Mary Ligon Obituary

Mary Janya Ligon was born on October 8, 1951, the daughter of Herb and Jeanne Grether, Presbyterian missionaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She lived in Chaing Mai, and later Bangkok, where she graduated from International School Bangkok as class salutatorian.

Mary earned a degree in art from the University of California, Berkeley. Subsequently, she spent two formative years as personal assistant for the artist Georgia O'Keeffe in Abiquiu, NM. Miss O'Keeffe would later confide to a mutual friend that she and Mary shared a spiritual bond.

From Abiquiu, Mary moved to Fort Collins. There she met her future husband in 1978 by pure chance next to Claymore Lake, north of Fort Collins. Her warmth, kindness, intelligence, unassuming nature, and beauty were impossible to miss. They married on June 14, 1980, in Estes Park with her father officiating.

The couple settled in Loveland where Mary had family ties dating back to 1913. Sons were born in 1982 and 1984. She lovingly dedicated the next decades of her life to her family. Mary preferred a simple life of few possessions. In 46 years of marriage, she never once argued about money. Over the years, Mary created many excellent works of art, mostly working in batik and oils. She loved to hike and to walk her neighborhood west of downtown, capturing beautiful photos along the way.

Mary exhibited gentle kindness in all she did, whether translating for Thai-speaking Cambodian refugees or attentively caring for her aging parents over the span of many years. She was a long-time member of the "First on Fourth" Presbyterian Church and had been actively involved with the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

During the more than 12 years that Mary suffered from Parkinson's disease she exhibited endless grace, tenacity, and determination, requiring little help until the last few weeks of life. Last year she completed a book about Miss O'Keeffe based on journals and letters she wrote while working for the artist. Getting to Know Georgia O'Keeffe offers a sensitive portrayal of O'Keeffe in late life as she struggled with macular degeneration. Mary lived to see her book gain recognition at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe.

Mary's struggle ended at home on March 28, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved niece, Molly Grether. She is survived by her husband Lee Ligon, her sons Greth and Mark Ligon; her brothers Bob Grether (Katy), Mark Grether (Ying and daughter Anna), and Bruce Grether (Tom Manes); and by her life-long best friend Carol (McDaniel) Licht.

At Mary's request, a private celebration of life will be held. If desired, donations can be made to the Food Bank for Larimer County or the Community Kitchen.