Joni led an extraordinary life. She graduated from St. Petersburg High School in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1955 and went on to be a five-time Beauty Queen. She was Miss Gulfport Boat Show Queen, New Jersey State Society Queen, Miss Largo, Soccer Queen and Miss Santiago which won her an all expense paid trip to pre-Castro Cuba. Joni worked as an office clerk with Allstate Insurance and a Boardmarker with Merrill-Lynch before joining American Airlines as a Stewardess.
In 1958 she married Bernal Quiros and moved with him to Costa Rica where she quickly picked up the Spanish language. Her only son, Thomas Quiros, was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. Following her husband’s career she lived in London, Ghana, New York City, and Los Angeles. While living in Pleasantville, New York she raised her son and bred Lhasa Apsos. Joni moved to Dallas, Texas in 1976 with her second husband, James Leary. They loved to entertain, and traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Japan.
Joni retired to Hernando, Florida and recently moved to Belleville, Illinois to be close to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. She was an animal lover and had pets throughout her life. Joni was a caring and generous person, always looking for ways to help others. She will remain forever in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Mickey, nee Hatfield, Plank; and her ex-husband, James Leary.
She is survived by her loving son, Thomas (Linda) Quiros; her grandchildren, Tommy Quiros, Michael Quiros, and Andrew Quiros, who called her Gammy; her ex-husband, Bernal (Marje) Quiros; a sister, Kathy (Jack) Myrtle; and a brother, Bob (Kathy) Plank.
Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Services will be held at a later date due to the pandemic.