Irene Viola Rees

February 15, 1919 to December 2, 2012

Irene Viola (Granat) Rees slipped these bonds of earth on Sunday, December 2, 2012, after a lengthy history of Alzheimer’s disease. Her spirit for life lives on in those whose life she touched in so many ways.

She was born in Eagle Bend, Minn., February 15, 1919, and at the age of 2, the family moved to Colorado settling in Palisade. Her parents, Nels and Lera Granat, raised a family of 5 children there. Later, after graduating from Palisade High School, she married John May. They had a son, Fred. They later divorced.

On October 24, 1942, she and Howard F. Rees were married. With this union, a set of twin boys was born, Dean and Dale, on July 30, 1944. This “city gal” soon learned the ways of a farmer’s wife, while husband, Howard, continued a career on the D&RGW railroad.

Irene was involved in many community activities, such as Central High Mothers’ Club, selling Ute Water taps door to door in their early history, and later became a renowned artist of landscapes in oil. She and Howard were also 4-H leaders in the Pear Park area for many years. Later on she was employed by the State of Colorado at the Regional Center. AARP played a large role after retirement where she served as its local chapter President for several years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Clyde, Lyndon and Carl, as well as a sister, Eva. More recently by husband, Howard, and sons, Fred May and Dean Rees. She is survived by son, Dale (Laura) of Palisade, 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 8 at Martin Mortuary, followed by services. Interment will be at Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Grand Valley.