Ruth "Nana" Virginia Stimack

Ruth Virginia “Nana” Stimack

(1936-2025)

Ruth Virginia “Nana” Stimack, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and
friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, strength, and cherished
traditions. She was the heart of her family, the architect of countless memories, and a beacon of
kindness to all who knew her.

Ruth dedicated 42 years to the Royal Gorge Bridge Company, where she served as the first and
only female General Manager. Her leadership extended far beyond the workplace—she served
on the St. Thomas More Hospital Board, the West Plains Colorado Advisory Board, and the
Cañon City Chamber of Commerce, where she was honored as Outstanding Member (1987-
88). She was deeply involved in her faith, serving on the Christ Episcopal Vestry, Columbarium
committee, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the church choir. Her love for animals led her
to a 45-year tenure on the Humane Society of Fremont County Board, and she played an
integral role in Southern Colorado’s tourism efforts, serving as an officer of the Royal Gorge
Attraction Association, Treasurer of the Southern Colorado Tourism Council, and an advisory
board member of the Colorado Outdoor Performing Arts Association. She broke barriers as the
first woman to serve as Vice Chairperson of the Colorado State Tourism Board Advisory
Council and was recognized as Cañon City’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year (1991) and
1988 Woman of the Year by the Cañon City Business and Professional Women/USA.

Yet, for all her remarkable accomplishments, Ruth’s greatest joy was in the relationships she
built and the traditions she created. She and her beloved husband, Don Stimack, were the
initiators of Candy Cane Lane, a cherished community tradition that brought holiday magic to
so many.

As much as she gave to her community, Nana’s truest legacy is the love she poured into her
family. She will never be “missing,” because she will be found in so many treasured moments.
We will see her in an Arizona golf game and a shot “Right down the middle,” in Easter egg
decorating and delicious brunch, in Mother’s Day flower planting and beautiful geraniums.
She will be there when we enjoy a happy hour drink on the patio and hear her laughter.
When we wear our Brighton jewelry, she will shine. She will be there when we make orange
frosted sugar cookies for Halloween, and when our family holds hands in a circle at
Thanksgiving, sharing what we are thankful for. She will be present the moment we open
“Nana’s Cookbook” to make anything—especially Christmas cookies. And she will fill the
room at Christmastime, in the scent of delicious food, the glow of Santas and tree lights, the
joy of perfectly wrapped, carefully chosen gifts, and most of all, in the beauty of the
Christmas story told through pageant and song.

Ruth “Nana” was a living example of strength, kindness, thoughtfulness, gratitude, and love.
Her handwritten thank-you notes are legendary. And now, Nana, it is our turn—Thank you.
Thank you for being our most precious blessing, our guiding light, and the perfect model for all
we hope to become. You are truly missed, but you will never be missing—because you fill our
hearts and lives every single day.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Edmon, and her husband of 41 years, Don
Stimack.

Loving Survivors Include;

Barbara (Bill) Wills, Mary Jo Miller, Beth (Tim) Gaffney, Brent (Brenda) Evans, Greg (Cheri)
Stimack, Susan (Doug) Miller, Sharon (Dave) Berry, Josh (Mandy) Reed, Ginnie (Louie)
Chairez, Vinessa (Brian) Connor, Jessica (Mike) Erdman, Jennifer Gentry, Colin (Kaila) Evans,
Chance (Maretta) Butler, Nick (Becky) Berry, Breanna (Tim) Hamby, Kristi Jo (Greg)
Anzlover, Greg Stimack Junior, Nadia Stimack, Ryan (Michelle) Miller, Kendra (Shane) Van
Handel, Cindi (Ward) Colbert, Larry (Yolanda) Pebley, Mary (Mike) Bell, Mark Pebley, Gary, Paula and Candie Evans.

Thirty precious, beloved great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, numerous Stimack & Ugolini Family, and
countless lifelong friends.

Loving caregivers; Connor Whiting, Cora Schliesser, Casey Cordes, Darian Orton

Service Details

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 802 Harrison, Cañon
City, CO 81212, on Saturday, March 29th, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow.

Memorial Contributions

Donations in Ruth’s honor may be made to:

 Humane Society of Fremont County
Christ Episcopal Church
Sangre De Cristo Hospice

Ruth loved flowers; they will be happily accepted.

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