Janice Lou Mcgrath

Janice (Jan) Lou McGrath, 72, of Cortez, Colorado, died April 1, 2016 after a courageous ten-year battle with MDS and then leukemia. Jan was born in El Centro, California on June 4, 1943 to Fred and Elda Sterzing. After graduating from Central Union High School in El Centro, she attended Arizona State College (now NAU) where she was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She graduated in 1965 with a degree in zoology. After college, she and her husband and two sons lived in Fort Collins, Colorado; Kingman, Arizona; and Kalispell, Montana. In 1993, she embarked on a new phase in her life. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she worked for America West Airlines. After having her fill of city life, she moved to Cortez, Colorado in 1997 to be closer to her aging parents. Shortly after, she began another career as a library technician at the Cortez City Library. During her time at the library, she met many wonderful people who would become dear friends. Through these people, she became involved in other activities, such as the Four Corners Miniatures Club. Jan also enjoyed beading, reading, and traveling. Most importantly, Jan was a great sister, mother, and grandmother. We will miss her dearly. Jan is survived by her older sister Gayle Hawkins of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; her sons Travis McGrath of Redmond, Washington and Daniel McGrath of Chesterfield, Virginia; and her grandchildren Connor, Megan, and Hunter. Jan was preceded in death by her parents. By her request, her ashes will be spread in three of her favorite locations: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and in Cortez. Her wish was to not have a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating books to your local library or money to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 720 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500-S, Denver, CO 80246.