October 28, 2009 Blizzard

This was the scene early this morning as I walked out the door to begin feeding.
This video starts at the Chicken Coop, you will see a gray blob which is the horse trailer, next to that is the round pen, the collapsed loafing shed that never made the pen, with the horse corrals and pasture in the background and then ending at the red barn. All of this is about 75 yards from where I am standing at the house.

So far it has only gotten worse today. I had bedded animals in heavily and Ray placed large bales in all of the feeders for the horses before this storm hit in an effort to get ready for it.

The only downfall is that the loafing shed we had spent so much time building for the senior horses as shelter for this storm was not welded tightly to the skids so when I tried moving it to their pen, it came apart completely. I guess that is what comes from not having the equipment we need to get the job done the way it is supposed to be done. We had reused materials from an old building for this that now will be firewood instead. Talk about frustrating. We have decided that it is worth trying again to raise the funding for needed loafing shed materials and having it built with steel instead of wood..

You can see somewhat from this video the weather I am dealing with in caring for these animals on a daily basis and why it is so important to have an operational piece of equipment so that I can maneuver over these snow drifts to feed these animals that rely on me daily. I can't stress how important and valuable this is. A skid steer on tracks is definitely going to be the most versatile tool for us at this point. That machine would be able to travel over these snow drifts, dig the animals out, and would ensure that we do not fail these animals because of the winter blizzard conditions in that I can't get to them to feed.

Please consider helping Denkai with this need. I can't express enough the urgent need for this machine. Please visit www.denkaisanctuary.org, e-mail: info@denkaisanctuary.org or call (970) 895-2337 if you are able to help.

Sanctuary Horses aid Youth in Crisis

Two of 18 Arabian Horses have found their calling in aiding youth in crisis. Bashkira, a 26 year old mare and Colby, a three year old gelding arrived at Reflections for Youth near Loveland, CO on October 20. The reaction from the youth was all we needed to know that this is going to be a successful program for both Denkai Animal Sanctuary and Reflections.

Not only are these youth learning about the horses, their backgrounds and the strife that the equine have been through, they have helped to build a fence, loafing shed and now have daily chores in feeding, watering, and caring for Bashkira and Colby.

We will Bring you continued updates on this project and hope to grow it into more facilities such as Reflections in the future!

Visit www.denkaisanctuary.org for more information on our facility.

October 10, 2009 Snow

Video taken today at the Sanctuary after the snow had started melting and feeding was done.

You can see where the snow is settling and when it drifts, we can't even walk or drive though the area you see here.

Hence the need for a tractor/skid steer to dig out with. Visit www.denkaisanctuary.org

Charlotte the Incredible!

Charlotte is now nearly one year old. She will be a full sized hog and grow to around 1000 lbs. Charlotte originally landed at the Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins after running loose near Loveland, CO.

She loves to run, must be scratched daily and has the greatest personality! She still loves her visits to the senior horses and of course will drop everything for a belly rub.

You too can be part of Charlotte's world! Help through sponsoring her, bring her treats and spread the word!

Visit: www.denkaisanctuary.org

New Arrivals Show the Callouness of our Society

We received an urgent call from one of our supporters regarding several weanling and yearling horses this past Wednesday who had been dumped off at Centennial Livestock Auction in Fort Collins. They needed a place to go.

This was a difficult decision for us, we are slammed with horses here and really could not fathom more coming in. Looking at these poor souls, the shape they are in and the fact that the two weanlings are around 2-3 months old and should never have been removed from their mothers at this age was enough to seal the deal. The only other choice these innocent babies would have been death thanks to the callousness of their previous owners.

Both of the weanlings here have some issues that will need attention immediately and again Denkai is asking for your help for the sake of these poor babies. The darker Chestnut foal has a very large hernia and has been a bit dehydrated, but otherwise seems pretty lively.

The palomino foal is in pretty rough shape. He has a very swollen rear hock, is limping on it a little, but does put weight on it. He is obviously very parasitic (worms) and in pretty poor health. He is very scared and obviously was not well cared for.

The two yearlings will recover pretty quickly. There are areas where their mane and fur have been rubbed off, looks to us like they were roped, there is a possibility that they were all used as roping dummies.

Please be the angel these babies so desperately need right now. Become a sponsor today to help us provide needed immediate veterinary care, supplements, feed, and medication to these babies. No contribution is too small, even $10.00 helps. Please visit: www.denkaisanctuary.org or mail to: 36710 WCR 126 Grover, CO 80729.

