Krista Marie Lewis

Krista Marie Garamella Lewis, 62, of Grand Junction, CO passed away peacefully Sunday, April 24, 2016 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 3, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of Dr. Joseph J. and Christine I. Garamella.

She married Phillip M. Lewis in 1975 and lived in Tucson, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; Coolidge, AZ; Tucumcari, NM; Delta and Grand Junction, CO. She is survived by her husband, Phillip M. Lewis; children, Kreat (Lauren), Skigh (Berkley), Brandt (Kate), Seth (Laura), Quinta (Cory), and Katari. Her grandchildren include Bernadette, Bailey, Marshall, Clementine, Sawyer, Rockwell, Morgan, Heathcliff, Acelyn, Benley, Asher, Miles, Graham, and Ambrose. Survivors also include her father, Dr. Joseph J. Garamella; mother, Christine I. Garamella; siblings, Paula C. Tiner, Todd J. Garamella and Tonja M. Garamella.

Ever a lifetime learner, Krista graduated from Eisenhower HS, Hopkins, MN and earned degrees from the University of Arizona (BS), Central Arizona College (ADN), and Colorado Christian University (MS). In 2015, she completed her Masters in Organizational Leadership. Krista exhibited passion for her career in medicine, serving several years as Director of Nursing for Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari, NM, and later as Director of Obstetrics & Women’s Services at Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, CO for 12 years, completing her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. After nearly 30 years in nursing, she embraced a career in residential real estate with Bray & Co. in Grand Junction.

Krista lived with integrity and passion in all that she did, from family, nursing, real estate, raising and showing horses, gardening, hunting, reading, teaching, quilting, embroidery, entertaining, cooking, eating and so many other creative endeavors. Her greatest emphasis was on faith and her family, keeping her priorities in alignment with her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. She valued people and relationships most in life, yet she made time to smell the roses and feed the birds. She acknowledged her physical challenges with humor and embraced life with possibilities. Krista was a positive force for unity and found beauty and gifts in each of her children. Krista led by example and without pretense, and encouraged faith, education, accountability, individuality and expression. She lived an outstanding life and was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, daughter, teacher and friend! She is and will always be an exceptional person and a tremendous role model.

Visitation with family will be at 11 a.m. with memorial services at noon on Friday 4/29/16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, West Stake Center (2542 G Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505). In lieu of flowers, family suggests that any contributions go directly in memory of Krista Garamella Lewis to either: Hospice (www.HopeWestCO.org) or The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (www.npcf.us)

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.