Rhonda L. Gravlee

Rhonda L. Gravlee, 89, of Estes Park, died June 8, 2011 at her home. Mrs. Gravlee was born February 18, 1922 in Eldorado, Illinois to John and Florence "Day" Cooley. Rhonda married Jack Gravlee in 1953. They were married for 57 ½ years. Mrs. Gravlee was a hard worker all of her life in a variety of jobs, she finally became a professional dancer…the calling that for years she most desired to pursue. Then, she became an instructor of dance in Kansa City, Missouri for a number of years and enjoyed this undertaking immensely. Retiring from professional dancing, Rhonda moved south, married, and with her husband came to Fort Collins after several stops in other places. Calling on her management skills, she became the owner of Rodger's Plumbing in Fort Collins in the 1970's. She was one of the few female owners of any type of construction business in Colorado at the time. Survivors include her husband, Jack; son, Thomas Gygax of Nogales, Arizona; daughter, Rita Gygax of Strafford, Missouri; and sister, Dorothy Mays of Guntersville, Alabama. Preceding Rhonda in death are her parents; and son, Grady Jackson Gravlee, Jr. A Funeral Service will be held at St Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will follow at Grandview Cemetery, in Fort Collins at 12:30 p.m.