Verna Gillis

Verna Ruth Gillis, 87, of Arvada, passed away on July 5, 2020. She was born on July 23, 1932 near Madison, Minnesota to Henry and Ruth (Enger) Sjolie. Verna married Joseph Gillis on July 5, 1952 and together they shared 52 years of marriage until his passing in 2005.

Verna retired from nursing in 1993.

She enjoyed people, and all who entered her home felt welcomed. Her gregarious social side was recognized by The Gazette Telegraph who named her Colorado Springs’ “Mother of the Year” in 1976. All who knew her experienced her humor and home-spun wisdom. She will be remembered especially for her love of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Paul and his wife, Grace; Susan Havenor and her husband, Bob; John and his wife, Debbie; Grandchildren Jennifer, Carolyn, Jessica, Nicholas, Tim, Jacob, and Katie; Great grandchildren Ella, Simon, Adelle, Evangeline, Harvey, Victor, and Louis; Sibling Rev. James Sjolie; and many nieces and nephews.

Verna was preceded in death by her son, Bruce, and siblings Harold, Stella, Helen, Gordon Lorraine, Grant, and Vernald (her twin).

An internment at Fort Logan National Cemetery, next to her husband, Joe, will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in Verna’s name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDFR.org).