Kathrine "LaVay" Marts-Weinmeister

Kathrine LaVay Pirrie was born October 26, 1930 in Richland, Nebraska to Morris W. Pirrie and Sarah E. French Pirrie. She grew up on the family farm in northeastern Colorado. She graduated from Ovid High School in 1947 at age 16. She started first grade when she was just four years old, so the only other little girl in the one room school house would have a playmate. The girls, her brother, Morris (“Bub” to her) and another little boy were the only students. Morris and LaVay rode their horse to and from school each day.

LaVay married Gene Sowder in 1947, and to their union were born three sons, Robert, David and Daniel. During the time their family lived in Loveland, her father-in-law built a beauty shop in the home, where she was self-employed as a cosmetologist while raising her boys.

In 1974, LaVay married Dale Marts. They were happily married for 22 years, 12 of which they spent traveling in their RV. They were active church members. He passed away in May 1996.

LaVay enjoyed reading, crocheting, line dancing, and volunteer work at church and in elementary schools. The highlight of her life was spending time with her family. Other jobs LaVay held were in a uniform shop, Budweiser Events Center, and Loveland Housing Authority. She and Dale also did event planning in their retirement community as well as property management.

In the early 2000’s, LaVay had the pleasure of accompanying her cousin Jean Schwynoch on several international vacations, including the Bahamas, Alaska, Australia, and a very special trip to Scotland where they located her grandfather’s home and mill.

At an Octoberfest in Windsor in 2003, LaVay had a chance meeting with Don Weinmeister. She was very surprised when she learned his name, as her lifelong friend, Irene Abbott, had suggested she introduce LaVay to Don some time earlier. LaVay had assured Irene she was not interested in being married again. After this serendipitous meeting, however, she and Don began their courtship. They found great joy in each other’s company. They married in 2005, and would have celebrated their16th anniversary May 28.

LaVay is survived by her husband, Don Weinmeister; son, Robert Sowder (Mary); daughter-in-law, Diane Sowder; grandchildren (who fondly called her “Nana”), Kim Kurtz, Thad Sowder, Daren Sowder, Jeremy Sowder, Desiree Lange; step-daughters, Gwen Tucker (Charles), Sandy Santillanes (Steve); step-grandchildren, Danny Brazeal, Robert Brazeal, Ivan Brazeal, Michael Brazeal, Lisa Brazeal, Kenny Brazeal, Grant Tucker, Kelli Pleasant; 27 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren; cousins, Jean Schwynoch, Betty Childers, Bob Peterson, Marcy Lounsberry; sisters-in-laws, Elsie Pirrie, Bonnie Sowder, and Dorothy Guerin; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Morris; sons, David and Daniel; and two infant granddaughters.

Inurnment will be held at 9:00 AM Monday, May 17th at Loveland Burial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor.

Memorial contributions in LaVay’s honor may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or Bristol Hospice.