, at Shady Grove Church with Brother Mike Johnston officiating. Interment will be in the Foster Cemetery under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You many send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com .