Meet the Goats of Denkai! Help through Sponsorship!

There are many special animals here at Denkai. More than 20 goats and sheep reside at our Sanctuary. Several of these are senior animals who have been with us over the last four years and several are young goats who have faced misfortune prior to entering Denkai.

The escape artists in the video are from the Peyton, CO area. Breeding became out of control and what started with merely a few goats turned into 9 very quickly. Their owner, no longer able to care for them had just stopped feeding them until rescue stepped in. Most all of these goats had very little if any handling and are still pretty wild to this day. They are very beautiful and without our facility would have had no place to go, they were and are not considered adoptable as a pet.

Goats at Denkai have free roam, but do have a penned area that gives them shelter and protection from predators.

Here's how you can help these wonderful goats:
1. Consider fostering or adoption. We only let goats go to homes as pets and do have several friendly goats here.

2. Become a monthly sponsor, get your church involved in sponsoring, have your child's school or class sponsor an animal. Please visit our website at: www.denkaisanctuary.org and click "The Animals", then Sponsoring for more information.

3. Donate Materials for their enclosure. We need more fencing, preferably 5' livestock panels and posts; wooden or t-posts. Goats love to climb, we would love to be able to build them a bridge to climb onto.

4. Volunteer! You can visit more than just the goats!

Members of the CSU Pre-Vet Club gave a helping hand here at Denkai September 19.

This group was absolutely amazing, from riding horses to cleaning pens, sanitizing tack, stacking hay, cleaning the barn and much more. This amazing group literally saved our Director months worth of work.

We owe these students an enormous thank you!

This past weekend was roaring busy with projects and visitors for Denkai Animal Sanctuary. Volunteer Darrin Hill led our fencing project at Reflections for Youth near Loveland, CO on Saturday. Together with Erich Phillips, Founder Jeff, Director Virgil, the house staff and especially the youth living at this facility this fencing project went up in a hurry!

The purpose of this project with Reflections is to bring in two horses that will be fostered at their facility and cared for with the help of Denkai’s and Reflections staff throughout the year. Phase two of this project will be in building a loafing shed. Contributions towards this project will be needed in the form of 12’ or 16’ 6x6” posts, 2x4’s and as much tin or sheeting as we can get. To help contribute supplies for this project, contact: info@denkaisanctuary.org or call: (970) 895-2337.

A special thank you goes out to Daniel with Mill Brothers. Daniel not only spent his Saturday helping to make this project a success, but was also responsible for organizing a landscaping project for Reflections earlier in the year.

Bridging the Sanctuary/ Agricultural Industry Gap

At the Sanctuary we had a visit from some local square dancers who spent the day touring our area deciding to make Denkai a stop on their way. This was a demographic of mainly ranchers. They walked away from the Sanctuary with a positive image regarding our work, one which they did not come into the tour with. Unfortunately we are fighting an image that is common among most individuals in the agricultural industry regarding rescue groups.

I was asked many times what happens when an old horse that is seriously ill and has no chance of recovery comes to us if we just keep it alive and let it suffer and how do we dispose of these animals, how are we funded and my favorite, so can you legitimately say that no animal on your place is suffering. Great, obviously, they have come across a few not so legit organizations.

Whew, I had to wipe my brow after this group left. However, I was able to identify with them in many ways, especially when in came to harvesting crops and the hard work that goes into that. I was able to communicate to them the fact that we have a good relationship with area ranchers and farmers, are actually working together and able to help them through several means.

Through all of our farming activities, showing that we are responsible in caring for the animals at our facility, working side by side with farmers and ranchers, and having a business/marketing plan, Denkai is bridging the gap between the Sanctuary and Agricultural industries.

Cortez Babies Get a Little Socialization!

The yearling horses rescued from Cortez, CO last fall are coming along well. Elijah has been working on gentling them first through socialization. These little ones will now follow and come up for a visit. Taming wild young ones isn't so bad, especially where treats are involved.

Wheat Field Raises Bumper Crop 2009

Floss Blackburn, Denkai's founder pictured June 2009 in Wheat Fields, stand is around 5' in height.

On a portion of our 640 acres, we have been growing wheat which is then sold as a commodity and helps to bring in funding towards our operating expenses. This year, the crop has come in amazingly thick and with extraordinary heads. We will be getting ready to harvest this crop in the next two weeks.

