Marie V. Riebschlager

Marie V. Riebschlager, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, at the age of 95. Born on February 21, 1929, in Walsenburg, Colorado, Marie was the cherished daughter of Angela and Jose Martinez.

Growing up in Walsenburg, Marie attended St. Mary's Catholic Church, where her life took a significant turn when she caught the eye of a young man named Laurence Riebschlager. Their love blossomed as Laurence, with a shy heart, sought her father's permission to walk her home from church. After years of exchanging letters, Laurence proposed, and they were married on June 4, 1949, at St. Mary's.

Together, Marie and Laurence built a loving home filled with warmth and compassion, raising four children and providing a nurturing environment for 43 foster children. Marie’s heart was as expansive as her family, and she dedicated her life to caring for others. Her creativity shone through her talents as a seamstress, where she crafted her own wedding dress and lovingly designed formal dresses for her daughters.

Marie had a passion for the arts, enjoying crocheting, drawing, painting and baking. Her green thumb brought life to her beautiful garden and her many plants including a collection of orchids. She found joy in creating a sanctuary where everything thrived.

Family was at the center of Marie’s world. She treasured family time in the outdoors while camping and fishing, although she preferred to let Laurence manage her pole. She showered love on her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even her great-great-grandchild.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Laurence, after over 60 years of marriage, as well as her parents and siblings, Roy Martinez and Geneva Martinez. She is survived by her sister Virgina Castoro, her children: Laurence P. (Donna), Marie Angela (Ivan), Katherine (Jeff), and Michael (Karen); her grandchildren: Laurence R., Holly, Chris, Paul L., Joseph, Tami, Nick, Shazz, Aspen, Kyle, Kody; her great-grandchildren: Lily, Leanne, Larry, Kelcee, Tim, Taylor, Paul, Izzy, Adam, Kyla, Zachariah, Shoshannah, Talia, Mikah, London, and Kyiah; and her great-great-grandchild, Sayge.

Marie’s legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her. A viewing and rosary for Marie will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Advantage Runyan-Stevenson, 6425 West Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 121 E 7th St, Walsenburg, CO 81089. A committal service will follow on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 12:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery North. Family and friends are invited back to the church for a reception after the committal service honoring Marie's life and the profound impact she had on her family and community.