Verda Belle Wilkins

1922, on the ranch homesteaded by her grandfather along the South Platte River near Hillrose, Colorado.

Her great perseverance, positive attitude, and passion for life stemmed from this upbringing. As a Depression Era child and young wife during WWII, she perfected the art of repurposing everything life handed her, seeing potential in everything and everyone. Her home and gardens reflected the ingenuity and love that delighted all who knew her.

Verda was best friend and mother to three children, Linda, Dennis, and Kay, born to herself and first husband, Wes Stolte. The larger part of her married life was spent with second husband, Richard Wilkins. Their easy companionship brought her much joy and created a loving extended family for her children, son in-law Bruce, daughter in-law Sarah, grandson in-law Andy, and grandchildren, Laura and Matt. Verda's long life and amazing health allowed her to relish relationship with three BRILLIANT great grandchildren, Madeline Belle, Oliver Andrew, and Everett Matthew. Flashes of "Verda" are apparent in each of them.

Typical Verda-style was to go out without much fuss or inconvenience to anyone. She met her last few weeks of spinal fractures and heart failure with that Danish stoicism of which she was so proud. She left us peacefully and painlessly in a matter of hours, saying of her grandchildren, "They are my life." She was preceded in death by her parents, B.B. and Gladys Peterson, sister Venda Ball, brother Gene Peterson, daughter Linda Stolte, and is survived by sister Betty Ann Painter. Her passing leaves a huge hole in life as we know it.

She recently said more than once, as she turned in for the night, "l think tonight's the night I'll get to meet my Maker!" This great hope was met on December 17, 2018. And those who loved her are grateful she is safely Home.