Wilma Ellen Robinson

Wilma Ellen Robinson, 80, of Dolores, CO passed away January 1, 2020, in Grand Junction, CO. While swimming laps, an activity she loved, she experienced an unexpected, spontaneous brain hemorrhage. Wilma was born June 18, 1939, to Milton Russell and May Zoe (Huntamer) Notter in Tacoma, WA.
Wilma grew up in Washington state (putting in her time in the rain) in the towns of Tacoma, Lacey, Centralia and Seattle. She attended Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington, and graduated with a B.S. in Nursing from both institutions in a joint program. Midway through school she married Gerald (Jerry) Robinson. After graduation she joined him in Germany where he was stationed in the Army. Following his discharge, they returned to Seattle where Jerry finished his business degree and earned a teaching certificate, while Wilma worked as a Public Health nurse.
Upon Jerry's graduation, after praying for direction, they accepted a position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They hitched a U-Haul to their VW Beetle and drove to Arizona. For the next 17 years they lived and worked among the Navajo at Chinle and Rock Point. For 14 of those years they were active in the Shiprock, NM Assembly of God church, driving 75 miles each way for Sunday morning worship. They would return to Rock Point just in time to attend the evening ecumenical service at the Lutheran Mission. During this time their family grew. Steve, Linda, and Debbie came in quick succession. A few years later, they were privileged to adopt their son Kerry and begin a relationship with his birth family.
Wilma's role as a community builder began early, when she formed free nursery schools in her home in both Germany and Rock Point. She taught health classes at the Rock Point Elementary School, and also ran a weekly Bible Club in her home all those years. She worked as a substitute teacher in Chinle and Round Rock, AZ, and taught swimming lessons in a backyard swimming pool during the hot summers. She taught Sunday School, beginning at the age of 17, for all the churches she attended. Wilma was also very proud of the work she did helping the Navajo people to enter into county, state and federal elections by registering about 500 people (mainly in the Navajo Language) to vote, and then doing voter education and running elections.
In 1980 after the older two children were already in Cortez, CO for school, Wilma and the two younger children moved to Cortez. Jerry worked six more months at Rock Point and then joined them. For the next 24 years, Wilma worked as a mental health counselor for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc and White Mesa, retiring in 2004. During those years she gladly wore many hats, working with tribal leaders, ministers, doctors, nurses, researchers, lawyers, judges, state and county representatives, teachers, principals, and anyone else who might be available to serve the Ute people. She was especially proud of her Thursday Club for the Towaoc kids, her work with expectant mothers, and her work facilitating a men's support group. Wilma's walking to see so many people in the Ute community earned her her Ute name, "Wilma Walks A Lot".
Wilma did not slow down after she retired. She enjoyed traveling both near and far, regularly driving hundreds of miles to connect with friends and family, stopping for a dip in any available swimming hole. She didn't know a stranger and if you met her once, and she had your address, she just might come stay at your house! Wilma was a faithful member of the Cortez Assembly of God Church until her death. Before her husband passed, Wilma had enjoyed many motorcycle trips all over the western states with the motorcycle gang from the church. She continued to play her French Horn at church and in the Cortez Community Band. Wilma was involved in numerous community groups, always willing to volunteer where needed. Every week she visited people at the nursing home, the hospital, and people who were home-bound. She loved attending the plays, musicals and concerts around Cortez; and she attended every marching band performance and graduation she could.
When she wasn't out and about, she enjoyed her home. She loved swimming in her pond, making Valentines cards and treats to share, and entertaining guests. Everyone was welcome at Wilma's.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jerry Robinson. She is survived by her children, Steve (Ellen) Robinson of Arvada, CO, Linda Robinson of Dolores, CO, Debbie (Darryl) Johnson of Fowler, CO and Kerry (Rita) Robinson of Cortez, CO; her grandchildren, Thomas Robinson, Annie Robinson, Will Robinson, Nathan (Rachel) Johnson, Caleb (Claire) Johnson, Luke Johnson, Aaron (Grace) Johnson, Isaac (fiance Missy Herrell) Johnson and Katelyn Robinson; her great-granddaughter, Hope Johnson; her siblings, Lourence (Shirley) Notter, Frank Notter, Russ (Doris) Notter, Tom (Darlene) Notter, Jim (Nancy) Notter, Alice Matthynesses, Walt (Sue) Notter, Al Notter; brother & sister in laws, Jerry & Shirley Piger, Larry & Mary Lou Bullock, Mark & Joyce Resler; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial gifts can be given in Wilma's memory to First Assembly of God Building Fund, PO Box 1148, Cortez, CO 81321; The Good Samaritan Center, PO Box 662, Cortez, CO 81321; the Mildred Friendship Scholarship Fund, 26111 Road P, Dolores, CO 81323; or the Four Corners Community Band, 28709 Road P.7, Dolores, CO 81323.
Services for Wilma will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10 A.M. at First Assembly of God in Cortez, CO with graveside services following.