Robin Rae Johnson Neher

On the last day of winter, on her 60th wedding anniversary under a new moon, Robin Rae Johnson Neher embarked on her heavenly ascent on March 19, 2026, in the serene arms of Canon City, Colorado. Born into this earthly realm on June 2, 1947, in the heartland of Dayton, Ohio, Robin lived a life as vibrant and colorful as the art she so passionately created. Her journey through this world was marked by the strokes of her loving brush, the echoes of her joyous laugh, and the warmth of her compassionate heart, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Robin’s early days were steeped in the rich tapestry of family, the cherished daughter of Robert Johnson and Imogene Gadd, whose memories she carried as precious treasures throughout her life. She was a sister of great heart to Scott, Jeff, LaDonna and Barbara, with whom she shared bonds unbreakable by time. Robin’s educational path began at Fairview High School in Dayton, where her love for creativity first took flight. Her spirit of learning led her to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and later, to Norwich University Vermont College, where she pursued an MA in Art Therapy — a testament to her belief in the healing power of art. In the tapestry of her professional life, Robin found her calling as an art therapist at Pikes Peak Mental Health, counseling with colors and compassion. Her work extended beyond the walls of institutions, as she also touched lives independently, wielding her artistic talents as a beacon of hope and healing. With her beloved husband, Gary Neher, she co-owned Little Circle Farm Alpacas in Penrose, Colorado, where for twenty-five years, alpacas grazed and played under her caring gaze. This farm stood not only as a home but as a haven for countless creatures — dogs, cats, birds, and even a pair of ducks — who found solace in Robin’s loving arms. Robin’s spirit danced in the realms of art and nature, where she found her muse. Her soul was nourished by poetry and music, the rhythm of life echoed in her steps as she swayed and danced beneath the stars. Her heart beat in harmony with the natural world, finding peace in the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind. This affinity for nature was matched by her deep love for animals, each one a testament to her boundless empathy and kindness. Robin always felt she got her appreciation of the humor imbued and inherent in life from her dad, and it's presence as part of her, in it's unique and at times hilarious ways, was not wasted on her and her loved ones. A spiritual seeker, Robin embraced the teachings of Christianity and Buddhism, drawing wisdom from the mystics of all traditions. She journeyed through faith with an open heart, f inding unity in diversity and peace in understanding. As a spiritual guide to many, her presence was a light that illuminated paths and inspired souls to seek their own truths. Her life was a testament to the words of Rumi, who wrote, "The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart." Robin shared her life with her beloved husband, Gary, whose partnership was a dance of love and support, flourishing in the shared joys and triumphs of life’s journey. Their daughter, Heather Neher, and son-in-law, Niels Schonbeck, were the proud recipients of her love and wisdom. Heather and Robin were particularly close, mother-daughter besties, loving their spiritual conversations and shared much of life's bounties, like music, and nature. When Heather was a child, Robin was involved in founding Innisfree School in Lexington, Kentucky. Robin, Gary, and Heather moved to Colorado Springs from Kentucky in 1977. Her granddaughter, Rowin Schonbeck, was a twinkling star in Robin’s universe, a testament to the enduring legacy of love across generations. In friendship, Robin was steadfast and true, weaving bonds that stood the test of time. Cris and Denny Decker, her and Gary's lifelong best friends, and Katie Atwood, a close confidante, were among those she held dear. These friendships, like threads of gold, wove a tapestry of shared laughter, adventures, and memories cherished forever. Intelligent, passionate, and loving, Robin’s essence was a symphony of virtues that resonated with all who crossed her path. Her life was a poem, each line a testament to her unwavering spirit and unwavering love. In the words of the poet Khalil Gibran, "And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb." Robin has reached her mountain top, leaving behind a legacy of love and beauty that will forever bloom in the hearts of those she touched. As we celebrate Robin’s life, we remember her as a beacon of light, a nurturer of the soul, and a true artist of living. Her journey may have transitioned to the ethereal, but her spirit remains with us — a guiding star, an eternal muse, a reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived. Through the memories we carry, Robin’s vibrant spirit continues to inspire, reflecting the truth of her existence: a life lived in love, art, and spiritual grace.

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