During the late evening hours of March 8th we lost one of the most dedicated, selfless teachers of the Roaring Fork Valley. Iras Loretta Crymble, fondly know as Ivy, passed after a very long, heroic and valiant battle in the company of close family.

Ivy was born in Austin, Texas and moved permanently to Colorado in 1952, where she graduated from Littleton High School. She continued on to Western State College, graduated with a double Major in education and psychology. While at Western State she met the love of her life, Willian (Bill) Crymble, whom she married shortly after graduation, started a family with, and soon moved to Carbondale Co. Ivy went on to earn her Masters in Education, and began her teaching career as a specialist in reading with the RE-1 school district. Over the next 30 years, her infinite patience and caring helped thousands of children in the Roaring Fork Valley learn not only to read and write, but to gain self confidence. Ivy was constantly educating herself in the most cutting edge technology to aid children in learning, and after retiring as a school teacher joined the office staff of a local optometrist who was using the movement and perception of the eyes to improve children’s reading skills. Not one to stand idle, she continued on to become a librarian aid at CMC where she continued her passion for helping others.

Ivy was a life long participant in her sorority, meeting frequently with many local members. She became a well known and loved member of “walk and Talk”, a local cancer support group, and was always the foundation of our family.

An informal celebration of her life will be held on Saterday, March 30th, from noon till 4 PM at the Redstone Inn. Food and drink will be provided. Please come share your stories, laughter and help us honor this wonderful woman.

She asked that in lieu of flowers, donate to Habitat for Humanity, one of her favorite charities.