It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Molly Diane Davis has passed on the morning of Monday June 21, 2021 in Loveland, CO. Born in Newport News, VA on August 12, 1954, Molly’s given name was Inez. She was adopted by Mamie Ann Davis and John “Moonie” Davis and called Greensboro, NC home through her collegiate and seminary studies. Growing up her father, John “Moonie” Davis, operated a clothing line called “J.DAVISLtd” from an office in Manhattan, NY. Molly spent many trips enjoying this city and her father honored her with a special line of clothing bearing her name, “Molly D”. In her early 20s, Molly forged a path for herself to independence and entrepreneurship and moved to CO to begin her own signage and advertising business. A passionate artist all her life, she began creating a name for herself as an artist and painter and called Boulder, CO home. In 1986, she married and in 1987 gave birth to her only son, John R. Gough, whom she raised as a single mother for most of his life.

Molly was a passionate and caring friend, mother, artist, teacher, and philanthropist and spent many years advocating for Boulder County Open Space preservation. In her pursuit of social justice and ecological preservation, she helped found the nonprofit Preserving the Vision, passed legislation protecting Boulder County Open Space, donated thousands of dollars to those in need, and worked to help Princeville, NC receive $49 million that had been promised but never awarded following a flood that devastated the city. Those of us who knew, loved, and cared for Molly saw a life well-lived through kindness, service, and acts that put others far before herself. As an artist, Molly had a passionate, colorful, and profound view of the world around her which she shared with her equally loving and passionate students. She taught classes at the Art Students’ League in Denver CO for many, many years, as well as private students at home and around the world. She took many classes and tours to locations all around Europe and showed people how to really see the world around them for the wonderful place that it is and that she viewed it to be. As a passionate outdoorswoman, Molly participated as a triathlete, hiker, and a plain-air painter not afraid to stare down a mountain lion to capture the right place to paint.

Molly was diagnosed with ALS in her last year but preserved her strength and grace throughout the incredible hardships that she faced. Throughout this time she was surrounded by loved ones and inundated with cards, letters, flowers, acts of service, and well wishes simply looking to thank her for the impact she had on so many lives. Molly passed away peacefully in the arms of her family, friends, and pastor on the morning of Monday June 21, 2021. She leaves behind her son John and his wife Lauren, her brother Steve and his wife Cathy, many beloved friends, her beloved dog Dot, and a loving community from around the world that will deeply feel the loss of her generosity and brilliance.

A memorial service for family, friends, and all those that she has touched through the years will take place Friday June 25, 2021 at 10:30am MDT at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 1730 West 12th Street, Loveland CO 80537. In lieu of flowers and gifts for remembrance, Molly asked that any donations go to the ALS Association.