Rosemary Yvonne Grant

Rosemary arrived in this world at the home of her paternal grandparents in Ord, NE. The youngest child of Wilford and Mary Williams, Rosemary was the only daughter with three older brothers. She grew up in Grand Island, NE where her father owned and operated PCT Stages (Popcorn Trailways) bus line which served the local area. She graduated from Grand Island High School. Rosemary met the love of her life, Donald Ray Grant, when he was DJ’ing at KRGI Radio Station in Grand Island. After marriage in 1958, Don and Rosemary lived in Norfolk, NE, Chadron, NE, Le Mars, IA, and Sioux City, IA before moving to Fort Collins, CO in 1964 when Don joined KCOL Radio. Their two sons Jon and Jay were born in Nebraska but grew up in Fort Collins where the family was very active in the growing community. They later lived again in Norfolk and returned to Fort Collins upon retirement. Rosemary cherished life-long friendships and enjoyed making new friends throughout her life. Rosemary was a steadfast member of several organizations; Order of the Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Questers, P.E.O (Philanthropic Education Organization) and founding member and first president of the Fort Collins Women’s Club which later became Junior League of Fort Collins. She was an avid reader, green thumb gardener and had many furry friends blessed by her generous care. Her love of family began at birth in her grandparent’s home and continued throughout her life. She was the mother who adored her two sons and their families, the grandmother and great grandmother whose loving home was the place of wonderful memories and the aunt who was a second mom to nieces and nephews. She was the matriarch who loved family gatherings, giving gifts, and enjoying good food, warm hugs and laughter. She will always be with us as we honor her life by continuing the loving family traditions, she taught us so well. Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband Don, grandson Jay Williams II, brothers Harold (Jean), Carlyle (Martha), Maurice (LaVonne), brother-in-law Robert Grant, sister-in-law Maureen Laux, in-laws Vernon and Lucille Laux and parents Wilford and Mary Williams. Rosemary is survived by sister-in-law Spiridulla Poplasky of Fort Collins, brother-in-law John Laux of Omaha, sons Jon (Sharie) and Jay of Fort Collins. Grandchildren Emily (Andrew Grabau), Amanda (Cole Gustafson) of Fort Collins, Katie (Drew Hutton) of Omaha and Christian (Alyssa) Grant of Thornton. “Nanny’s Nine” great grandchildren: Ella, Alexis, Lewis, Avery, Annabelle, Eva, William, Evelyn and Brooks and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, Saturday October 29th at 1 pm. Inurnment will be at the First United Methodist Church Columbarium. Memorial donations can be made to the P.E.O Program for Continuing Education which funds scholarships for women: https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-pce

Tributes

Rosemary Yvonne Grant

January 20, 1940 - August 13, 2022