Nova Jo Rayon

There are several great words to describe Nova Rayon. Educator, gardener, book lover, singer, choir director, and dancer all come immediately to mind.

Nova began her life in eastern Oklahoma on October 22, 1931. Born in Jay, a small town near the Missouri border, she attended schools there and in Anderson and Pineville, MO. In May of 1948, at 16, Nova eloped with her high school sweetheart

Rockford Humphrey. Classmates played a role in Nova and Rocky’s escape concealing a suitcase in the car, and trying to keep the secret trip quiet. By August of 1950 their family was begun with two little boys. In 1956 their daughter was born.

Nova had always pictured herself to be a teacher. She loved school and was a good student. In the summertime she taught neighborhood kids their lessons at the First Baptist Church. Nova finished her high school studies through the University of Missouri.

In 1963 Nova moved with her family to Longmont, CO. She began attending CSC (now UNC) in Greeley, CO. Nova often recalled singing in harmony with her classmate to pass the time along their commute. She graduated early and had her first classroom of second graders at Central School in Longmont in January of 1968. She remained at Central till 1987 and by retirement had also taught third grade kids.

Nova was active in her church and sang in choirs, duets and trios. She also directed youth choirs. She was born loving music.

In 1981 Nova married Dale Cowles of Longmont, CO. They kept active with CU football games, and camping and fishing the Poudre river. They spent three months of each year in Mazatlan, Mexico enjoying the beach and making life-long friends with Mexican families. Nova opened her home for the summer to a Mazatlan girl who wanted to improve her English and see Colorado.

In later years Nova returned to her Oklahoma roots and bought a home in Afton. She was nearer to extended family and rekindled her relationships with her cousins and dear aunts and uncles. She also enjoyed the local lake and fishing. Nova found herself on the move again to Pineville, MO where she enjoyed a home on beautiful Big Sugar Creek. She rescued Charlie the Welsh Corgi. It was a lovely wooded place where she spent hours on the deck with a book or she just relaxed with the murmur of the creek in the background. In Pineville she found old friends from her schoolgirl days. Following a friend to Mission,Texas, Nova began dividing her time between warm days of Texas and her creekside home in MO. In Texas she became part of a musical duo singing harmony with her partner and playing the keyboard. They traveled to country jams and performed for several years. Nova enjoyed dancing too. It kept her fit and she primarily danced with one talented partner.

In 2021 Nova moved to Englewood, CO wishing to be near her children and grandson. She spent the last five years of her life in independent and assisted living. She started a choir with some residents. Her dog Charlie came along and used his canine charm to ease her into brand new friendships.

Nova passed away on June 20, 2026 after spending the day with family. She was 94. Her father and mother, Franklin James Rayon and Alta Rayon predeceased her, as well as her older brother Bobby and sister-in-law Margaret Rayon.

Nova leaves behind a son, Steven Keith Humphrey and daughter-in-law Barbara Ann Humphrey. Another son, James Martin Humphrey lives in Denver, CO. Also of Denver is her daughter Melinda Humphrey and her spouse William Meine. Her grandson Kalen Eric Meine and his wife Jessica Manuszak live in Littleton, CO. Nova’s nephew Randall Rayon lives in New York City.

Nova Rayon lived a very full and brave life. She educated scores of children and kept friends and family close to her all her life.