Elizabeth Gjellum

Elizabeth "Libby" (McDowell) Gjellum was born in West Virginia on September 18, 1934, to her mother, Maude McDowell. At a young age, she moved to Calhoun, Kentucky, where she met John Harold Gjellum while he was on active duty in the Army and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They married and moved to Del Norte, Colorado, in 1950.

Libby worked for many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in various medical offices and at the Del Norte Nursing Home. Outside of work, she had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor that kept those around her laughing. She was an excellent mom and grandmother, always present for her family.

She had a love for cards, dancing, and sports. She played in several bridge clubs, enjoyed Saturday nights at Boogies, and was a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos, Nuggets, and, most of all, the Colorado Rockies. One of her greatest joys was her yearly trips to Las Vegas with family, where her luck was almost legendary-she played slots, Keno, and Blackjack and nearly always came home with more money than she took.

Libby is survived by her three children: Bob (Pam) Gjellum, JoAnn "Jo" (Mike) Crownover, and John (Kristi) Gjellum; her grandchildren: Dustin (Chelcie) Gjellum, Jolynn (Sarah) Crownover, Krista Gjellum, and Jamie (Aaron) MacArthur; and her great-grandchildren: Paislie and Brexten Gjellum, Casey and Codi Crownover, and Lainey MacArthur.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her mother, Maude; and her siblings, Margaret, Mary, and John.

Libby passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and the caring staff of River Valley Inn. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to River Valley Inn Nursing Home or Rio Grande Hospital. To express condolences, please visit www.mvmortuary.com

Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Mountain Valley Mortuary