Harriette Grigsby

Harriette Kurtz Grigsby of Longmont, died December 7, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Harriette was a bon vivant, artist, gatherer of friends and passionate supporter of her family.

Harriette was born on April 24, 1931 in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to Guy O. Kurtz and Harriette Agnes Cox Kurtz. She married Robert J. Grigsby on November 20, 1950 in College Park, Maryland where they attended the University of Maryland. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

The Grigsby family moved to Longmont in 1965 and grew roots here. Harriette and Bob became very engaged in the community. She was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild, led the youth group, directed the Christmas Pageant, sang in the choir and spearheaded the creation of the columbarium at the Church. She was a member of the St. Vrain Historical Society, and drafted the historic preservation ordinance for the City of Longmont. She coordinated the creation of Old Mill Park, and the relocation of the milk house from Robert Hauck’s homestead east of Longmont to the park. For many years she led classes and tours of the park for school children. She was a long time member of the Longmont Red Cross, serving as president of the local chapter. Through Red Cross she organized a program of swimming lessons for children of migrant workers at Sunset Pool. She was an active member in the Potpourri Players, later the Longmont Theater Company, participating in many local productions including Twelfth Night, where she played Olivia. She was a certified master gardener and volunteered with the County Extension office. She was also a member of PEO Chapter DI, Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, the Reluctant Supper Club and a notorious member of the “Purple Gang”, and many other local groups.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband and her brother, Robert Kurtz.

Surviving are her children: Susan (Greg) White of Loveland; Guy (Amy Fieling) of Erie, Jay (Diane Crane) of Del Ray Beach, Florida; Rosalind (James Riker) of Takoma Park, Maryland; her grandchildren: Rosalind (Chris) Ekx of Superior; Julia (William) Bannon of Portland, Oregon; Whitney Grigsby of Loveland; Jeff (Erika) White of Hartford, Connecticut; Guy J. Grigsby of Denver; Jessie (Brett) Dee of Longmont; Krysa (Shay) Trulove and Linsey (Alan) Short of Carbondale; Robert Riker of Louisville; and Daniel and William Riker of Takoma Park, Maryland; and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 11th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Interment will follow at the Ryssby Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to The Our Center, 303 Atwood Street, Longmont, CO 80501 or St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1303 S. Bross Lane, Longmont, CO 80501.

Please share your thoughts, condolences and memories to the family at www.howemortuary.com.