Vickie Dorine LaVan

Vickie Dorine LaVan, 82, Passed Away October 17, 2018. Survived by Daughters, Lorna (Bruce) Elmer and Kimberly (Jeff) Kirkwood; Former spouse and Father of her children, Ron LaVan; Grandson, Timothy Elmer; Granddaughter, Amanda Elmer; Grandson, Jacob Kirkwood; Sister, Vangie (Al) Fitterer; Brother, Vernon (Geri) Wanner; Brother-in-law, Duane Aman; Former Sister-in-law, Shirley Wanner Raile; Many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends; and Her beloved dog, Sophie. Preceded in Death by Parents, Philip and Emma Wanner; Brother, Wilbert Wanner; Sisters, Agnes (Duane) Aman and Inez (Roger) Becker; Brother-in-law Roger Becker; and Niece Veronica Wanner. Vickie was born to Philip and Emma (Schaeffer) Wanner in Wishek, ND on September 15, 1936. Vickie, given the birth name of Violet, was raised on a farm in North Dakota. She was born a strong, independent soul and quickly grew discontented with the requirements of farm life that were placed on her, including leaving high school to help raise her younger siblings. She left home as a teenager to pursue her education and other aspirations. She joined the U.S. Air Force at age 18, made Pueblo her home in 1959, and eventually graduated from the University of Southern Colorado School of Nursing in 1968 while working and raising her two young daughters. She worked as a state employee for 32 years at the Colorado State Hospital, primarily as a unit leader at Pueblo Regional Center. After retiring from her job with the state, she worked for a Home Health Care agency in Pueblo for a brief time. Always a proud nurse at heart, she kept up her nursing license with the state through 2011, prepared to take up the call if needed. Vickie was always at her best when helping others, including animals. She could never resist offering her home to a stray cat or dog. She was even providing food and care to a family of feral cats over the last several years. Her constant companion was her dog, Sophie, who has been lovingly adopted by friends. She was preceded in death by her previous soul companions Brandy and Bunny, two poodles very dedicated to their mom. Vickie thoroughly enjoyed her retirement, her primary hobbies being gardening, food preparation (particularly canning and baking), and travel to places near and far. Vickie's love of food and feeding those she loved was present in all aspects of her life, and in true Pueblo tradition she made a mean green chile. Christmas, her favorite time of year, was when her passion for food really flourished. She loved preparing her family's favorite German baked goods, salsa and pickles from her garden, and Christmas dinner with the works to share with her family as they gathered at her home -- the anchor point for every Christmas. She was also an avid television fan and newspaper reader, enjoying these activities from her trusty recliner. The strength of will she was born with followed her to the end of her life as she survived a number of major health issues, including a lung cancer diagnosis in 2000. Despite growing weary and more ill over the past couple of years, she maintained her independence and her will to live her life as she wanted. Her love of and appreciation for her family seemed to grow stronger even as she grew weaker. We invite everyone to celebrate Vickie's life and spirit. Member of King of Kings Lutheran Church In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 1) the COPD Foundation (COPDfoundation.org); 2) Sangre de Cristo Hospice (socohospice.org), in support of Hospice House; or 3) Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region (hsppr.org). Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Service, 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2561 Vinewood Lane, Pueblo. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com