Georgia Jean (VanAmburg) Haines
Georgia Haines, age 94 of Glenwood Springs passed away on Friday November 20th, 2020 from a sudden illness. She was born in Lansing Michigan on January 21, 1926, the second child of Clarence VanAmburg and Clela Williams VanAmburg. She grew up on her Grandparents’ farm outside of Portland Michigan and attended the Monroe school, a one room country school, until sixth grade. She graduated from Portland High School in 1943, and then attended Adrian College, where she met and married her true love, Bernie Haines in 1946. Bernie had been called to work at Oak Ridge National Laboratories during WWII, and Georgia went to join him and worked as a research assistant there after the war. She finished her undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Michigan State University in 1950, and soon took her first teaching job in Haslett, Michigan.
Georgia and Bernie moved to the Colorado Springs area in 1952. Georgia taught at various schools on the eastern slope, and also worked as a mathematician at the National Bureau of Standards. Additionally, she and Bernie owned and operated The Terrace Hotel, a historic summer resort in Green Mountain Falls, for five summers. They relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1962. Georgia taught at Basalt High School and later at Glenwood Springs High School, until she retired in 1985. She earned a Masters degree in Education in 1969.
Georgia was a dedicated teacher, always trying to help her students succeed. She was known for her ready smile and sweet disposition. She loved getting out in nature, hiking, seeing wildflowers, and watching birds. In retirement, she swam many laps at the hot springs pool, enjoyed camping and traveling, and she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. They loved to hear stories of her early life on the farm and at the one room school. Her last years were spent in good health, happily living in her own home with her grandson Van and his partner Anna.
She is survived by her daughter Trina Haines, son-in-law Bruce Wampler, grandchildren Van Wampler (and partner Anna Murphy) and Finley Haines (and partner Zee Winningham), sisters Lois Smith and Doris Babbitt, both of Portland MI, as well many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bernie, her parents, sisters Elaine Thrasher, Arleta Reddin, and brother Don VanAmburg. Her cheerful presence be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a time when it is safe to gather again.
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Thanks for your memories!
My heart is with you, Trina and Bruce. Just a glance at Georgia and your family at a Unitarian service would brighten my day. Family!
We were so saddened to hear of Georgia passing away. What wonderful memories and thoughts come to me. The wonderful time of being together and sharing with one another family memories. Trina and Bruce and family our heart goes out to you keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love Frank and Gwen
Georgia was a strong support to me from my high school transfer to GSHS through my teaching career in Basalt and then GSHS. She was very kind and became my friend. The twinkle in her eye livened up everyday. What an interesting life well lived. My condolences to her family and friends.
So saddened to hear of Georgia’s passing….she will be missed by SO many! She welcomed me when we first met a few years ago, welcomed me into her home, made breakfast, and we talked and talked. She definitely made an impact on me, and will be missed. Cherish your wonderful memories that you have❤️
My dear Aunt Georgia. She had a way of making you feel so special, so important, so loved. She was gentle, loving, and so kind. I treasure my special times I got to stay with her and family in Colorado on summer vacations. My most treasured time I will hold dear is when my mom, sister Janice and I visited Aunt Georgia and Trina in May of 2012. We laughed, hiked, shared memories, ate, and just enjoyed each others company so much. What a trip. She and Trina were the best hostesses ever. Aunt Georgia helped me make a batch of salsa a few years ago too, and she said she really had fun doing that. I also was with her when she visited her dear sister Elaine for the last time in Michigan. I have pictures and memories to hold forever from that special time — hearing her share stories with her sister. Aunt Georgia is the one that has maintained our VanAmburg family history and I’m so thankful for that. Aunt Georgia I will hold you in my heart forever, but I sure will miss you. Trina, love to you, Bruce, Van, and Finley.
My sister Cindy was on that vacation with us in May 2012 at Aunt Georgia’s and Trina. Cindy, Janice and I stayed at Trina and Bruce’s house, and Mom slept at Aunt Georgia’s. What a wonderful trip.
I am greatly saddened by the news of Georgia Haines’ sudden passing.
Georgia was a special gift to me personally. Whenever I led an event, Georgia was first to offer words of appreciation. She warmed my heart with her affirmations, full-on smiling face and dewy eyes. They made made me and countless others feel her gift of loving presence.
I’m so grateful to have known Georgia, and am deeply grateful for her life, luminosity and inspiration. I send my love and heart-felt sympathy to her family, especially Trina and Bruce.
“Georgia, our troubled world is diminished by your passing. May your soul be at peace.”
Aunt Geogia, Uncle Bernie, and Trina lived in Colorado. We all looked so forward to their visits to Portland. We always felt loved and encouraged by Aunt Georgia’s one on one attention and her beautiful smile. The legacy that she left for me is to appreciate the beauty of this earth and everyone I meet on my life journey.
Georgia was a very special person. Barbara and I will miss her…
I got to know Georgia through Ancestry.com where I learned she grew up around her cousin, my dad, Harold Patrick. I am so glad for the chats we had. I will miss them greatly.
I always loved seeing her when I’d go to the Unitarian services. Didn’t know her well, but I always felt like we were comfortable old friends. She was welcoming, warm, bright and lovely to be with. I will miss her. My love and thoughts are with you, Trina, Bruce, Van and all the family.