Jeannie Skarwecki Kelso, 70, of Fort Collins, Colorado, died Wednesday, April 13, 2022 after a 25-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was at home surrounded by family.

She was born March 10, 1952, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph and Mabel Skarwecki. She married Dan Kelso in 1972 in Maryland and moved to Colorado where they raised their three daughters. They later separated and upheld a devoted, co-parenting relationship. She met William “Bill” Elizalde and they loved each other for nearly 20 years, he preceded her in death in 2020.

Jeannie worked for the phone company for 30 years through Mountain Bell, USWest, and Quest. She was active in the Telephone Pioneers and volunteered her time introducing a new reading program, Reading Readiness, into public schools. Jeannie was well-known around the Larimer County 4-H community. Her daughters participated in various activities and she was incredibly active as their club leader for the Hayburners, a fair superintendent, judge, and was there to help any kid and family at any time.

Survivors include her first husband, Dan (Bonnie) Kelso, her daughters that were the joys of her life: Jen (Loyal) Scott and their children, Zenae and Loyal; Bonny (Chase) Parish, and their son, Joseph; and Rebecca (Danny) Morrison and their daughter, Violet. She also leaves siblings, Joe (Michelle) Skarwecki, Deb (Greg) Delia, Jim (Annie) Skarwecki, Danny (Marie) Skarwecki, and Dave (Laura) Skarwecki, as well as one honorary brother, Ed White.

The family would like to extend their profound thanks to the team at Pathways Hospice who provided for her body, mind, and soul through the final months of her journey on Earth. Their care allowed her to live her final days with the utmost dignity and peace. We are forever grateful for her daughter Jen and family who moved in to care for Jeannie at home for the past 3 years. Having family there to ensure she could stay in her home of nearly 50 years was a true blessing.