Joni Birdwell, 64, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was called to her eternal resting place on August 18, 2026. She entered this world on June 18, 1962, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, born to Johnny and Fleta Bussey.

Joni grew up in Ponca City, attending the Ponca City school system and graduating from Ponca City High School in 1980. She met the love of her life, Mike Birdwell, and they were married on July 31, 1981, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Together, they made their home in Ponca City and built a life filled with family, love, and countless memories.

Joni worked for Julie's Pharmacy for many years before joining her husband in opening and operating Birdwell Refrigeration. She was a woman of many interests and talents. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family, going on thrifting adventures, visiting casinos, and watching movies. She loved crafting, cooking, and baking, and her creativity knew no bounds. She was never afraid to try a new recipe and was a wonderful cook and baker.

Joni never knew a stranger. She had a personality that filled a room, and if she had something to say, she was going to say it. She had a voice, loved to talk, and had a way of making herself heard and remembered. The world will be noticeably quieter without her in it, but the memories of her laughter, stories, opinions, creativity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Those left behind to cherish Joni's memory are her loving husband, Mike Birdwell, of the home; three children, Kristen Birdwell of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Michelle Cherry and husband, John, of Ochelata, Oklahoma; and J.W. Birdwell and fiancé, Sierra Lewis, of Ponca City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Destiny Buell and Briley Buell, both of Ponca City, and Alexandria Cherry of Ochelata; great-grandchildren, Rayven Collins of Ponca City and Gabriel Saucedo of Ponca City, who is on the way; three sisters, Wanda Bussey of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Ruth Miller of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Nancy Bussey of Kaw City, Oklahoma; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joni was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Fleta Bussey, and her sister, Betty Stewart.

Joni's greatest legacy will be the love she gave so freely to her family and the memories she created with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, her stories, her laughter, and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of life will be held on… September 11, 2026, at Osage casino in the ballroom