Sheila Ann Coy

Sheila was born on December 6, 1960, to Kenneth Arvid (Hanson) Lohse and Molly Ann (Rutar) Struna in Moorhead, Minnesota. While growing up, her serious nature was revealed—she was a solid A student, a first-chair violinist, and a disciplined seamstress with a passion for cooking and, especially, baking. Cinnamon rolls (on demand!) were her specialty. As a teenager, Sheila expressed a growing desire for God’s word, and as a young woman, she began her lifelong search for a meaningful spiritual life.

Sheila spent many days, summers, and holidays at her paternal grandparents’ farm in Ottertail County, MN. There, she developed both a strong work ethic and a deep love for animals. After high school, she took a job in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. That summer, her fate was sealed—she decided to make the American West her home, and so she did. She graduated with a veterinary technician degree in Torrington, WY. While in school, she met the Wyoming man of her dreams, Michael Coy. They were married in 1990 and settled in Sheridan, Wyoming, where they built their early life together. They were blessed with their one and only child, Hannah Olivia Coy, in 1994.

Sheila devoted her life to raising Hannah and homeschooling her. The family became very involved in the Sheridan church community, 4-H, and Christian curriculum. After moving to Craig, CO, in 2007, all of these same commitments grew and strengthened. In Craig, the family of three found a like-minded, supportive, and friendly community. They raised pigs, goats, horses, chickens, and rabbits. They became active members of New Creation Church, and Sheila worked for the Craig Veterinary Hospital.

In summation, Sheila often sighed, “I love my little town.”

And Sheila loved her life. She did not want to leave us. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, she stoically proclaimed, “I don’t DO cancer.” For her, there were still so many days ahead—to build an evening fire, walk Brown Dog (Koda), raise more chickens, make more Christmas ornaments, take a long-awaited vacation, or kick back with Mike on the front porch.

Special thanks to the oncology team at Memorial Hospital—Bridget, Jessica, Erica, Mallory, Kaylonnie, Jo, Kelly, Shane, Hannah, Julie and others—for your care and compassion. Sheila so appreciated your efforts. And heartfelt thanks to dear friends Miss Amber, Miss Carol, and all the prayer warriors who never gave up.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Michael, of 35+ years; her daughter, Hannah; her mother-in-law, Patty (Nietfeld) Raben (WY); her father-in-law, Richard Coy, and his wife, Diane (AZ); her brother, Robert Lohse (ND), and niece, Moneika Sweeney (AZ); her sister, Colleen Lohse, and brother-in-law, Stuart Dyson; and her nephew, George (Lohse) Dyson (NM)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

New Creation Church

ATTN: Sheila Coy MISSION Scholarships

PO Box 1682

Craig, CO 81626

● Psalm 121:1–2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”