This is made possible through help from Ray Reichley.

Arabian Horses Finding Homes

Augusta Moun and Bint Joi are enjoying their stay at Lori and Bill Delfs in Loveland, CO. A big hug and thank you go out to Dr. Susan Williams for her dedication to our equines and veterinary care.



Lady Josephine, Jasmine, and El Lucero have found a loving new home with the Atkinson Family in Fleming, CO. They send weekly updates and are enjoying their time with these wonderful horses!



Maggie Atkinson shows Jamsine off to her grandchildren who waited anxiously in the car!



Karen Legros and her son, Elijah of La Porte have adopted Bint Bint Shafar

Six of our Niwot Arabian Horses have found homes in the last couple of months. The situation with these horses has been a very long, drawn out and political ordeal. There are no words to describe the joy we feel knowing that these horses are finding good, loving homes where they will have all the care, food and attention they will ever need. Never again will they go without.

There are so many to thank for assisting us in saving these wonderful horses: PetSmart Charities
ASPCA
Boulder Community Foundation
Darrin Hill
Brad Laue
Our many dedicated contributors
Arabian Horse Association
Ray Reichley

HSUS Provides Emergency Funding for Grover Cats

Due to a recent Panleukopenia (feline distemper) outbreak in the cats of Grover, CO. Denkai was able to secure funding for much needed vaccinations through the HSUS Annie Lee Roberts Emergency Grant. This clinic was successful and held on July 18 in town. We had posted flyers advertising this clinic, which is the best way to communicate with the community in Grover.

Not only did our veterinarian Dr. Michael Suit offer his services to this clinic at a very reduced rate, he offered health exams and vaccinations for owned cats and dogs at a rate of $30.00. The kicker? Nobody showed up. People in Grover can not even afford a minimal $30.00 health exam for their pets. At least this is what we were told. So, we offered it for free and managed to get animals taken care of. We knocked on doors and ran animals back and forth from the clinic. Some of these pets had not seen a vet in around 5 years.

We have a little more time to work through this grant and will put the rest of the funding toward spay/neuter services for the feral cats in need. Thank you HSUS for helping us to provide a very needed service to an incredibly under served area.

Rescued Rabbits Desperately Need Homes!

Rescued Rabbits from Cheyenne, WY are still in need of forever and foster homes. There are still more than 70 rabbits needing to be placed. These bunnies are very well socialized and have been handled on a regular basis.

This rescue lasted until Midnight, pulling, logging, sexing and sorting rabbits.
Little Bit of Love Rescue of Wyoming has been caring for these bunnies along with help, running them to their medical appointments and keeping the ball rolling on this rescue.

Thank you to those who have contributed and helped with this effort:
Bloedorn Lumber
Home Depot
Capital Lumber
Lowes
K9 Bed and Biscuit
House Rabbit Society Members
SpayToday
Christine
Tabatha
Denkai's Volunteers
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
Channel 5 Grand Junction

Contributions are still immediately needed in the form of:
Funding toward Spay/Neuter
Pellets
Grass Hay
Rabbit Cages

Shelter or building for those that are not placed in homes or have a longer stay at Little Bit of Love

To Contribute: www.denkaisanctuary.org and click any donation button or mail contributions to; 36710 WCR 126 Grover, CO 80729

Contributions are tax-deductible within the means of the IRS 501(c)3 code

Over 100 Pet Rabbits Need Help Immediately!

Denkai Animal Sanctuary

Cheyenne, WY - Today we were called in to a situation in which more than 100 pet rabbits and counting are in desperate need. These rabbits have been bred and used for their fur. The owner brushes them on a regular basis to gather their excess and shedding fur in order to weave with it.

What started with a few rabbits and a hobby is now seriously out of control. Once again, animals are suffering at the hands of human callousness. This individual is losing her home due to foreclosure. These rabbits are currently being housed in her garage and will have two options: 1. To be rescued in a joint effort by Denkai and other rescue groups in which they will be spayed and neutered and placed in homes or 2. To be euthanized by the local shelter. Since these rabbits are being housed in the county, we have the opportunity to help save them. They are all handled daily by a 7 year old girl and would be wonderful pets for and educated family.

We expect all females of reproducing age to be pregnant as the males and females have not been separated and expect that what is now 100 rabbits will easily turn to several hundred or many more in a very short time if we do not act right away.

