Julie Ann Witwer Shade

Julie Ann Witwer Shade, 77, passed away at Northern Colorado Hospice on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. She is survived by her husband William E. Shade of Greeley, daughter Ellen K. Shade of Spain, and daughter Martha W. Shade of Seattle, Washington. Julie’s granddaughter Simona, age12, and grandson Elio, age 9, live in Spain with Ellen and Ellen’s husband Manolo Mondejar. Her sister, Linda Bonnett, lives in Sausalito, California with husband Wayne.

Julie was born on September 29, 1937 to Harvey E., Jr. and Marian (Giddings) Witwer at the old Greeley hospital at 16th St. and 11th Avenue, and was raised on the SLW Ranch located between Kersey and Gill. She loved her life on the ranch with her sister Linda and cousins Joy Witwer Thomson, Carol Witwer Worth and Stow L. Witwer, Jr. All of the SLW youngsters showed calves at Weld County Fairs and Julie and Linda were active in livestock judging. Julie was selected the Greeley Rodeo Queen in 1956, a role she cherished.

All the Witwer children attended the Ernest Horn Elementary School and College High. Julie graduated in 1955 followed by two years at Occidental College in Pasadena and then two years at CU Boulder. She graduated with a teaching degree in 1959 and taught 5th graders in Denver for one year. Julie and Bill were married in 1960 and lived in Denver a short time before settling in Greeley. Julie tutored reading and held several other positions with School District 6. She was active in numerous community affairs. She was on the board of Weld County

Humane Society and was a member of the founding board of the Community Foundation Serving Greeley and Weld County. She was instrumental in starting the Arts Alive Fund of the Community Foundation and served for years on its Committee and on the Littler Youth Committee.

Some of the clubs Julie most enjoyed were the Margaret Snyder Poetry Class, Books Worms and WTK. Poetry was a passion for her and she authored poems herself. Julie greatly enjoyed and supported classical and jazz music, attending many concerts and musical events. She deeply loved animals and there were always dogs in the house including immense Newfoundland’s. At times rescued horses and ponies lived in the pasture of her Alles Acres home. Julie could not resist feeding the neighborhood wildlife including birds, foxes and raccoons.

Julie cared deeply about the suffering and wrongs that she saw in the world. She was actively involved with the issues that most concerned her, including environmental degradation. She gave without reservation to her community when it needed an articulate spokesperson, and she advocated for goodness and fairness. But above all, she cherished her family and friends. Julie found special joy in time spent with her grandchildren Simona and Elio. Because they live in Spain, visits across the ocean were particularly precious. Julie had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, and she continued to make new friends all her life.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is planned on May 6, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. in the Panorama Room at the UNC Student Center, 10th Avenue and 20th Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation Arts Alive Fund or to Planned Parenthood of Colorado in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.