Dalonna Mae Grissom

DaLonna Mae (Hughes) Grissom, was born on November 26, 1960, to Margaret and Ora Hughes. She embodied strength and determination. Since her birth, DaLonna faced life's challenges head-on, always striving to live each moment to the fullest. Her journey began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she miraculously survived an illness that swept through the nursery.

During her teenage years, DaLonna experienced the loss of her father and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition she courageously battled throughout her life. Despite the odds, DaLonna embraced each obstacle as a challenge, a testament to her indomitable spirit.

In Miles City, Montana, DaLonna met the love of her life, Patrick Grissom. They exchanged vows on June 29, 1979, and together raised four remarkable children. For 47 years, they embarked on countless adventures, from traveling and 4-wheeling to boating and attending concerts. DaLonna's adventurous spirit knew no bounds and she treasured making memories with Patrick. Their journey together took them to various places, including Miles City, MT; Williston, ND; Casper, WY; Brighton, CO; Cape Coral, FL; Vernal, UT; and ultimately to Red Feather Lakes, CO; though Vernal always held a special place in her heart as home.

DaLonna's creativity was limitless. She was a master at using her imagination to create art and memorable experiences. Every celebration and holiday became a grand affair in her hands, as she believed in adding that extra touch to make them truly special. Her attention to detail was unparalleled, and she had a knack for making everyone feel cherished and loved.

While DaLonna always dreamed of being a wife and mother, she found her true calling as a grandmother and great grandmother. Her love for her grandbabies and great grandbabies was endless. She went above and beyond to ensure their happiness and well-being, sacrificing years to help with the daily care of several of her grandchildren. She spent countless hours playing games and creating memories with them, cherishing every moment spent together. Trips to Gnome Road were always a highlight, filled with joy and laughter.

DaLonna's greatest joy in life was being surrounded by those she loved. Her love, strength and unwavering determination touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. She was the best of what it means to be a friend, forging lifelong friendships filled with laughter and quick comebacks.

DaLonna was the second of six children, a true strong willed second born. She enjoyed retelling stories of growing up with her siblings and the wonderful childhood she shared with each of them. DaLonna loved each of her siblings deeply and always wanted a close relationship with each of them. "Lonna" adored being an Auntie, it was a role she took great pride in and strived to make each of her nieces and nephews feel loved.
DaLonna dedicated time to connecting with her mother on a consistent basis. They shared long phone conversations about everything and nothing, weaving her mother into her family through stories about her kids and grandkids. DaLonna lost her mother July 2023. It was a devastating loss for her, and she missed her mother every single day. The reunion with her parents will be astounding.

"We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So, make sure your story is a good one." – Nishan Panwar

DaLonna is survived by her loving husband Patrick Grissom (Red Feather Lakes, CO); her siblings LaDonna (Leland) Wetzel; Madonna (Scott) Hall; Montgomery Hughes; Trixie (Johnnie) Smith; and Tracey (Doug) Goerndt; her sons Damian (Armando) Hughes, Seville, FL; and Robert (Christine) Grissom, Erie, CO; daughters Latrisha (Joshua) Fall, Vernal, UT; and Cassandra (Eli) Leon, Lochbuie, CO; grandchildren Jordan, Mario, Annalise, Ash, Olivia, Lowden, Taycie, DaLonna, Mollie, Dawson, and Elsie; and great grandchildren Annabella, Aria, and Damon.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ora and Margaret Hughes and grandson Kalel Fall.

Services will be held April 14, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Brighter Day Christian Fellowship, 7021 East 64th Ave. Commerce City, CO.





Geoff Liesik