A Wyoming Sanctuary will be temporarily housing these rabbits while we work to seek out other rescues, sanctuaries and individuals able to assist in taking in or fostering these bunnies. A joint effort in getting these bunnies to safety will begin this week.

Funding in the amount of $7,500 for spay and neuter costs. This number will most likely mount daily.

Tuff sheds or another steel building would be really ideal. If you know of anybody who would be willing to purchase this item or contribute toward it, it is a desperate need.

In-kind Contributions Needed include:

Supplies needed:
Rabbit Cages
Tuff Sheds
Timothy Hay
Straw
Funding for spay and neuter at a cost of $75.00 per bunny
Foster Homes
Rescues and Sanctuaries willing to take these babies in.
Bowls
broccoli, cabbage, celery, and most dark colored greens
Papaya tablets
For baby bunnies up to adult hood we need: alfalfa hay and or pellets

To contribute: Visit www.denkaisanctuary.org and click any donate now button.
Mail Contributions to: 36710 WCR 126 Grover, CO 80729

Survivor, the Miracle Horse

This video is of Survivor, we believe his age to be close to 30. Survivor was one of 33 horses rescued together with the Humane Society of the United States in April of 2007 when the Dekalb, Ill. Slaughter plant was closed.

We believe that Survivor is a Tennessee Walker. He is very well trained and extremely fun to ride. Survivor desperately needs a sponsor or even a foster home. He is easy to catch, good for the farrier, extremely friendly, loves to be brushed and would be great for a beginner rider who wanted to go on that occasional stress relieving ride.
Height: 15.3 hh

Visit: http://www.denkaisanctuary.org/denkai_animals/sponsor_denkai_animals.htm for sponsorship information.

Contact us: info@denkaisanctuary.org or (970) 895-2337

Bubba The Haflinger

Bubba is an 8 year old Haflinger of whom our Founder felt a strong pull to rescue. He was off loaded at the local Fort Collins sale barn and we were told by the owner that he was given to him, trained to drive and ride, and he no longer wanted this horse, so he brought Bubba to the sale barn thinking he would bring a good meat price because he is so fat.

Seriously?????

So needless to say, a full day of harassment by sale barn staff did not bring our founder to her knees, she stayed, bid on Bubba and brought him home.

Elijah, our 17 year old trainer from Fort Collins is in the below video riding Bubba, you will see his one quirk which has gotten much better as we ride him more. After this workout, the sanctuary's workers and founder went for a 3 mile ride with Bubba and others. He did great, we truly think he will make a great beginner/kids horse.

Contact us for info at: info@denkaisanctuary.org or (970) 895-2337

Website: www.denkaisanctuary.org

Little Billy Goat Gruff

We were contacted by the Larimer Humane Society Wild Kind Department regarding a young goat that had come to their facility and had little handling. This goat, being a bit shy of people and very un-trusting, would fling itself into fences trying to get away. They were out of options. We arrived this past week to pick up Little Billy and found a very scared baby boer goat. These goats are bred for their meat. After a certain weight they will be sent to slaughter. A lot of the 4-H kids show them at fair as well.

After closely examining Billy, we found that this little baby is a hermaphrodite. Meaning that male and female sex organs are both present. So Little Billy will never work for a breeding program because he/she is more than likely sterile.

Little Billy will more than likely live a long life here at the Sanctuary unless that special adopter comes along.

Sponsor Billy today! Help us to continue care for this special little goat that would have missed a chance at life otherwise! www.denkaisanctuary.org

Where Does all that Manure Go??

As you can imagine, we have more than our fair share of horse manure, old straw, shavings and more. The animals put out more than 100 tons of manure over the last 12 months.

So, how do we deal with it? Well we have two ways, one is in the following video, spreading it on our crops, the other, selling it to kind folks such as yourselves, farmers that are farming organically and anybody else that wants a good quality compost. This helps to bring in program funding for the Sanctuary and aligns with our mission to become completely sustainable.

Thank you to Ray Reichley for the use of his time and equipment in hauling and spreading this on the fields. As you can tell, we are going to be in need of equipment in order to further this project for the Sanctuary, we were fortunate to have Ray's help this time.

Remember the Cortez Babies!

The rescued yearlings from Cortez are still residing at the Sanctuary, they are beautiful and will begin their training after the 18 Arabians have been worked through. Here is the latest video!

