Miriam Tittmann Moreng

January 7, 1924-February 6, 2015

Miriam Tittmann Moreng passed away February 6, 2015. Her beautiful and smiling face along with her sparkling hazel eyes will be forever missed by her family and friends. Miriam was a gardener by every meaning of the word. She found peace and reflection in her bountiful vegetable gardens, and joy and comfort in raising and nurturing farm animals and an assortment of pets, with a special affection for turtles. Miriam married Robert E. Moreng in 1950 and together they lovingly raised a family of seven children including George (Sylvia), Nathan (Robin), Jon (Carol), Diane (Garry), Michael, Charlie (Mary), and Joseph (Janet), all whom survive. She was blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Kate, Jared, Aaron, Kelsey, Jesse, Lauren, Melissa, Stacey, Bridget, Justin, Carley, Kevin, Audrey, Amy, and one great grandson due in May.

Miriam was a farm and ranch lady at heart. She deeply respected her ancestors especially Grandfather Otto Tittmann, a founder of the National Geographic Society, and Grandfather Peirce Crosby, a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and a Mexican-American War and Civil War veteran. Her father Charles Tittmann, an attorney and concert opera singer, and her mother Jean, raised Miriam and her sister Louise in Washington D.C. Miriam attended the Holton-Arms girls’ school and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in agriculture. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, a Daughter of the American Revolution, and a past member of the Colonial Dames.

Early in her marriage, she and Robert lived in North Dakota before relocating to Fort Collins in 1955 where Bob became head of the poultry science department at Colorado State University. Miriam enjoyed her years living and working on the family farm and Diamond Peak Ranch. For a time, she was employed at the CSU seed laboratory as a seed analyst. Miriam accompanied Bob to many foreign countries and after his passing in 1995 she traveled twice with friends to Africa, rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, visited Mexico, and enjoyed a variety of other trips within the USA. She was always an adventurer, never afraid to consume a fried grasshopper, bake a pinto bean pie, or make endless variations of edible products from rhubarb.

Miriam’s interests were varied throughout her life. She was a talented artist painting watercolors and oils, horseback rider, avid reader, weaver using homespun wool, miller of grains for baking her own bread, student of investing, tennis and badminton player, beekeeper, and writer who captured her thoughts in letters and poetry. She especially loved fishing on Diamond Peak Ranch and was able to continue this passion through her late 80’s. Miriam seldom complained and exhibited toughness during life’s challenges.

Miriam’s wish was that she be cremated and that family and friends celebrate her life, which will be done this coming springtime. She gave her assurances that she will look down from above on this celebration and while keeping true to her wit, charm, and humor, apologized in advance for not being able to attend this celebration in person.

Miriam’s family greatly appreciates the love and care given to her by her granddaughter Stacey, her special friend The Colonel, and by the wonderful staff at Columbine Health Systems on Worthington Circle. Condolences can be sent care of: Allnutt, 650 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80526.

Memorial contributions can be made in Miriam’s honor to the Robert E. Moreng and Miriam Tittmann Moreng Scholarship in Agricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, College of Ag Sciences, 301 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1101.