Joni Milne Souverein passed from this life on January 16, 2012. Her life was filled with the love of family and friends. She was born July 22, 1963 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the third of 4 children born to Janice and Dick Milne. She attended Dilworth Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, East High School and the University of Utah.

Joni loved animals, the outdoors, sunshine, rain and the ocean. Joni was a much loved and popular person wherever she went. She loved to laugh and be involved in everything and with everyone around her. She was in the Pep Club, Seminary, Choir and a Cheerleader / Song Leader at East High School in Salt Lake City, UT. She was also Christmas Queen and Homecoming Royalty attendant.

Joni had a special passion for animals. Particularly, she loved dogs and horses. She served as a volunteer member for several pet rescue organizations. As a young girl, Joni loved going to her grandparents farm property just to be with the horses. As a teenager she was given a golden retriever dog; she named her Brookie. This was her first and most loved dog. Brookie went everywhere with Joni -- on walks and on rides in Joni's Mustang. Joni would even take Brookie with her to be with her friends.

Joni was an avid reader -- never without a book nearby. More than books, though, Joni loved being at the ocean. It really moved her and provided her with inspiration in her life. Joni would swim and float in the ocean for hours at a time. She really enjoyed the water and the ocean, and a favorite destination was Hawaii. In addition, Joni cherished the many family trips to the Oregon Coast, particularly the Cannon Beach area. These vacations provided some of the happiest memories in her life. Joni very much enjoyed going to the family cabin in Grand Lake, CO. She liked watching the moose, foxes and bugling elk in the Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounding area.