Maurine Claire Garretson of Eaton, CO went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 17, 2026, at the age of 87 peacefully in her home. She was born in Greeley, CO to Roland and Edith Johnson on October 20, 1938. She grew up on a farm outside of Galeton, Colorado. Her family attended the Eaton Free Church until she graduated from Galeton High School as valedictorian in 1956.

She grew up always interested in sewing and 4-H. In her senior year of high school, she entered a “make it yourself with wool” contest. Her project was a beautiful wool suit and won the local, state and national contest. Her winning prize was a trip to Europe where she visited several countries.

After high school, she went right to work for Shell Oil Company of Denver, CO located in the Fisher Tower. In the fall of 1957, she enrolled in college at Colorado A & M in Ft. Collins, Colorado. While there, she met Zeke Garretson from Haxtun, CO. They were married in December of 1958 and enjoyed almost 68 years of marriage.

Maurine was active in business most of her life. After their wedding, Maurine worked in the school office at Peetz High School where Zeke taught and coached multiple sports. It was during this time that their son Todd was born in 1960. Later they moved to Holyoke, CO where their daughter Kristy was born in 1963. Their third child Eric was then born later in 1969.

In 1965, Maurine and Zeke bought a sporting goods business in Sterling, CO. Maurine was secretary and kept the books for the business for over 20 years. In 1979, they moved to Greeley, CO. They opened Garretson Sports Center in Greeley in 1983. Maurine remained active with the business for several more years. Later on, she became a loan officer at First National Bank in Greeley. She later ran her own business, Maurine’s Fashion Center, in two locations. Later she would become a realtor in the Greeley area and top producer, winning many awards. She was a realtor for more than 25 years.

Maurine was great cook and enjoyed entertaining many guests in her home. Her pies were one of her specialties. She loved playing cards and traveling with her family throughout the United States. Her love for fashion was evident until her end of days, always meticulous from her nails to her shoes.

She is survived by her husband Zeke; her sons, Todd Garretson (Cheri) and Eric Garretson; and daughter, Kristy Desser (Ray); 6 grandkids; 10 great-grandkids; and 2 great-great-grandkids. She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, a daughter, and a grandson.

A celebration of Maurine’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday May 22, 2026, at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton. Private family burial will be held at the Eaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton for India.