Ginna Mitchell Harbison departed this life on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, after a valiant battle against cancer.
Ginna was born to Jack & Matilda Mitchell in Leavenworth, Kansas on December 23, 1945. In high school she was a member of the Aquanauts synchronized swim team and was voted friendliest senior girl, a trait she extended to everyone she met throughout her life. After graduation, Ginna attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, making life-long friends. There she earned her teaching degree and met and married Gary Harbison, her husband of 55 years.
In 1971, she and Gary moved to Durango, Colorado. For years Ginna taught & managed summer swim lessons. In 1975, Ginna & four other women began New Horizon’s Preschool, where she taught and directed for 18 years. She was also a member of P.E.O. International, an active member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal church, and belonged to the Order of Daughters of the King. Upon retiring from New Horizon’s, Ginna became a
Upon retiring from New Horizon’s, Ginna became a consultant with BeautiControl Cosmetics, where she taught women about skincare and color analysis. Later, as a BC Director, she trained consultants locally & nationally.
After her first round of cancer, Ginna went to work for the American Cancer Society and later volunteered for patient services. Carol McGuire, Cancer Coalition of South West Colorado coordinator stated, “Ginna was our true volunteer leader for so many years. Her time & talent devoted to helping others with cancer cannot be measured. She was a giant who worked quietly & accomplished much.”
Ginna was an artist at heart. She loved watercolor painting, gardening, reading, watching her grandchildren, and being anywhere near the water. As a life-long Episcopalian, Ginna’s faith was boundless, and her trust in the Lord gave her a quiet confidence & peace during times of trial.
Ginna is survived by her husband Gary Harbison; two children: Gayle Sofka (Darren) and Meade Harbison (LeeAnn); four grandchildren: Morgan, Dayton, Kyler & Karson; sisters Nancy Martin & Midge Bigler, Sister-in-law Maggie Mitchell, and numerous nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Ginna’s Life will be held on June 4, 2022 in Durango, CO.