Avis Gwenerva Versteeg, 105, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the Rehabilitation Center at Sandalwood in Wheat Ridge, CO. A celebration of life service will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, March 12 at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, Wheat Ridge, CO. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Avis was born on September 30, 1915 in Hitchcock, South Dakota to Leroy and Allie (DuBois) Crosby. She grew up loving to play the piano, violin, tap dancing and eating ice cream at her father's local pharmacy and soda shop in Orient, SD. Avis attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, where she participated in the ROTC program, earned her degree in business and met her future husband. She taught school for a few years before marrying Mark E. Barber on June 15, 1941. While Mark was overseas serving in WWII and the Korean War, Avis cared for their five children. The Barber family moved from South Dakota to Wheat Ridge in 1956. Avis lived in the same house for 56 years before moving into an independent living apartment in Lakewood. She and Mark were married for 33 years until his untimely death on February 24, 1975. While attending her 50th high school reunion, she was reacquainted with a high school friend who was a widower, Donald Versteeg of Minneapolis, MN. Don and Avis married in 1983 and travelled the world together until he passed away in 1994. She was a classy lady and a wonderful role model for her four daughters. She was a longtime member of Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church and Women's Club. Avis enjoyed various craft groups, loved playing Bridge, crossword puzzles and always looked forward to lively family gatherings.
Avis is survived by three daughters, Beverly of Lakewood, CO; Cheryl (Dave) of Centennial, CO; Janet (Ronald) of Parker, CO; one son Jim (Kathy) of Louden, TN; one step-daughter Lynn (Steven) Gunning of Seattle, WA; nine grandchildren, two step grand-children, and eleven great-grandchildren.
In addition to Mark and Don, Avis was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother Marise; and beloved daughter Bonnie (Larry) Swick.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Avis to Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, 303-422-7946.
