90 years old, passed away, surrounded by family, in her home at VallecitoLake on October 17, 2016. Vallecito Lake is affectionately known as Granny's Lake.Ermalee was born October 1, 1926 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Tavie and E.W. Simmons. She attended Oklahoma University and graduated with a degree in Zoology. She remained a diehard Sooner football fan until the end. Later, she wed Don Atkinson and they brought their three little girls to Colorado, in 1960, to make their home at Pine River Lodge. Ermalee successfully owned and operated Pine River Lodge for 57 years. Her exceptional talent in business was passed down to each of her daughters. Ermalee made hundreds of friends in her time at Pine River Lodge, and cherished each. In Ermalee's later years she became an artist and collector. She had a deep appreciation for beauty and found it everywhere. She enjoyed watching old movies and dancing to Dean Martin in her pool. Ermalee was devoted to her family and she was the most wonderful, loving mother in the world. She gave her granddaughters every opportunity and led them by setting the example of a strong, successful, independent, and kind woman. She loved flowers and Christmas. Her beautiful smile and generous heart will never be forgotten. Ermalee is survived by her children, Donna Atkinson, Debbie Fahrion, and Denise (Russ) Haga; her grandchildren, Heather (Marshall) Hahn, Dawn (JJ) Fahrion, and Ashley (Kirill) Haga; and her great grandchildren, Nathan, Keaton, Landon, Easton, Cooper, Silas, Daxton, Gunner, and
Brynn; and many, many friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 A.M. at the Church of Christ in Bayfield on Bayfield Parkway. A special viewing with her family will be held at Hood Mortuary on Monday from 5 P.M. - 7 P.M. Contributions can be made in her memory to Hospice of Mercy or Bayfield Early Education Program. Special thanks to Hospice of Mercy and Practitioner Rosemary Fleming for all of her years of care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Dear Cousins - I have many wonderful memories of your mother. Many wonderful memories of you girls coming out to the Palmer place. So proud to call you family. Please know that our love and sympathy are sent during this tough time.
Love to all -
Lori Longacre Culver
(Barbara Lou Palmer Longacre's oldest daughter)
Lori Longacre Culver
October 27, 2016
Dear girls of PIne River Lodge,
Your Mom was a pillar in our lake community. We will all miss her.
Barbara Wagner
October 24, 2016
Trudy Bazzill
October 24, 2016
Dear Donna, Debbie and Denise,
We were very sorry to hear about your mom passing on. She was a great lady! We will always have fond memories of her!
Sincerely,
Bill and Janis DeSouchet and family
October 23, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and our deepest condolences are extended to you. Something that's helped us through the death of loved ones is to reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:26
A T
October 22, 2016
Donna, Debbie, and Denise,
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a friend to everyone. The grand lady of Vallecito Lake.
Darrell and Diane Trembly
October 21, 2016
Dear Donna, Debbie and Denise:
It is with deep sadness that we learn of Mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Lake won't be the same without her!
Sending our love,
Roger and Gerri Taylor
October 21, 2016
Dear Donna,Debbie and Denise. Kurt,Diane and I send our condolences in the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and we always looked forward to seeing her smile and hearing her laughter. Earl Wolfe
October 20, 2016
I had a lot of love and admiration for this beautiful woman. My heart reaches out to Donna, Debbie & Denise and all of her family. She will be deeply missed
Liz Kaufman
October 20, 2016
She will be missed. My heart and love goes out to all of you. She was an exceptional woman with a kind heart and beautiful soul.
Tara Ritter
October 19, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss, your mom was so gentle and kind. She was lucky to have such a wonderful family. Stacey Ebel
October 19, 2016
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