Verna Marie Wilkins

Verna was born on November 1, 1931, in Firstview, Colorado, to Henry and Suzie Kruse. She was the youngest in a close-knit family that included her older siblings, Jerry, Eloise, Marjorie, Glenivere ("Glenny"), and her twin sister, Vera.

When Verna was a toddler, her family moved to Denver, where she grew up and later graduated from South High School. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Alfred "Big Al" Wilkins. The couple married in September 1954 and shared 44 wonderful years together until Alfred's passing in late 1998.

Verna began her career as a payroll clerk and personal secretary assistant, working from 1949 to 1954. She then devoted herself to raising her three sons and creating a loving home. From 1965 to 1975, she became well known among family and friends for her beautifully baked and decorated multi-tiered wedding cakes, which she personally delivered and assembled at wedding venues throughout the area. During that same period, she worked as an Auditor for Colorado Market Research and Information, a position she thoroughly enjoyed. Later, from 1987 to 1991, she served as Gift Manager, Buyer, and Cashier at Yarbro Drug in Denver's University Hills neighborhood.

A lifelong lover of Colorado, Verna enjoyed camping near Twin Lakes at the trailers of Glen and Glennie and cherished every opportunity to travel. She had a passion for collecting and restoring antique furniture, as well as gathering treasured collectibles, including antique teddy bears and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. Her home of more than 70 years reflected her love of history and collecting, resembling a charming miniature museum.

Verna also enjoyed movies, live theater, and music. September held a special place in her heart, which is why she chose that month to marry her beloved "Big Al" in 1954.

Family was the center of Verna's life. She cared deeply for her family and friends and instilled in her children the importance of being good, honorable people. One of her most admirable qualities was her unwavering ability to make others feel loved. Every conversation with Verna ended with a heartfelt reminder of how much she cared, and those words will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Verna was the last surviving member of her immediate family, marking the passing of a remarkable generation that will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her three sons, Greg, Mark, and Jeff; her daughters-in-law, Eilene and Barbara; her grandchildren, Jeremy (and his wife, Hallie) and Weston; her three great-grandchildren, Cambria, Izzy, and Avette.

Verna's legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.