Marguerite “Punky” Garfield passed away July 29 in Fort Collins.
Born in 1928 to Jim and Amy Pointon, she grew up on the family ranch east of Las Animas. She started her education by traveling with her siblings in a pony cart to the one-room school house near the ranch.
From that beginning, at age 16 she traveled alone to the big city of Fort Collins to attend college, and became a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. While there, she met her future husband, star athlete Wilbur Garfield, and they were married for 66 years. Marguerite graduated from Colorado A and M, earning a degree in child development and nutrition. After graduation, she was director of the CSU Cooperative Nursery School, and later had an interior decorating business.
Marguerite was preceded in death by Wilbur, and her siblings Eleanor, Dolly, Jeff and Tom, as well as grandson Craig Garfield. She is survived by her children, Linda Overlin (Dave), Ted Garfield (Tracy), and Jim Garfield (Linda). Her grandchildren, Jim, Annie, Rebecca, Danielle, Colin, and Kelly, all say that she was the best grandmother anyone could ever have. She also is survived by six great grandchildren, Delaney, Quinn, Milena, Rio, Levi and Moxon.
Marguerite was a beloved Girl Scout leader, and led a Boy Scout troop as well. An accomplished pianist, she also enjoyed bridge, sewing, volunteering for the Aspen Club, and taking care of various elderly neighbors. She was a passionate supporter of the Home Ec Department at CSU, often teaching classes and lobbying for that discipline. She and Wilb loved traveling, playing golf, and fishing. Marguerite was a long time member of PEO, focusing on women’s education.
The family is so grateful to have had Marguerite and Wilbur as parents and grand-parents. Their spirit, support in all of our endeavors, generosity to us and to the community were exemplary. All the things that they taught us made us who we are. We will always remember with delight and laughter our adventures with mom and dad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the City Gives Youth Golf Scholarship in memory of Garfields, 215 N. Mason, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
