Geraldine Grace Garrison Stutheit

Geri was the oldest daughter of five children born to Hildred and Lloyd Garrison. Her childhood included a great deal of travel due to her Dad's career in higher education. She had fond memories of her father working as Park Ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone, where the family lived in cabins and tents. She graduated from Englewood High School and attended the University of Northern Colorado where she met her best friend and partner Wilbur, “Wil.” In 1950 she and Wil were married. They raised four children in Littleton, Colorado.

Geri was an artist all of her life. She was happiest when working in her sun lit art studio that had huge windows providing a view of the trees, the lake and passing animals. Geri helped create and was President of the Littleton Depot Arts Center. Her art hung and earned awards in juried and non-juried art shows throughout the country, including galleries in Taos. Geri was the founder of a women’s artist group called the Colorado Colors. She was one of a handful of artists to first show work in a gallery on what is now an art hot spot known as Old South Gaylord Street in Denver. Geri also donated her time creating logos for non-profit groups.

For 60 years Geri was an active member of PEO, an educational and philanthropic organization for women. She was a community activist who was passionate about women’s and gay rights, protecting the environment, and sensible gun restrictions. She and Wil have been active members of the Plymouth Congregational Church for 30 years. Geri helped design the logo for early senior work out groups in Littleton and Fort Collins. The logo would later be used as a model for the SilverSneakers program. Right up until her death Geri could be seen walking/jogging in the neighborhood she loved.

Surviving Geri are her best friend/husband of 68 years, Wilbur; her sisters, Eleanor Dwight (Norm Illsley) of Fort Collins, Lorene Mowen of Doylestown PA, brother Lon Garrison (Joyce) of the Seattle Area, four children, Brian, (Kathy Ballinger) of Littleton, Paul, Kendy and Lynn of Fort Collins; grandson, Drew and granddaughter, Leslie of Littleton, extended family members, and many dear friends. She was a “surrogate” mom to many young people and she and Wil often hosted foreign exchange students in their Littleton home.

A memorial service will take place Friday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors to honor this colorful artist. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Rocky Mountain Conservancy, a nonprofit that supports Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 3100, Estes Park, CO 80517 or https://rmconservancy.org/donate/support-work/.