Our sweet mother, Eleanor "Ellie" Ruth Sharritt, passed on January 6, 2026, while living at The Aspens Memory Care. Eleanor was born in Brush, Colorado, on September 14, 1933, to Alex and Mollie Koehler, German immigrant farmers who instilled a strong work ethic and Christian faith. Eleanor grew up on the family farm with her younger sister, Donna. She attended Central School and Brush High School where she formed many close friendships which lasted throughout her life.

In 1952, Eleanor married Robert "Bob" Sharritt, also from Brush, and joined him in San Diego where he was stationed in the US Navy. They returned to Brush a year later where they started their family, welcoming five children over the next ten years. In 1967, Robert's job brought the family to Fort Collins where Eleanor found employment at CSU, first in the Purchasing Department and then as the Administrative Assistant to the State Forester; a job which she took great joy and pride in and kept until her retirement. During those years she was also involved in Plymouth Congregational Church. Eleanor loved music, singing and playing the piano.

After she and Robert retired, they moved to Sun City, Arizona, where they spent many enjoyable years golfing, playing Bridge with friends and being close to their son and his family. After Robert passed in 2015, Eleanor returned to Fort Collins and spent many good years with her daughters and their families nearby, and enjoying her little dog, Patch.

Eleanor's family will remember her love of ice cream, reading and visits from family, but mostly we will remember her smile, her sweetness and how selfless and devoted she was to her family. Eleanor is survived by her five children Alex Sharritt (Susan) of Surprise, AZ, B.J. Sharritt, Rhonda Woodall (Con), Julie Asmus (Mike) and Teresa Leonhardt (Dennie Grunstad) of Fort Collins. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
She was preceded by her husband, her parents and her sister.

Eleanor's family thanks the staff at The Aspens Memory Care and Bristol Hospice for their kindness and loving attention to our Mother.

A memorial service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Plymouth Congregational UCC, 916 W. Prospect Rd., Fort Collins, 80526.