Verna Kay Witsken

Verna Kay (Nelson) Witsken, a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and boundless love, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025 in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was 87.

Born in Wakeeney, Kansas, on October 2, 1937, Verna was the daughter of Vernon Carl Nelson and Gladys Sophia Stohr, and the beloved sister of Deola Fay Luallen. Her father was a hardworking custom harvester who also owned a John Deere tractor supply company, and her mother was a devoted nurse- both strong, principled people who passed those values onto their daughters. After losing her father at a young age, Verna, her sister Deola, and their mother relocated from Denver to Dodge City, Kansas, where she would go on to graduate from St. Mary of the Plains High School in 1955.

After high school, Verna took to the skies as a stewardess with Braniff Airlines - a job that introduced her to the joy of travel and sparked a lifelong love of exploring the world. Verna carried that adventurous spirit with her throughout her life, embracing new experiences with open arms. She delighted in visiting Ireland, the British Isles, Australia, Greece, Rome, and even took a train through Mexico. She loved seeing the world, always with wonder and gratitude in her heart.

Verna married Richard Joseph Witsken on October 15, 1960, in Dodge City. Together, they built a life full of love and laughter. They moved to Colorado Springs and welcomed a son, Stephen, in 1961 and a daughter, Terese, in 1962, then settled in Grand Junction, where their son Brad was born in 1966. Verna affectionately referred to Grand Junction as her "Peaceful Valley." That home - and the life she built there - was her sanctuary.

Verna was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal sister and friend. She found fulfillment not only in her family and friends but also in her community. She worked as a parish secretary at St. Joseph's Church, served as a bailiff at the Mesa County Courthouse, and gave her time as a volunteer at Rose Hill Hospitality House, HopeWest, and as a Grand Junction City Trail Host. She was a devoted member of her faith community and led by quiet example, always showing up with compassion, humility, and a ready smile.

She loved nothing more than sharing a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate (especially if it was a Snickers) with someone she cared about. She enjoyed sunsets, golf, dancing, and had an adventurous spirit that never dimmed. She had many friends and was, without a doubt, a social butterfly - someone who loved to gather, laugh, share stories, and lift others up.

Verna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard and her son Stephen. She is survived by her children Terese (Pat) Steinkirchner and Brad (Cezanne) Witsken, along with ten grandchildren and many beloved great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

A memorial service will be held on May 30th at 10:00am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Lunch to follow.

Verna Kay Witsken lived a life of deep love, gentle courage, and joyful curiosity. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to bring warmth to all who knew her.