Zoretta Pearl Ownbey

Zoretta Pearl Ownbey was born in Campo, Colorado, on December 9,1938 to John and Katherine Schaffner. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 9, 2025, at Southeast Colorado Hospital. She passed from this earth to Heaven at the age of 86.

Part of her childhood was spent in Cactus, Texas, where her dad worked in an ammunition plant during World War II. Soon after the war the family moved back to Campo, where Zoretta attended Campo School. She helped in the family business, Campo Cash Store, until her marriage. Her duties included sacking crackers, sacking potatoes, and taking care of her brother Leroy. She, along with her sister Donna, took care of the household chores until their mother returned from work.

During her teen years she was actively involved in church youth activities. Once a month they would travel to Lamar to go roller skating; she was quite the skater, and she enjoyed it. During this time a young man named Joe Ownbey began walking her home from church every Sunday. They began dating and when she was 17, the two of them were engaged to be married.

Joe and Zoretta married on August 19, 1956. They had love and unwavering support for each other for over 50 years, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2006.

Their role as parents began with the birth of their children. William Joe (Bill), Shery Kathleen Jorgensen, John Lynn (Scruff or Jack) and Robert Eugene. Zoretta nurtured them with love, wisdom and unwavering support. Her role as a parent brought her immense joy and fulfillment and her children remember her as a guiding light and endless source of encouragement. After a few years they settled down on a farm northeast of Campo with their children.

Her relationship extended beyond family, as Zoretta forged deep and meaningful connections with friends and neighbors. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine compassion endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her devotion to others extended even further as she cared for many foster children and family members with unwavering compassion and grace.

A gifted pianist, Zoretta found joy in sharing her music with her church family and friends. She played the piano for church, weddings, funerals, and graduations. Most Sunday afternoons, after a roast beef lunch at John and Katherine’s home, she would be found on the piano bench surrounded by all the Schaffner family singing gospel songs. This is a cherished memory for all of us.

Zoretta was saved at an early age. She attended Campo Baptist Church for many years. After moving to Springfield, she attended Springfield Baptist Chapel until her health declined.  During these years she taught many Sunday School classes and after school programs leading many to Christ. Her faith never wavered as she approached death.

When her children were grown, she found time to return to school and started a career in cosmetology. She worked in her home and at the Springfield Nursing Home for many years as a beautician.

After the death of her husband Joe, she lived a few years alone until moving into her granddaughter’s home, enjoying the company of Mike and Amber.

Zoretta is survived by her children: Bill Ownbey (Rita), Sherry Jorgensen (Michael), John Ownbey (DeeDee) and Robert Ownbey (Angela); one brother Leroy (LuAnn Schaffner); eleven grandchildren: Amber Ingle, Tara Hager, Nancy Bond, Levi Bachman, Aaron Bachman, Kean Ownbey, Ashley Leader, Brody Ownbey, Demi Magdaleno, Dustin Ownbey, Kyla Vali, eighteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Ownbey, grandson William Trent Ownbey, her parents John and Katherine Schaffner, and a sister Donna Kester.

Rest in peace dear Zoretta. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Southeast Colorado Hospital District, 373 E. 10th Avenue, Springfield, CO 81073. Please indicate "In memory of Zoretta Ownbey" on any contribution.