Bint Bint Shafar; Video of one of 18 Arabians

This is Bint Bint Shafar, she is one of the 18 Arabians recently saved by Denkai Animal Sanctuary.

Arabs: Lady Josephine

This video is of Katrina Stowasser working with Lady Josephine, National Show Horse, one of the 18 Arabians recently saved by Denkai Animal Sanctuary.

Housing Options available for Sanctuary!

Reflections for Youth has made us an offer can not refuse! As you may be aware, our facilities at Denkai are very limited regarding office space and options for housing workers and visitors. Thanks to Reflections for Youth, (www.reflectionsforyouth.org) a not for profit organization located in the Loveland/Berthoud, CO area, our option for additional housing is now a reality.

Denkai has the opportunity to purchase two modular classroom buildings that are completely plumbed, have furnaces and water heaters on board, electric is already wired and they have never been used. These will work very well for housing. Denkai is working on permits needed and other necessary paperwork that will allow installation of these buildings at the Sanctuary and would provide much needed facilities for workers, volunteers and visitors.

We need your help to accomplish this. We can purchase both of these buildings for $1,000, normal cost would be $10,000 per unit. We have a hauler that is going to help us at cost, estimated at $2,000, again normally we would have had to pay close to $20,000 to move these buildings.

Spring Snow Drifts In Sanctuary!

Denkai Animal Sanctuary was hit hard last night by spring snow storms. Founder Floss Blackburn along with Johnna Hayes and April spent hours digging animals out by hand. The largest project was Charles, the Sanctuary's 900 lb boar pig. He has been nicknamed pigosaurus due to his enormous size. Needless to say he and his shelter were buried under six foot snowdrifts. So it took three women two hours to dig him out. First came a snout and a snort, then came his head and then we all ran like our rear ends were on fire when he finally came tearing out of his hut.

It is vital to Denkai's operations to have a skid steer or larger loader on hand for storms like this. The north horse pens were literally drifted full of 6' snow drifts. The animals that normally reside in those pens had to be moved to other areas of the Sanctuary. The little tractor that was so generously contributed unfortunately is not built for this job and has a cracked frame.







































The Sanctuary houses three dogs that are dog aggressive. Rose's pen snowed shut, so she had to be moved, she has an insulated dog house with heated bedding. Denkai is seeking funds that would go towards building a badly needed facility for the dogs. When the weather is wicked like this, all eight dogs have to be moved and kept separate in the Sanctuary's 600 square foot house. YIKES!

Hi Floss! It's been two years since I adopted my little Maggie (she was DeeDee at DenKai). A lot has happened. She and I were doing just fine and she was my little lover girl. Always sweet and cuddly...very much the baby and happy she didn't have to share my affection.

Well a little over a year ago I ended up having to take my niece's infant in as a Foster child when he was taken away from a Meth house. I had never been a mother and didn't know what to do. I worried Maggie would not adjust to it either. However, because she had been a mommy in her previous home, she knew exactly what to do. Instead of being jealous of the attention I gave Austin, she became his best buddy and adopted him. Those first nights he was here and he would cry, she would run to him and snuggle him and kiss him and just lay beside him. They have a tight bond as you can see in the attached picture.

So, I just wanted to tell you once again how thankful I am for the sweet girl you rescued for me. She is happy in her forever home and loves her family. I wish you and DenKai nothing but blessings in the wonderful work you do.

All my best,
Donna Webb

Maggie was rescued from a Wyoming Animal Shelter and came to Denkai with a treatable eye infection for which she would have otherwise been euthanized.

New Sanctuary Arrivals

Prince, 12 ducks and 1 goose:
Jerre Fisher, an amazing rescuer, mother and wife most recently passed away after losing her battle with cancer. Jerre had an enormous heart and many rescued animals, most all of which her family was able to place. A few of the very special have come to reside at our Sanctuary. Their story follows;
Never have I had such a group of animals come in with so much spirit in them.


Jerre’s animals most definitely carry her within them. This was obvious the minute I saw them. Twelve ducks and one goose, all reside together at our Sanctuary now and as I observed these animals after placing them in their yard, I began to realize just how special they really are; They all carry scars like Jerre did of injuries past that they mostly healed from.


The goose had a broken wing and leg that are now long healed, this goose has a very kind eye, there are a couple of the ducks that have had broken legs and still get around just fine with the flock thanks to Jerre saving them.













