La Verna Ruth (Corbett) Erwin, 89, of Clifton, Colorado passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026. She remained in her own home as she desired, established close connections with neighbors, greeted new friends, and continued to feed the neighborhood cats.

La Verna was born on August 12th, 1937, in a sod house in Osborne, Kansas. She lived on a farm and had to learn to drive at a young age so that she could attend High School. She was not able to complete high school, but later obtained a GED then an associate degree in business from Mesa College.

At the tender age of 17, she married Reese Inskeep, had her first child, and moved from Kansas to Colorado. Together they had five children, and she devoted her young adult life to caring for her children. Her second marriage was to Peter K. Erwin. Together La Verna and Peter spent 40 years together going fishing, camping, participating in craft fairs, and just enjoying retirement.

La Verna was born on a farm and enjoyed animals, but she was not a farm girl at heart and did not like the isolation of rural living. She desired the excitement, opportunities, and meeting new people that she found in the city. During her adult life, she worked as a cook at: the De Beque School, the famous Red Grille at Woolco in Grand Junction, Community Hospital in Grand Junction, and Bridge House in Grand Junction. She knew how to work hard and took pride in continuing any training. Especially important to her was providing free IRS tax help to the elderly in Buena Vista, which she did for many years. Also, dear to her heart was going to the annual family campout that she organized for years. She enjoyed the outdoors and any opportunity to go on a thrilling 4x4 ride. La Verna represented a true matriarch and had much influence on the entire family. All family issues were filtered through her, and she whole-heartedly spread the news!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Naomi Corbett, her sister, Lula Mae Baker, and brothers: Erlin Corbett, Gary Corbett, & Alan Corbett. One brother, Charles Corbett who was so dear to her, lives in Salida, Colorado. She is survived by her children: Robert Corbett, Cora Davies, Reese Isaac Inskeep, Audrey Payton, Lois Wynia, and Beverly Henderson; 19 grandchildren, at least 12 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild, Milo. Her legacy of the importance of strong family bonds will be seen through her family as they continue to practice the traditions she initiated.

At La Verna’s request, there will be no funeral services. She requested a family gathering on Grand Mesa in the spring to honor her.