Mary Grady

Mary Ellen Grady of Bellvue, Colorado passed away at her Rist Canyon home in the early hours of May 28, 2023. She was 66 years old. Mary Ellen Grady (O’Bannon) was born June 30, 1956 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. She was one of nine children and was the youngest of “the twins”, coming into this world just 6 minutes after her identical sister. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hallie Ellen Wilkerson, and brothers David O’Bannon, Cleon O’Bannon, James O’Bannon and Ronald O’Bannon. She met Jack David Grady in Clovis, New Mexico and they were married in December 1974 in Oak Harbor, Washington. They shared two daughters together and were married for 48 years. They moved to Colorado after Jack’s retirement from the United States Air Force in 1995. They settled in Rist Canyon in 1998. She was a survivor of the 2012 High Park Fire and her and Jack’s home was the second to be completely rebuilt in the Whale Rock Community. She was always the big spender in the family and no one ever thought she would be sick of spending money, but she said so multiple times while rebuilding and re-furnishing their new home. She was well known in the community to drive faster than she probably should have on the unpaved mountain roads, earning her the nickname Mary-o Andretti. She was a lover of nature, both plants and animals alike. She had an extraordinary green thumb and had grown several small rainforests in her homes over her lifetime. She always made sure the wild birds and her fur babies were well fed and loved. She also donated generously to several nonprofit animal rescues. She loved her family and Jesus deeply and was generous with those she loved. She was always the life of the party; laughing, dancing and having a good time everywhere she could. She was tenacious and sometimes stubborn when she had her mind set on getting or doing something and often got what she wanted, even if she had to wear Jack down to accomplish her goal. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Jack Grady of Bellvue, CO; son Clarence Steinert Jr of Minnesota, daughters Cheryl Grady of Fort Collins, CO and Jade Grady of St. Petersburg, FL; grandsons Ryan Grady and Joshua Marshall both of Fort Collins, CO, granddaughters Grace, Hope and Faith Steinert of Minnesota; twin sister Linda Campbell of Bellvue, CO, brother Bobby O’Bannon and sisters Ginger Fultz and Rose Archer. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday July 6, 11 am at Tapestry House in Laporte, CO with lunch reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor, CO that Mary donated to monthly.