Virginia Mae Sakala

Virginia, age 76, passed away on December 15, 2015, at Julia Temple Healthcare Center, Englewood, Colorado. She was born July 1, 1939, in Trinidad, Colorado, the daughter of Richard Thompson and Frances (Crane) Chapman. Survived by four children, Lawrence (Dawna), Scott (Marilyn), Criss (Cindy), and Louann (John Joram); ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Loretta Loibl and Margaret Cordery; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Virginia Lynn; brother, Richard Thompson; and sister, Marie Watters. The family would like to thank the staff of Julia Temple for their watchful care of our mother over the past seven years.

Virginia spent most of her childhood living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She moved to Denver, Colorado as a teenager and lived in Denver for about sixteen years, during that time married Francis Sakala. She moved to Wellington, Colorado in 1969, living there for over thirty years. Virginia built her life around her family and was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was a great supporter of her children, whether it was participating as a room-parent during their elementary school days; a contributor or cheerleader for their school activities, outside interests, and sporting events; or as a loving grandmother to their children. She was an avid crafter and seamstress, creating various costumes, outfits, and gifts through the years for herself, family, and friends. It is a life and love marked by giving and we will all miss her sparkling eyes and wonderful smile.

A Funeral Service will be held at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Virginia Lynn Sakala Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund was established in 1995 at the University of Colorado (Boulder), School of Education upon the passing of Virginia's daughter. The establishment and award of the scholarship had deep meaning to Virginia. The scholarship is presented annually and has facilitated students in their final year of college in obtaining their teaching certificate. Donations may be sent for collection to Bohlender Funeral Chapel.