Saralynn Risenhoover

SARALYNN RISENHOOVER

Celebration of Life for Dolores resident Saralynn Risenhoover will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday February 23, 2024 at Rock Springs Church, 601 N. Dolores Road, Cortez, CO. Lunch will be provided after the service for family and friends.
 
 Saralynn was born July 1, 1939 in Cortez, Colorado the daughter of John Lindsay and Sarah Helen (Marr) Gollaway. She passed away peacefully Saturday February 17, 2024 at the age of 84. She married Carlos “Leon” Risenhoover in November 1956 and to that union were born four girls.
 
 Surviving Saralynn are her spouse of 68 years Leon Risenhoover, of Dolores; their daughters, Shannon (Jeff) Wells of Dolores, Lori (Chris) Coppa of Canon City, Amy (Shane) Gordanier of Dolores; by her grandchildren, Matt Wells of Grand Junction, Bryan Wells (Kelsie) of Grand Junction, Daniel Coppa (Amanda) of Florence,CO, Lindsay Coppa of Colorado Springs, Garrett Leavell (Sarah) of Dolores, Madi Suckla (Chase) of Cortez, Trey Gordanier of Mancos, Taryn DeSaye of Prescott, AZ; her great grandchildren, Olivia Wells, Peyton Suckla, Sophia Coppa, Isla Coppa.
 Saralynn was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Kristi Lynn Risenhoover; granddaughter, Sarah Brianna Leavell; and son-n-law, Lane Leavell.
 
 In 1965 Leon’s construction work took them on many adventures from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana and back to the apple farm in Dolores, Colorado in 1970. They enjoyed reminiscing about their adventures. 
 
 As we reflect and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman, we thank God for her impact on our lives. Saralynn was a faithful Christian, loving wife and devoted mother/grandmother and friend. Her greatest passion in life was in creating amazing artwork that she shared with her children and friends, church and community.
 
 As we reflect on the life of this remarkable woman, we are reminded of the many ways in which she touched the lives of those around her. Her creativity and artistic talent were truly unmatched, and her passion for bringing beauty into the world was evident in every piece she created. She was a longtime member of the Ute Mountain Artist’s League and served in most positions over the years. In particular was her love for her friends in “Doll Club” which she met with at least monthly for over forty years. She was a lifelong member of Lifeway Baptist Church and later Rock Springs Church. 
 
 But perhaps even more remarkable than her artistic abilities was her unwavering faith in God. She lived her life with a deep sense of purpose and meaning, and her faith was a constant source of strength and inspiration for those around her. Her greatest wish and prayer was that all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends would know Jesus as their personal Savior and be closer to God. 
 
 As a mother and grandma, she was a true role model, instilling in her children and grandchildren, the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity. She was always there to offer a listening ear or a helping hand, a witty and funny thought, and her love and support knew no bounds.
 
 Though we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. We are grateful for the many years we were blessed to have her in our lives, and we know that her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us for years to come.
 
 As we reflect on the life of this remarkable woman, we are reminded of the many ways in which she touched the lives of those around her. Her creativity and artistic talent were truly unmatched, and her passion for bringing beauty in the world was evident in every piece she created from the backdrop of numerous children’s programs in church from Vacation Bible School to Easter and Christmas programs. She used art to share her faith in God by teaching art classes in the community but also at our local church.
 
 So today, as we say our final goodbyes, we honor her legacy by carrying on her spirit of creativity, faith and love. We know that she would want nothing more than for us to continue to spread Christ’s love, joy and beauty in the world, just as she did throughout her life.