Husband and wife Skip and Carol Schroer officially bade farewell to Grand County this week. On Sunday Nov. 20, the Church of Eternal Hills in Tabernash gave the Schroers a proper send-off with cake and coffee — both have been longtime attendees of Church of the Eternal Hills. After Sunday’s service, Pastor Paula Daniel Steinbacher led the couple down the aisle.

Many church-goers, including the Schroers, were tearful. But there was also laughter as people exchanged stories and memories with the Schroers, lining up to say their farewells.

Skip taught social studies at Middle Park High School from 1970 to 1996. Carol enchanted children with creative tales and her unique hats as the beloved “story lady” at the Hot Sulphur Springs Library.

The couple has lived at their home in Hot Sulphur Springs, the first home they ever bought, for 52 years. They’ve enjoyed 58 years of marriage, hiking and cross-country in Grand County.

The couple have also been involved in lots of community service in the county, including volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

The couple has moved to Montrose, Colorado, where they will be closer to their daughter, who lives in Crested Butte.

Carol, who still hikes, told community members she’s looking forward to the mountainous landscape around Montrose. The mountains will be a reminder of Grand, while the couple enjoys retirement in a milder climate.