Iris Joy Trachsel, 88, died December 4, 2023, at her Loveland, Colorado, home. She dazzled the lives of those who loved her like a hummingbird: colorful, vibrant, bringing delight to others.
Despite being born to poverty in Akron, Ohio, she rose to serve the ranks of corporate leaders. The eldest girl in a family of eight, she is survived by sisters Gloria Huggins and Kathy Percival of Florida, and Rebekah Shardy of Loveland. She was preceded in death by brothers Kenneth, Gary and Tim Trachsel. Especially painful was the loss of beloved Denice Davids, after a 37-year partnership. Denice’s family – Vick and Alice Davids and Rev. Dave and Bobbi Taylor – embraced them. She was proud of her godson, Justin Christopher Shardy, of Denver, and his father Jeffrey.
Iris worked as the right-hand person of Vice Presidents and CEOs at General Tire in Akron, Ohio, and later served Kodak and the Loveland Police Department. Like the aerial wonder she adored, Iris loved to flit from place to place; not flower to flower but U.S. state to state in years of travel with Denice that included dozens of golf courses, many friends, a hot air balloon and even a camel ride. Between adventures, they settled into homes in Loveland and Montrose, Colorado.
At the end of life, Iris enjoyed hummingbirds at her patio, and longed to be reunited with Denice. Her heart, so powerful with kindness, joy and love, ultimately failed. Like the angels, she could fly because she took herself lightly. Deeply moved by Nature and animals, she asked to be remembered with donations in her name to the charity supporting “Pitbulls and Parolees,” at www.vrcpitbull.com Rather than flowers . A private Memorial will be held in January 2024.
