Mary Ellen Root

It with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen Root, age 74, of Westcliffe, CO, Who departed this life on October 2nd, 2026. Mary was born in Denver to Robert & Helen (Lundien) Sprinkle on July 10th, 1952. A proud graduate of Frankfurt American High School in Germany, Class of 1970. She dedicated her life to gardening, traveling, reading, the arts, photography, Scouting, and as always, her family & friends.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Chevron, in Denver; Collingwood Grain, & Western Feedlot in Johnson, Kansas. In Lamar she worked as the office manager at Prowers County Public Health. Later transitioning to become the county land use administrator for Southeastern Colorado for 26 years.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Robert & Helen Sprinkle. She is survived by her high school sweetheart Kenneth Root of Westcliffe, they celebrated 55 years of marriage and her son Chris Root of Westcliffe. They were the two loves of her life. Her sisters: Tammorah (Norman) Alexander of Steamboat Springs; Deborah Losey of Arvada; Diana (Kevin) Keck of Greeley; & half brother John Laborde of Hugo. Her brother’s in-law Jim (Ann) Root of Topeka, KS; & Doug (Connie) Root of Westcliffe. As well as eleven nieces & nephews & numerous other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either of the following. The High Altitude Garden Club 719-650-4201 or The West Custer County Library District, 209 Main St, Westcliffe, CO 81252, www.westcusterlibrary.org/donate/ 719-783-9138.

Mary will be greatly missed & fondly remembered for her love, empathy, & grace. Her laughter would fill the room, and her stories will echo for years to come.