In Memory

We Would Like to Take a Moment to Pay Tribute to Those We Have Lost.

To give in memory of your loved, click here to begin. Donate $50 or more, then submit their name and dates to be published on this In Memory Page. For donations of $100 or more, you may also include a photo and small paragraph about their life.

Jim Mitchell	1959-2011
	Jim was the brother of the IDA Founder’s wife, Sherri Connell. He had struggled with severe pain for many years, then took a bad turn after major neck surgery last summer and unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Jim was a “Harley Man.” He loved motorcycles, fast cars, go carts and dune buggies. He also had a gorgeous voice and loved to sing karaoke. But most of all, Jim was a family man. One of his favorite sayings was, “Always remember, Family First!” His Mom always told him, “You have the best characteristics any man could ever have and I call that “Tough and Tender.” Jim wasn’t just a “Big Guy” in stature, he was the one with the “Biggest & Best Hugs” and a really “Big Heart.” Person after person told stories of how Jim always put others first and was always there for them when they needed help.Jim was very supportive of the work that the Invisible Disabilities Association does to help others like his baby sister, Sherri. He traveled to attend the banquets with pride for what IDA was doing to bring awareness and support around the world. Also, for nearly 20 years, he was a part of the local Toy Run, taking toys to children in the hospital in a parade of motorcycles and hot-rods. He will live in many hearts forever!
Karen Gallegos	1957-2011
	Karen Dickson-Gallegos was born and raised on a farm in Wray, Colorado. She is the mother of four wonderful children; three boys and one girl. Karen had recently married Pat Gallegos in 2008. She enjoyed animals of all kinds, her pets, reading, crosswords and cooking. One of Karen’s greatest joys was singing karaoke with family and friends. Karen was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend to many. She is greatly missed.
Bethany Hecht	1963-2011
Jason M. Graham	1973-2011
	Jason was diagnosed with both a pituitary brain tumor and kidney disease. He had successful brain surgery and received a kidney transplant donated by his mother. However, the kidney functioned at a minimum and he began battling a rare brain cancer. Jason credited his faith in God, support of his family and friends and good medical care with keeping him emotionally strong during his many trials. Jason unexpectedly passed away from a sudden, massive brain bleed.
William Fletcher	1963-2009
Kim T. Mills	1954-2009
H. Paul Cottrell	1923-2008
Shirley Joyce Busch	1932-2007
	Shirley was active in her church and enjoyed art such as pottery and painting. She also loved country living and horseback riding. She was very close to her family. Her brother and 2 sisters, kids and grandkids were her world. She is missed by many.
Jennifer P. Decker	1969-2007
	Jenni Decker lived the last 4 years of her life, mostly bedridden due to a rare and complex pain disorder. Even so, Jenni’s love and passion for others was evident to those around her and her faith remained steady. Jenni was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She has been greatly missed by so many.
James Juhl Jr	1989-2007
	Jim Juhl, Jr was only 17 years old when his life was suddenly taken from this world. Jim unknowingly contracted Bacterial Meningitis and was gone in a blink of an eye. Jim was very active in scouts, church and his family. His family and friends miss him beyond words.
Michael Stephenson	1956-2006
	Michael had Cystic Fibrosis, a lung disease that usually takes a life at a very young age. Everyone loved Michael, his soft spoken voice and contagious smile. Although Michael was very ill, he often thought of others first. Michael thought for a long time he would never marry, but he found the love of his life, Gina in his 40′s and couldn’t have been happier. Michael passed away at the age of 50.
Ione Salomon	1926-2006