Verna Mae Retana, 68

Verna Retana

MONTE VISTA — The Lord’s faithful servant, Verna Retana, was granted her angel wings on Oct. 17.  Verna passed peacefully into eternal life with Christ, surrounded by her loving family. 
Verna lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, nina, tia, prima, co-worker and friend.  Verna loved her family.  Her greatest joy in life was to have everyone together.  It was a difficult task for such a large family, but one that was accomplished each year over Stampede weekend and the annual family reunion. Verna treasured the family reunions and was fulfilled by bringing family and friends together for a meal and a chance to catch up on each other’s lives.
Verna enjoyed cooking but her real passion was in feeding people.  For the past 15 years Verna has cooked and delivered weekend meals to individuals in her community whom she thought needed the extra nourishment; both in food and in companionship.  Verna believed her god given gift was servitude and she lived her life serving others.
Verna had an unwavering faith in God.  She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Lariat for over 45 years.  Through the years, Verna had become very involved with her church and assisted with Sunday school, Bible Study, she was the treasurer and always made sure that her church family was welcomed each Sunday with warm coffee and snacks.
Verna is survived by her loving & devoted husband of 40 years, Esiquio Retana and her two sons and their wives:  Robert & Juanita Griego, Paul & Kehle Griego.  Also survived by Kathy Medina, her niece and “honorary daughter.”  Verna leaves four grandchildren and one great grandchild; Keiffer Griego, Jasmine Griego, Elena Griego, Pablito Griego, and Gohan Griego.  Verna was also a step-grandmother to Ashley, Arielle, Adriane, Cooper, Lennon & Huxton.  Verna was stepmother to Beto, Silvestra, Julian and Brigido Retana and also step grandmother to their children; Aaron, Oscar, Mark, Alondra, Julian Jr., Julisa, Christina, Gerardo, Allen, Alejandra, Deanna and Daniella.  Also survived by sisters Juanita Archuleta, Esther Sewell, Annie Medina, Becky Martinez, Orlinda Ventura and brother, Art Medina, and survived by many godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, including her church family. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Verna was preceded in death by her parents Procopio and Eufelia Medina.  Her maternal grandparents Dominico and Magdalena Naranjo and her paternal grandparents Crespin and Senobia Medina.  Also sisters Gloria Montoya and Carolee Campa and a brother Tommy Medina.
Verna had a seven month battle with cancer.  During her battle she was loved and supported by many family and friends.  Verna would want to thank everyone near and far for their calls, texts, gifts, visits and donations. Knowing that she was in the thoughts and prayers of so many gave her strength and comfort. 
A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m., followed by a meal at 1 p.m.  Calvary Baptist Church is located at 2160 Sherman Avenue, Monte Vista, CO 81144.