Marie Vest

Marie Wiebe Vest, born September 13, 1937 in Putnam, Oklahoma, passed from this life on January 9, 2023 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She was 85. She is survived by loving daughters Frankie White (Tom), Diana Talbot (Randy) and Larae Thomas. She is also survived by her loving sister and friend, Shirley Slade. Mom was greatly blessed by the love of grandchildren Geoff White, Tracy White, Amanda White, Rochelle Shahan, Misty Rathjen, Charmaine Martin, and Christine Thomas. She was blessed with great grandchildren Payton, Kayson, Karsyn, Tyler, Zoe, Rance, Trigg, Ivor, Emerald, Kennedy, Hadley, Harrison and Redmond. She is also survived by one great-great grandchild, Kanon. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Vest, and her previous husband Frank Meador.

Family was of the utmost importance to mom. With every new grandchild or great grandchild she was thrilled! She loved each and everyone of them deeply and enduringly. She did her best to never miss a birthday and loved choosing gifts for the children. In the early days of being a grandmother, mom would have sleepovers with them. Sleepovers included watching The Andy Griffith Show, Diet Coke and a box of mini butterfingers. The story of the Little White Hen was a favorite bedtime story. Other activities included popcorn balls, cinnamon rolls, a new perm, manicure and games. When mom had to say goodbye to a grandchild it included waving out the window until neither child nor mom could see the other person. She carried this activity on until just recently. Mom loved our family and we all never doubted that love.

Mom had a hard work ethic and worked tirelessly for years in food services for the Durango School District. She spent most of her time at Riverview Elementary, starting as a cook and working her way up to cafeteria manager. After her time at Riverview, she continued in food services at Durango High School, Needham Elementary and Florida Mesa Elementary. She had the great experience of working with wonderful people who became her lifelong friends. She served the children of District 9R with a smile and kindness. Many times she would be out in public when a former school child, all grown up, would stop and visit with her and thank her for her kindness and attention.

Mom was also an avid crafter. Whether it was scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting, painting ceramics and many other projects, we all benefited from a handmade gift. These gifts are precious to us because of the time and energy she put into her projects. They are a gift of love.

She leaves us with a legacy of love, family and friendship. We will miss her deeply.

There will a service held on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 10am at the Durango Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2 Hilltop Circle, Durango, with a viewing at 9am before services. Burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery.