Virginia Shaver Obituary

Virginia Shaver, 97, has gone to her heavenly home to join her Lord and her beloved husband, Vern. She spoke of little else her last days and was so ready to leave her earthly bonds. She concluded her long and happy life that was characterized by devotion to her family, love of animals, and a bit of temper when things didn't go her way.

Virginia follows her parents, Laura and Martin Kraxberger, and brothers Wayne and Warren into the afterlife. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Gaylord Smith, her brother Doug Kraxberger, her faithful cat KeKe, her sister-in-law Margaret Shaver and several nieces and nephews. Most of her friends will be on hand at Heaven's gates to greet her.

Virginia was born on the eastern plains of Colorado in Arriba, CO. Her early years were spent on the family farm, and by the time she was a teenager she was living in Falcon, CO, where she met the love of her life, Vernon Shaver. Virginia graduated from Falcon High School in 1935, and two years later on July 13, 1937, she eloped with Vern to Castle Rock, CO where they were married. The two country kids from Colorado struck out for San Francisco, settled on Haight Street, and began their life long journey together. Virginia worked in a candy store while Vern worked on a shipping line. They left San Francisco after many grand adventures and returned to Colorado, by way of Texas, to the Cathedral Rock Ranch, now part of the Air Force Academy. After their days of ranching, Virginia worked for Montgomery Ward as a bookkeeper.

Thinking she could not become pregnant, Virginia was surprised to learn in 1948 that she would indeed become a mother. Her only daughter, Vickie, was born December 6, 1948. She and Vickie had a special bond that was never broken, and they loved going to rodeos and the midget races, always supporting Vern in his hobbies. She taught Vickie to love animals, to cook, and to stand strong and tall, in other words to be stubborn. She spoiled Vickie by letting her miss 98days of kindergarten but was thrilled when Vickie graduated from college and became a teacher. Virginia loved going to her son-in law's hill climb races and was certainly his biggest supporter. In her later years, she enjoyed Bronco football and NASCAR races and spending time with family and friends.

Virginia loved life, her family and God. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Colorado Cowbell's Association, and the women's Club of Colorado Springs.

Committal Service will be held for Virginia and Vernon July 13, 2016 at Chapel of Our Savior, 8 Fourth Street, Colorado Springs, at 2:30 PM. A reception/celebration of Virginia's life to follow.

Virginia had requested that no flowers be sent. Instead, she asked that donations in her honor be sent to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

Death is not the extinguishing of light: it is only putting out the lamp because the new dawn has come.