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1930
2020
Eulalia Ardeth Skinner (known to many friends as simply "Skinner") was born in Sterling, CO, on November 28, 1930, to parents Ronald and Gertrude (Hoaglund) Skinner. She passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Vista Mesa Assisted Living in Cortez, CO at the age of 89.
The family moved to Grand Junction, CO, and Eulalia grew up and attended school there. She received her B.A. in Education from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. After teaching one year in Iowa and deciding she didn't like the long, cold winters, Eulalia accepted a teaching job in Cortez, CO, where she remained. Known to her students as Miss Skinner, she taught English and coached girls sports for 40 years. When Miss Skinner arrived in Cortez in 1954, there were no competitive sports programs for girls. A full 18 years ahead of Title IX requirements, she organized basketball and volleyball competitions for girls from many Four Corners area schools. Miss Skinner coached generations of young women in basketball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and track and field. In 2002, Eulalia Skinner was inducted into the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in recognition of her pioneering and longtime work with girls sports in the state. That same year, she was named to the Colorado Volleyball Officials Hall of Fame. Having Miss Skinner as a teacher or coach is an experience shared by multiple generations of Cortez High School students. Many former students have "Skinner stories" about being a student of Miss Skinner. She was recognized and remembered every time she ventured out and about Cortez. The community loved seeing her drive around town in her beautifully restored Model-A car, which was also a fixture in local parades.
Eulalia was very active in First United Methodist Church as a Church Council leader and officer in the United Methodist Women. She traveled throughout the Rocky Mountain area representing First UMC of Cortez at larger church events and conferences. She was a Certified Lay Speaker, leading in worship and other public church settings.
As a hobby, Eulalia worked on learning to write and speak Swedish and Norwegian. This was her family's background and she delighted in her trips and correspondence with her Scandinavian relatives. Skinner's sense of humor is legendary, finding joy and laughter in every situation. She was also prolific gardener.
Eulalia Skinner is survived by her lifelong friend Lucy Hadley; her nephews, Michael and Matthew Skinner and their families; and countless friends and former students.
Gifts in memory of Eulalia Skinner may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Cortez, PO Box 1016, Cortez, CO 81321
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences or to view the full obituary, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ertel Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Eulalia was one of a kind, and we loved her for her spirit! She was willing to help others and inspired many. She and Dave Mitchell took over my tennis program one year when I was on maternity leave. Not an easy thing to do, but they pitched in when needed. We are better off for having known such a wonderful woman and she will surely be missed.
BARBARA GRIST
Teacher
December 23, 2020
Miss Skinner, I will miss you dearly, you inspired and mentored me, when I needed it most.
I appreciate your belief and support in our church (Ute Mt Presbyterian Church) .
I will remember the leadership and humor. And not to forget being a great P.E. teacher to me. May the Lord bless you in heaven with a new job to assist as a heavenly angel. B.C
Beverly
Acquaintance
July 2, 2020
Skinner, I will miss you on the golf course. Hit em long. May you RIP. Joyce Stonehocker.
Joyce Stonehocker
Teacher
June 7, 2020
Am sad to hear the passing of Miss Skinner . She was my P E teacher at
MCHS in the late 60's. And she taught us so much !!
God bless you for touching so many lives !!I
RIP & you will be missed.
Love
JoAnn Veach Klingaman
JoAnn Veach Klingaman
June 2, 2020
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