Prince is Jerre’s 34 year old appaloosa gelding who came to Denkai with a very special diet. Prince has no teeth so is on senior feed, beet pulp and several other supplements to keep his health up. Never have I ever experienced a horse this angry and hurt. For the first two days here, Prince refused to eat, after all he had been removed from the only place he had called home for about 10 years, what was this strange place and where was his mom; The woman that used to feed him every day by hand and pet him while he ate?

About day three Prince had had it with me, he was ticked off and letting me know about it. I walked into his pen to feed him his grain and he came at me with ears pinned and eyes bloodshot. I figured, ok, he either eats or he bites me. Well he went to the bucket of food as I was holding it and ate. I cried hard and began to pet him, his ears went forward as through my tears I told him that I was so incredibly sorry he had lost his mother and that she missed him so badly and wanted him to be ok. The anger in his eyes began to disappear and just like that we had made headway. I stood there that day petting him, crying and talking to him for an hour while he ate. Since then, Prince has been a little bit better about eating on his own, but always welcomes the company of Sweet Pea. Volunteers are needed for Prince to give him the one on one attention he deserves and has grown used to. Please contact us if you can help or would be willing to contribute towards the cost of his care: info@denkaisanctuary.org or (970) 895-2337.

Jerre Fisher Memorial Fund

Jerre Fisher:

Greeley, CO - Jerre Fisher is one of the most amazing individuals that I have come across since founding Denkai Animal Sanctuary. Aside of caring for her own wonderful bunch of animals, Jerre reached above and beyond the call of duty for Denkai's Sanctuary animals and most recently the arabian horses in need.

On February 20, 2009 Jerre lost a very long battle with Cancer and still in those moments prior to her passing strongly advocated that her animal companions be taken care of.

In Memory of Jerre Fisher; Denkai has Established the Jerre Fisher Memorial Fund to carry on her heartfelt work on behalf of animals in need.

Contributions toward this fund will help to establish a much needed veterinary facility at Denkai Animal Sanctuary and will help to provide emergency care to homeless animals who would otherwise perish.

Pay It Forward! (Donate Now Button)

Aug. 4, 1936–Feb. 20, 2009

Age: 72

Residence: Greeley

Jerre Lee Fisher, loving grandmother, mother and wife, passed away Feb. 20, 2009, at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado after a long and brave battle with breast cancer.

She was born Aug. 4, 1936, in Long Beach, Calif., to Arthur and Florence (Chamberlain) Frederiksen. She grew up in Greeley and graduated from Greeley High in 1954, excelling in band as majorette, Pep Club, athletics and a member of National Honor Society. In 1965, she married Charles Largent. They later divorced but remained good friends. She married Errol Fisher in 1998. Jerre retired from the State of Colorado 19th Judicial District in 1998 after 29 years.

She loved taking care of her many animals, especially her inseparable chemo companion yorkie, Amazing Grace. She lived and loved life to the fullest and enjoyed Dixieland and Queen City Jazz, cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean and Harley trips to California Highway 1 with her husband, Errol and her brother, Doug. Jerre was past director of the Weld County Humane Society and was instrumental in the early development of the organization as a safe and humane shelter for homeless animals. She was a member of the Greeley/Evans Moose Lodge No. 909, a longtime member of the Greeley Harley Owners Group No. 1462 and editor of the H.O.G. Herald newsletter. She was an avid supporter of many needy groups, including Denkai Animal Sanctuary, American Humane Association, Triangle Cross Ranch and Relay for Life. In her spare time, she crocheted dozens of baby blankets and hats and donated them to the Monfort Birthing Center at N.C.M.C. Jerre enjoyed sharing her many artistic and creative talents, including sewing, drawing, calligraphy and flower gardening.

Jerre is survived by her husband, Errol; two daughters, Lynn Largent and Lauris (Brad) Laue, all of Greeley; a stepdaughter, Kelly (Scott) Wheeler of Dallas, Texas; five stepsons, Mike of Dallas, Tom, Steve and Rick of Greeley and Mark of Denver. She loved and will be dearly missed by her 15 grandchildren, Mark, Mitch, Lauren, Sarah, Jeff, Tyler, Ronnie, Demi, Nick, Jake, Derek, Josh, Atienne, Tony and Nate.

She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Largent; her brother, Doug; and her parents.