Mary Ellen Ellen Sarten

Mary Ellen Sarten, 91, of Grand Junction passed away Feb 20, 2024.

Mary was born in Ft. Collins, CO to Hubert L. and Orpha Watts Shoffner. After the death of her mother, her family settled in Grand Junction where Mary attended school and graduated from GJHS in 1950.

Mary was married to Richard Gene Sarten and they lived in Rifle, CO where she was one of the original founding members of the Rifle Creek Golf Course. In Rifle she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Epsilon Nu, and she maintained friendships with many of her sorority sisters for decades. She excelled in golf and bowling, and she also found great joy in gardening, especially in her rose garden. She spent many weekends exploring the San Juan Mountains and learning about the alpine four-wheel drive trails with her brother, Whitey Shoffner. Mary's love for animals was lifelong; she was never without pets and always had room for another if it needed a place to call home.

Mary was resilient. The death of her mother when she was nine years old was profound and through her loss, she developed strength and grace as she faced life's challenges. She was proud of her successful career in banking and served as branch manager for Mesa Federal Savings and Loan. She loved her friendships, and her search for a deep spiritual understanding. She enjoyed stylish clothes and her collections of beautiful things at her home of 57 years. Mary had many jobs and titles throughout her life, but her most cherished titles were Mother, Grandmother ("G'Ma"), and Great Grandmother ("GG").

Mary was preceded in death by her mother Orpha Shoffner, her stepmother Jo Hill Shoffner, her father, Hubert L. Shoffner, her brother Hubert Shoffner, Jr., and brother David Shoffner.

Mary is survived by her sister Barbara (Don) Johnson and nephews Daniel (Kristy) Johnson, and Tim Johnson.

She is survived by her son, Rick (Peggy Gunn) Sarten, grandson Ryan (Heather) Sarten, granddaughter Shauna (Justin) Nordine, great grandchildren Hannah and Riley Sarten, and Mallory and Greyson Nordine.

Mary and her family were grateful for the compassionate care she received from Meals on Wheels, SummitWest Care, HopeWest, and The Fountains. Contributions to HopeWest, Meals on Wheels, or Roice Hurst would be meaningful and appreciated. Private family services will be held this summer in the Colorado mountains.