Tony, for some reason you two were on my mind today, and I googled.  I am so saddened to hear of your loss.  Krista was such a fun, loving, good-hearted person.  I am sure you were/are devastated.  

I'm sure you won't be notified that a new posting is here, so I will try to find your email.  But if you happen to check in occasionally, know that I mourn your loss and send you a long and tight hug in commiseration.

Lauri Loebel Carpenter, July 2025

To the Virgo Family,

How do I begin to eulogize the life of such a remarkable woman?  Krista was a soul that offered so much and left us far too soon.

I first met Krista when her son Richard was placed in my Second Grade classroom at Sanborn Elementary.  She quickly became an integral part of our classroom.  Her smile and boundless energy were always a welcome sight.  Krista volunteered in my classroom in a myriad of different ways.  She would help make copies of schoolwork, work with small groups of students on their reading and math skills, join us on field trips and along with other wonderful parents orchestrate some fabulous classroom holiday parties.  I remember the oohs and aahs when the kiddoes would open their treat bags from the Virgo Family - believe me, those treat bags were something to behold.

As if I weren't blessed enough to have taught one Virgo child, I also had the joy and privilege of teaching the Virgo girls, Terese and Lina.  Let me say that Krista absolutely adored here children.
She praised and encouraged their individual strengths and talents.  She was the consummate cheerleader and I'm sure that continued as the children grew into young adults.

It is undeniable that Krista knew exactly how to spoil her children's teachers.  Every Christmas I would receive a large tray of homemade cookies and candies.  My husband would look forward to that tray almost as much I did.  I can only imagine that Krista's kitchen must have looked like Santa's workshop from Thanksgiving to Christmas with lots of wonderful aromas permeating their household.

Her children always presented me with teacher gifts that were guaranteed to make me cry.  One Christmas, I had to explain to the class that my tears were tears of joy and not that I was 
unhappy.  One such gift was a basket filled with classroom goodies such as stickers, markers, fancy scissors and children's books for our classroom library.  Another gift was a Build-a-Bear  with the recording of Richard, Terese and Lina's precious voices saying We will love you forever Mrs. Roper.  That Bear still sits on a shelf in my office and brings back many wonderful memories.

Krista was a hard-working, intelligent, caring and very thoughtful person.  She was a constant source of inspiration to me.  Despite her numerous health issues she never let it dictate her life. She always attempted to live her life to the fullest and loved to laugh and smile.  Krista loved her family and friends with everything she had. In return, many people loved and cared for her.

The last time I saw Krista was at Richard's wedding.  It was obvious that Krista was in poor health but she spoke with such tenderness of her happiness for Richard and Chrissy.  Then she  would gaze over at Terese and Lina claiming them to be the prettiest girls in the room and expressing such pride in the young women they had become.  Although biased, I had to agree
with her.

Then there was her Tony.  He stood by her side though all of life's joys and sorrows.  It was evident how much she loved him.

It isn't possible to put into words the importance of friendship and how much Krista meant to me.  She touched my life in so many ways and I will miss her with all of my heart.  I pray that God will heal your hearts and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Love,
Renee Roper (nee Norton)

Dear Virgo Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Krista's passing. My son, David was  friends with Richard for many years, grade/high school years. I only had the chance to briefly meet her at school events, but she was a lovely woman who loved her children immensely.  I'm so sorry she was taken from you all so soon. May God Bless you all during your time of healing and know others share in your loss.

Tony, Richard, Terese and Angelina: 
Krista was a person of great love and kindness.  Her intelligence enabled her to give to the world in so many ways.
I know that above all she loved all of you with all of her heart and soul.  You were always her greatest priority, no matter what was going on in her life or health.  Her courage and tenacity throughout her illness was motivated by her love for all of you.  Tony, she always spoke of what a incredible husband you were, your never ending caring, your love, your humor and intelligence.  Kids, you know how your mom felt about you.  You were her everything - even in the midst of chaos in her health - you were paramount in her mind.  She was so proud of all of you, each in your own way.  She told me of your accomplishments, your struggles and your hearts.

I don't have to tell you - but your mom was a beautiful lady inside and out.  I know that she is no longer hurting and is wanting all of you to rest in this.  My heart hopes that you will all continue her love by loving each other, and through sharing the gifts that she so generously gave you, with all who need hope, love, kindness and peace.  
Our love to you as a family,

I was sorry to hear Krista passed away.  My hope for Tony, Richard, Terese, and Angelina is for you all to find peace within yourselves by sharing the love Krista had for all of you. My sincere condolences.

Krista was one amazing person who inspired many with her generous heart. Rest in peace, my friend. Love being sent to Tony and the kids.

It is hard to believe that one of our family childhood neighbors is gone.  I remember growing up and playing together. Love to the family and we will be praying for you all. Todd Kearney

Krista was a Blessing from Our Great Lord, we will miss her dearly.
Love you Forever,
Jim, Julia, Kyle, Nikki and Elainie Kothera

OBITUARY

Krista Kothera Virgo

August 5, 1963 – February 9, 2017

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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