Longtime Alamosa resident Virgie Sheeley ,64, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Alamosa on July 16,2022.
Virgie was born in Corning, California on July 8, 1958, the daughter of Forrest F. Fidler and Lela Pearl (HitchCock) Fidler. She was lucky enough to have been harassed by her older brother Darrell and her younger brother Jess. Virgie grew up in Red Bluff California, where her family farmed Milo, Wheat, and raised pigs as well.Editor Note: Virgie attended Delia Grade School and Rossville High as a member of the Class of 1977.
Virgie met Calvin “Bud” Sheeley at his restaurant La Sahara and fell in love with him instantly. They were united in marriage in 1979. Virgie and Bud started Dairy Island and later True Grits Steak House, which she operated for more than 30 years. Bud and Virgie reaffirmed their vows shortly before Bud passed away in 2015. We find some comfort in knowing that they are now reunited.
She is survived by her mother Lela Fidler of Alamosa; her daughters Brandi (Juju) Martinez of Castle Rock, CO, and Sheri (Derek) Inness of Rocky Ford, CO; her grandchildren: D’Nessa, Tay’Lor, Paige, Bowen, Benjamin, Paisley, Brexton, and her beloved dog Xena.
Virgie was preceded in death by her father Forrest, her husband Calvin “Bud” Sheeley, and her brothers Jess Fidler and Darrell Fidler.
Our mother always made us feel loved, but she adored her grandchildren! She was always their biggest cheerleader. She would drive hours to cheer for one of her babies. Our Mom’s greatest pleasure in life was spoiling her 7 grand babies. She always made sure she had a surprise or treat every time they saw each other. It wasn’t just about spoiling them. She wanted them to feel special. No matter how small the accomplishment, it never went unsaid that she was so very proud of every single one of them. She was their biggest hype man!
Anyone that knew our mother knew that she had an enormous heart that matched her beauty! If you needed a ride to your AA classes, or to be taken to a doctor's appointment in Pueblo. She always had the words you needed to hear. Her energy always matched the situation. If you ever needed a fun night out, you could call Virgie she was your gal, never more than a phone call away. She was the hardest working person most of us will ever know! She opened her restaurant at 10:00 a.m. and cooked all day until 10:00 p.m. She hand cut all the steaks at the restaurant, ground all the hamburgers, and made patties. Breaded the country fried steaks. Did her payroll, and still be the most beautiful amazing mom, grandma, and daughter.
After the passing of her brothers and father our mother brought our grandma to live with us permanently. It was a Dorthy, and Sophia type relationship for mom and grandma. Some of our best memories are with the four of us girls. Mom had dedicated these last few years taking care of grandma. Our grandma is so very saddened by “her Virgie’s passing.”
Our mother would be deeply touched by the amount of love and support that has been extended to our family. Please feel free to visit our grandmother (Lela Fidler) at the care center. She needs a little more tender loving care now, more than ever.
A visitation will be held at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A graveside Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Monte Vista Cemetery in Monte Vista. Concluding the funeral there will be a celebration, at Virgie’s home (2333 Thomas Avenue, Alamosa, CO) at 2:00 p.m. Virgie’s love was boundless, as was her class and integrity. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Dumb Friends League in Virgie's name. To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com
Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.
