Florence M. Skelton

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 8, 1926 to Stephen and Erma (Ruzsas) Schmidt. In August of 1944 Florence married the love of her life, Seaman First Class Ralph Paul Solomon. Their son, Stephen was born in August of 1945. Sadly Ralph was declared lost at sea in April, 1946. In 1948 she married Anthony John Vatrano and the marriage was blessed with a son and daughter.

Florence worked as an administrative assistant in various industries for many years, although her first choice was to be a Teacher or Writer. In 1980 she relocated to Colorado. As a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and Red Wings, her loyalties soon changed to the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos and the Colorado Avalanche.

Florence loved cooking, finding new recipes and riding her stationary bike while watching sports on TV. She was a lifelong member of TOPS in both Michigan and Colorado, always had a passion for politics and was very active even into her 90’s. Above all, she loved her family.

She is survived by her son Thomas Vatrano (Joanna Straayer), daughter Toni Vettraino (Don Kramer); 4 grandchildren: Thomas Vettraino, Kenneth Vettraino (Kristi), Nicole Vatrano, and Robert Vatrano (Tammy); 6 great grandchildren: Dustin Brewer (Kayla), Whitney Vettraino, Zane Acton, Laine Vettraino, Nicholas Vatrano, Allison Vatrano and one great-great grandchild; Charlee Rose Vettraino. She was also an honorary Gramma to Lori Vettraino and Brenda Trupp. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Stephen Solomon and brothers Robert Schmidt and Michael Schmidt.

Donations may be made in Florence's memory to Collier Hospice, Denver Dumb Friends League or Disabled American Veterans.