Viola Mae (Vi) Mauldin, age 70, passed away suddenly on June 6, 2026 at home in Woodland Park, Colorado. 

Born on October 19, 1955 in Colorado Springs, Vi was the daughter of Harry and Pearlie Mae Geist.  Known for her strong work ethic, Vi held a variety of jobs throughout her life.  She was best known in her community as the power and operator of Java the Hut, a coffee and gear shop, in Woodland Park.

Vi was a consummate outdoorswoman, who possessed a deep, lifelong love for nature.  She felt most at home in the mountains, where she successfully climbed 26 of Colorado’s 14ers and led memorable hut trips.  She passionately shared her extensive knowledge of local flora and fauna with everyone she met.  An avid gardener, she grew beautiful flowers and cultivated her home to be just as vibrant and stunning as the mountain peaks she loved to explore.

Vi was a pillar of support for her family and a fixture in her grandchildren’s daily lives.  She was always at their house, ensuring her grandkids made it to school every day, and went to every one of their activities.  Her devotion knew no bounds, and she was always in the stands cheering them on.

Vi was known for her extraordinary kindness.  She possessed a warm, genuinely nice spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She was so exceptionally helpful and giving that her daughter-in-law always said she truly won the mother-in-law lottery.  She was a beloved face around town that friends and neighbors would frequently stop family members at the store to ask how she was doing and swap stories.  Her gentle nature and community presence will be profoundly missed.

Vi is lovingly survived by her husband Brian; her child, Ryan Lawrence  and his wife Melissa, her 3 cherished grandchildren, Michael Lawrence, Anthony Lawrence, and Lianna Johnson, siblings Bonnie (Dan Ramey), Freddie (Peggy).  Vi was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Pearlie May Geist, and her brother Robert.

A celebration of life is tentatively being planned for this coming fall, with details to be shared at a later date.