Iris Mae Wells

Iris Mae Wells was born September 18, 1945 to Harland and Doris (Nash) Wells in Del Norte, Colorado. She died June 12, 2025 at the age of 79 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

She was educated in the Del Norte Public Schools and graduated in 1963. She graduated from Sterling College in 1967 with a degree in elementary education. She served in various educational positions in Rockford, IL, Shiprock, NM, and in and around Del Norte, CO.

She grew up around many role models who demonstrated service to others and Iris adopted that priority in her life. Iris was a lifetime member of Del Norte Pioneer United Church where she served in many teaching and service roles. She valued reading the Bible daily. She was honored to be active in the Order of Eastern Star of Del Norte, including serving as a sponsor of Rainbow Girls.

Growing up in the San Luis Valley instilled in Iris a deep appreciation of the mountains and the surrounding wildlife. She enjoyed horseback riding and helping her Dad move cattle between pastures. She walked the trails and roads near her home daily and took her niece and nephews along when they visited. She wrote about the animals native to the Valley and surrounding mountains. She hooked rugs, embroidered quilts, knitted, and cross-stitched.

Family was special to Iris, especially her nieces and nephews. When her health led to her moving to Fort Collins, she treasured the visits from loved ones, especially her niece, husband, and their daughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, Rev. H. Eldin Wells (Annabelle), a niece Rachel (Taylor) Maxwell Wells, two nephews Eric (Elizabeth) and Nathan (Tessa) Wells, and a large extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025. A graveside service will be held at the Del Norte Cemetery in Del Norte, CO at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Iris's name are suggested to either Del Norte Pioneer United Church 630 Spruce St, Del Norte, CO 81132; or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1709 W Elizabeth Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521.