Phyllis Sells Weller

September 3, 1921 – February 25, 2016

A beautiful, passionate, amazing woman to the end, Phyllis passed away in Wheat Ridge, CO on Feb. 25, 2016. She was born in Denver to Dr. Virgil and Mildred Sells, growing up in the Park Hill neighborhood, and graduating from East High School. Phyllis was married to Gordon A. Weller, also from Denver and a CU Boulder graduate, for forty years until his death in 1981. Phyllis attended CU Boulder in the early 1940’s, graduating in 1969 with a degree in fine arts after a hiatus to raise her five children.

Surviving are her son Barton Weller (Kathie) of Marble, CO; daughter Karyn Weller-Coffman (Ray) of Morrison, CO; daughter Cheryl Gummere of Grand Junction, CO; son Kevin Weller (Cindy) of Golden, CO; son Kirk Weller (Caroline) of Portland, OR. In addition, she is survived by nine grand children and ten great-grand children. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Richard Sells, sister Viola Jane Gordon, son-in-law Jack Gummere and great-grandson Shelby Henderson.

A resident of the Applewood neighborhood for more than forty years, Phyllis was a graphic artist for a number of companies, including Baptist Publications and Rocky Mountain Energy in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. She was a seasonal employee for the Internal Revenue Service for ten years starting in the mid 1980’s. She also served as a faithful volunteer, teaching art to the memory care residents at Vista Village Assisted Living in Wheat Ridge, and served as a regular volunteer at the Denver Public Library for several years.

Phyllis delighted in the company of her family, loved animals especially her grand-dogs, and the Colorado mountains. She was an avid follower of public policy and politics and a frequent contributor to the opinion pages of the Denver newspapers. A ballerina at the Central City Opera and figure skater in her younger years, Phyllis enjoyed hiking in the foothills and walks through greenbelt areas near her Lakewood home in her later years.

As she wished, her remains were cremated. A private family gathering to honor her life will be held at a later date.