Robert Wayne Witt

Bob Witt was the most peaceful and pleasant man you could ever wish to meet! His hope was to live to see 90 years old. On April 26th, just shy of that, he passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and the superior staff of Hope West Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Robert Wayne Witt was born at home on October 13, 1934 to John and Gladys Witt of Karval, Colorado. He was the eldest of 3 sons. He was a devoted brother to James and Ronald. In their “mature” years, you could often find Bob and Jim together running to their commitments of choir practice, community concerts, board meetings and church.

Bob grew up in a humble, dry farming ranch family on the plains of eastern Colorado. He attended various Karval schools and graduated from Ordway High School in 1953 and Otero Junior College in 1955. He was awarded a scholarship to attend Colorado A & M. This “scholarship” was attached to the washing of many pots and pans. In 1957 he received his BA in education, being the first class to graduate from the newly named CSU. There he met Nancy C. Harper of Grand Junction, CO. Following graduation, they married and moved to Texas. Bob was drafted by the Army, and was sent to Ft. Bliss to serve his country. While there, they welcomed their first daughter, Kathryn. Soon to follow were two more children, Laura and Robert. They were born in Grand Junction, Colorado where Bob had secured his first teaching job in the science department of Grand Junction Jr. High.

He was able to pursue his dream of continuing his education throughout the summers at Western State College of Colorado. With a Masters degree in hand, he began his lifelong career as counselor for Orchard Mesa Jr. High, until retirement.

He loved his family and God first! He faithfully served the First Baptist Church and community with much happiness! He spent his time volunteering on the boards of Western Rockies Credit Union; MVEA; Community Concerts of the Grand Valley; and raising money for the Alzheimer's Association.

Bob always had an interest in gardening, geology, astronomy and maintained a rock garden to spend time in. He also had a sincere way of making you feel valued and always had time to listen. His wife, Nancy, of 54 years, passed away in 2010 and he joined a grief group through Hospice and made many new friends…one of which was to become his second wife, Barbara Link. They were married for over 10 years. She now resides with her daughter in Denver.

Bob was very loved by his family. He is survived by his children, Kathy (Greg) Painter of Salmon, Idaho; Laura (Jim) White of Grand Junction, CO; Bob (Yvonne) Witt of Hershey, Nebraska. His Grandchildren, Katy (Steven) Ranzoni of Oregon; Chris (Sarah) McDaniel of Idaho; Brooke Painter of Idaho; Craig White of Grand Junction; Becky (Castillo) Zamora of Grand Junction; Nikki (Bob) VonEhrenkrook of Grand Junction; Connor Witt of Nebraska; Erin (Aaron) Weismann of Nebraska; and 8 beautiful great-grandchildren: Elly and Sophia Ranzoni; Sage and Nora McDaniel; Ava and Ivy VonEhrenkrook; and Sydney and Cooper Zamora. He is also survived by his brothers Jim Witt of Grand Junction, Co. and Ronald Witt of Grapevine, Texas.

The Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church on July 20, 2024 at 10 AM. A time to visit with the family will be held following the service. All are welcome. In Bob's honor, donations can be made to Ferris Hospice Care Center-Hope West or the Alzheimer's Association.