H. Louise Skuderna

(Helen) Louise Skuderna

September 27, 1928 – February 17, 2018

Louise Skuderna was a loving wife, devoted to her family, and blessed with a multitude of talents that she generously bestowed on others throughout her life. Louise was born in Wichita, Kansas to a family that was steeped in morals, values, education, faith, and family. She began taking piano lessons at the age of five and through the years was awarded a National Winner certificate twice from the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Louise additionally received top ratings in four Kansas State Federated Club piano contests and received a rating of Highly Superior in Girl’s High Voice from the Mid-Kansas League. Upon graduation, Louise came to Denver to continue her musical education at Colorado Women’s College where she majored in music. After marriage to John in 1948, Louise devoted time to family but continued to have many opportunities to play for choral groups, fashion shows, various programs, church, and for enjoyment at home.

Without a doubt, one of the strongest bonds Louise carried throughout her life came from the Riggs family cabin nestled in the Huahatolla Canyon between the Spanish Peaks in Southern Colorado. When she was nine, during the post-Depression years, her family would travel from Kansas to spend the summer months in the cooler climate. During the course of three summers, the family built the cabin themselves by doing such things as mixing their own concrete, gathering rocks for the fireplace, peeling aspen logs, and hauling lumber. Every year thereafter, the Riggs family went to the canyon, worked hard, played hard, fished abundantly, and started creating memories. The cabin remains a place for family to come together, to seek peace and quiet from stressful lives, and gather around the hearth at night to listen to the stories of times gone by.

During her adult life, Louise committed herself to the PEO Colorado Chapter DB. In the course her 65 year membership she served in many capacities and accompanied the Melodic Marguerites.

Louise is survived by her loving family: two sisters - Norma Rose, and Phyllis Bigler; three daughters - Janet (Bonita Sellstrom) Skuderna, Linda (Rockey) Becerra, and Nancy (Bill) Dernell; four grandchildren - Jill Becerra, Tina Wickes, Jim Dernell, and Carl Dernell; five great-grandchildren - Katelind Wickes, Holden Wickes, Rylee Becerra, Gracie Gerken, and Justice Dernell. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, John Skuderna and her great-grandson Ryland Headley.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 10:30 am, at Green Mountain Presbyterian Church, 12900 W. Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80228.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery & Arboretum, Wheat Ridge, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Louise’s name to: Green Mountain Presbyterian Church in Lakewood or The Collier Hospice Center, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.