Mary Ellen Uhrig, was born to Harry & Eleanor Sturbaum in Sterling, CO on March 5. 1944.  She was the youngest of six children in the family.  Mary Ellen passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021, at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Mary Ellen graduated from Iliff High School and then married Ron Uhrig in Iliff, CO on November 18, 1962.

She leaves behind many friends she has made over the years in various activities.  She loved to attend quilting events, clogging, going shopping, playing her flute and piano, enjoying the neighborhood kids and was especially proud of her Catholic faith and love for the community at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brush.  She liked to host parties and family get togethers.  She loved the 4 ^th of July, Halloween, and especially Easter and Christmas.  Her whole house was always festively decorated!  Mary Ellen and Ron made their first home in Hillrose, CO, followed by Gypsum, CO and then back to Fort Morgan.  When they retired from their farm, she was excited to buy her first home and moved to town in Brush!  She loved working on their place, cooking and decorating for company.  Mary Ellen was a proud Mother of three children.  She worked hard making a loving home for her family and was very proud of that.  She also worked in retail at the Williams Children Shop in Fort Morgan and as a school cook in the Fort Morgan High School and Middle School.  She did this to help the family stay on the farm, but her true love was making a home for her family.

After her children graduated and moved on, Mary Ellen earned her BA from CSU.  She followed that with a stint as a social worker in Fort Morgan, but later was able to fulfill herself with jobs in education at Weldon Valley School and Brush High School.  Then, she was a substitute for many years after retiring.  She loved to teach and was always proud when she saw former students doing so well out in the world!

The love of her life was her family.  She loved to tell others about her family.  Mary Ellen's husband, Ron, and her children Gina (Ron) Schaefer of Fort Morgan, Dave (Marie) Uhrig of Gunnison, and Blaine (Lisa) Uhrig of Brush, will all greatly miss the glue of their family.  She is also blessed to have 8 grandchildren.  She was never afraid to tell everyone about them as well.  Shanna (Michael) Suppes of Lone Tree, Mitch Schaefer and Traci Schaefer both of Fort Morgan, Toby Uhrig of Dover, DE, Jordan Uhrig of Brush, and Royce, Romie and Roxie Uhrig all of Gunnison, will miss her very much.

After her husband, Ron, was injured in a farm accident many years ago, Mary Ellen spent her energy caring for her husband who was the love of her life.  On her last night before Christmas Eve, Mary Ellen was able to see Ron.  She said it was the best Christmas gift she had ever received.

A private family rosary  & mass service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brush on Friday, January 8 ^th beginning at 10:00 AM.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM.  Inurnment will be in the Brush Memorial Cemetery Columbarium.  Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the St. Mary's Catholic Church Music Program.  Please send to the Heer Mortuary in Brush.

Social distancing guidelines should be followed for those attending service.  Please wear whatever personal protective equipment you are most comfortable wearing.