Edith Madalaine Merkley

Edie spent her childhood years in Sego, Utah before graduating from Crested Butte High School in 1942. Following graduation, she received a degree for secretarial skills from Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver. Her favorite job was with Army Motion Picture Show watching movies to be sent to service men in World War II.

Edie volunteered with the USO club in Denver and there met the love of her life James Merkley. They married and settled in Denver in 1950.

She was an active parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church in Denver until their move to Fort Collins 1977. There she continued to volunteer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Her dedication as a volunteer at Poudre Valley Hospital for 40 years was valued and recognized. Edie enjoyed her crafts and was an avid learner, learning to play the clarinet at 68 years old. Her favorite activity of all was spending time with her family.

Jim and Edie had many friends and thoroughly enjoyed their participation in their Gourmet Club and church circle and their love for travel carried them throughout the US and internationally.

Edie was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and loved by all who met her and witnessed that sparkle in her eye.

She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1993, son Rich in 2020, grandson Tim Hogue in 1993 and great granddaughter Cayce Sue in 2018.

Surviving is her daughter Diane Schleufer of Denver, son John and wife Anne of Sandia Park NM, daughter-in-law Dawn Merkley of Tacoma WA, daughter Mary Jo and husband Roger Hogue of Monte Vista CO, daughter Julie Rosen of Mendota MN, son Jim and his wife Lori of Fort Collins, and daughter Sue and husband Karl Overman of Tucson AZ.

Survived by 16 grandchildren Leah Morgan, Katie Tolbert, Scott Merkley, Meredith Merkley, Allison Means, Andy Merkley, Lauren Merkley, Kari Jo Van Ry, Wade Rosen, Karin Cronan, Reid Rosen, James Merkley, David Merkley, Kristina Floyd, Chase Overman, 15 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.