Elena Joyce Grissom

Passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2011 in Lakewood, Colorado, at the age of 74. Born in Denver, Colorado on April 9, 1937, she grew up on a ranch that straddled the Colorado and Nebraska border between Wray and Holyoke, Colorado. She was the oldest of 8 children and developed lifelong values from her years living with limited resources on the remote and rugged prairie. Elena graduated from Wray, Colorado, High School in 1955 and attended The Art Institute of Chicago and worked in modeling in New York before returning to Colorado where she met Garth Grissom in 1957 while working in Colorado Springs. Elena and Garth married on August 17, 1958, in Denver, Colorado. The couple raised four sons in Lakewood Colorado. She was a devoted wife and mother and a pillar of strength for her sons. As they grew up she developed an interest in community service and worked in the local school system, on local political campaigns, and served for many years on the Board of the Jefferson County Library. She was recognized for her service and contributions to the Jefferson County Library when she was awarded the Distinguished Friend of the Library Award in 2009. The award was for years of selfless service highlighted by facilitating legislation that increased tax based funding for the Jefferson County Library system. After the death of Garth at age of 70, she continued to remain active in the community and spent time with her family. Elena?s grace and spirituality helped her face pancreatic cancer with courage and dignity, devoting her time to friends and family. She embraced life by adventuring throughout the Southwest even after her diagnosis and enjoyed time with family and friends pursuing her interests in nature, art, geology and native culture. Elena is survived by her sons Colin, Grady, Cole, and Kent, and daughter in-laws Abigail, Lynda, Jovanna, and Laura, grandchildren Brooke, Grady, Sydney, Cassidy, Elena, Hilary, Dylan, and Hanna, brothers Fred, John, George, Joe, and Bill, and sisters Neola and Linda. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold ?Stub? Kerst and Virdie Kerst. The Grissom Family will hold private services. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Jefferson County Library Foundation, 10790 West 50th Ave. Suite 200, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, 80033, or contributions can be made over the phone to the Jefferson County Library Foundation at 303-403-5075.