Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Joni Nuttall-Stokes

Rita Joan Borg Nuttall-Stokes, widely known as Joni, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on March 7, 2026. Born in 1933 on a farm near Victor, Iowa, Joni’s life journey took her far beyond her rural beginnings. Her legacy is marked by her passion for music, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to community engagement.

From Farm Life to Flight Attendant

Joni’s early years were shaped by the challenges of farm life, a lifestyle she often described with a mix of humor and disdain. “Every time a friend would visit, a chicken would lose its head,” she recalled, illustrating her desire to escape that environment. Instead, she channeled her energy into mastering the piano, which earned her a scholarship to the State University of Iowa. In 1952, her striking beauty also caught attention as she was the runner-up in the Miss University of Iowa beauty pageant.

After graduating, Joni took her first job as an assistant manager at a local bank in Victor. It was there that she met Clyde Raymond Nuttall, a Korean War veteran. They fell in love and married, embarking on a journey that would lead them far from Iowa. In 1955, Joni earned her wings as a flight attendant with United Airlines, a position that allowed her to explore the world and indulge her passion for travel.

A Flourishing Career in California

As the Nuttall family grew, with the birth of their three sons—Scott, Stuart, and Stanton—the couple relocated to California, settling in Los Gatos. They opened Oakwood Pharmacy, with Joni managing the cosmetics counter while Ray served as the compounding pharmacist. Joni quickly established herself as a fashion influencer in the community, offering renowned makeup services that attracted high-profile clients, including actress Shirley Temple Black.

Her commitment to the community extended beyond her business as she actively engaged with local youth through various clubs aligned with the Los Gatos school system. Joni’s talent for music was a constant in her life, serving as a pianist for local theater productions and giving piano lessons from her home. After relocating to Aptos, she became involved with the Santa Cruz Symphony, where she served on the volunteer board and performed at fundraising events.

Throughout her life, music remained a source of comfort and expression for Joni, especially during times of hardship. The tragic loss of her son Stan, who passed away after a motorcycle accident, and her husband Ray’s battle with cancer were heart-wrenching moments. Music became her solace, helping her navigate through grief and loss.

New Beginnings and Adventures

After Ray’s passing, Joni opened “On Consignment,” a shop in Capitola specializing in estate-level housewares. It was here that she met her second husband, Graham Stokes, a local CPA. They married on June 26, 1999, at the Bay View Hotel and began a new chapter filled with travel and adventure. Together, they toured the world, and Joni’s love for music remained unwavering. “It has 88 keys, right?” she would humorously remark, ready to play any piano she encountered.

Joni also embraced the church community, playing the organ when needed, and remained active in the Rotary Club. Her involvement included volunteering at local events and participating in the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. Despite health challenges, including a stroke that affected her mobility and her ability to play the piano, Joni retained her spirit and joy for life.

As Joni looked out towards the sky in her final moments, she left behind a rich legacy of love, art, and community service. She is survived by her husband, Graham Stokes, her 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 memory of Rita Joan Borg, family and friends are invited to honor her legacy through flowers or by planting a living memorial.