Mary Lou Saltsman

Mary Lou Saltsman has gone to be with her Savior on August 10, 2021. She served Jesus faithfully alongside her brothers and sisters in Christ. Her love of God and love for people overflowed and she always lit up a room whenever she walked in.

Mary Lou was born June 20th, 1928 in Fargo, North Dakota to Walter and Madeleine Madsen. She was married to Leonard Saltsman June 20th, 1947. Mary Lou attended Englewood Highschool (Class of 1945) and graduated from the Community College of Denver School of Nursing (1971) with an Associate Degree in nursing. She faithfully served Penrose Hospital (Colorado Springs), Porter Medical and Rose Medical Centers (Denver), and Brighton Care Center until her retirement at the age of 78. Her daughter Ann, and her 3 granddaughters, Julie, Jennifer, and Nicolle followed her in her nursing career along with 2 grandsons, 1 great grandson, and 2 great-grand-daughters who followed her in the medical profession.

Mary and her husband, Leonard Saltsman, survived flat tires, over-heated radiators, and whiny children as they moved numerous times, living in Illinois, Kansas, and Colorado. They raised their five beautiful but mischievous children in Northglenn, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Mary loved to sew, quilt, crochet, needle point, and knit. She has warmed many friends and family with her beautiful handmade quilts and blankets and has warmed the hearts of even more with her kind smile and quick wit. She was also an avid collector of antique dolls.

Mary was preceded in death by sister Doris Ross and brothers Ted, Jan, and Jon Madsen and son-in-law Dick “Dickers” Carlson.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard Saltsman, and her children, Linda Carlson, Ann Andis, Kelly and her husband, Wayne Thompson, Mark and his wife, Teresa Saltsman, and Dana and her husband, Ron Heller. A true matriarch! She is survived by 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Having so many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren led her to famously tell one of her grandsons, “If you figure out why that keeps happening maybe you can put a stop to it.” One of her infamous witty statements was, “I don’t care what they say, you are alright!”. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and love for people has been a blessing to all who knew her. She most certainly has left a legacy of love that is preserved in the lives of her family and the people’s lives she has touched through the years.

Her funeral service will take place August 14th, 2021 at Chapel Hill Cemetery. The viewing begins at 9:00 AM, the memorial service will begin at 10:00 AM. The burial service will be for family members only.

Mary Lou requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her name in lieu of flowers. The Saltsman family would like to extend special thanks and sincerest gratitude to Mindy O’Neal (Allegiance Homecare) and the staff of Platte Valley Hospital who provided extraordinary care for her in her last days.