Wava Papale Obituary

Wava Lee Papale, known as Lee by most of her family and friends, peacefully passed away early in the morning on May 1, 2016 at the Cripple Creek Care Center in Colorado.

Lee was the daughter of famous artists and cattle ranchers Lewis H. "Dude" Larsen and Dorothy Grace "Dot" (Robb) Larsen, whose paintings were reproduced on post cards during the depression years.

Lee carried on the art work, as a professional artist, with painting in oil on canvas. Additionally, she worked as a switch board operator, book keeper and served in the Army Reserve. She and her husband, Frank J. Papale, managed the family cattle ranching business for many years in Divide, Colorado.

Lee had a wonderful sense of humor. She always focused on the positive side of life. She was a joy and inspiration to all who knew her, and she will surely be missed by many.

Lee's twin brother Thomas Ray (Tom) Larsen preceded her in death along with her husband Frank and three children; Sheli Lee Bullock, Ted Rush Jr. and Michael David "Duke" Papale. She is survived by her two sisters Bette Stanton of Moab, Utah and Sharon Parker of Twin Bridges Montana, her sister-in-law Sandi Larsen of Woodland California, her daughter-in-law Ann Rush of Colorado Springs Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.