Virginia Irene Marks

Virginia Irene Marks—known to many simply and lovingly as “Grammie”—was born on November 26, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, and went home to heaven on April 28, 2026, in Longmont, Colorado. She leaves behind a legacy bursting with love, rooted deeply in faith, and woven together by a lifelong devotion to her family and community.

A proud graduate of Arvada High School in 1957, Virginia stepped into life with purpose, heart, and just the right amount of spunk. She embraced her role as a homemaker with unmatched dedication, raising her four children with steady love, strong values, and the kind of care that shaped generations to come. Her nurturing spirit didn’t stop at home—she went on to lead a preschool at Liberty Christian School, where she poured that same warmth and guidance into countless young lives. Education mattered deeply to her, and she made sure her own children were given every opportunity to learn and grow, even providing private schooling for several years.

Virginia’s greatest love story began with S. Edward Marks—her beloved “Grandad” and partner of 57 beautiful years. Married on October 20, 1957, theirs was a relationship full of loyalty, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Even after Ed went ahead to heaven, Virginia kept her wedding ring on, a quiet but powerful symbol that their love story never truly ended.

As a teenager, she was guided by Pastor Homsher and his wife, who helped shape the spiritual path she would walk so faithfully. On May 14, 1961, Virginia and Ed were baptized at Highland Church in Boulder, marking a meaningful milestone in their shared journey. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Together, they served at Rocky Mountain Baptist in Arvada and later at Faith Baptist Longmont, where they joyfully helped build the church on 15th Avenue and poured their hearts into children’s ministry. Virginia loved teaching Sunday school, Kids Church and most especially, Neighborhood Bible time—anywhere she could share her faith and love with little ones.

If you knew Virginia, you knew her smile. You felt her hugs. You experienced firsthand what it meant to be loved well. “Grammie” wasn’t just a nickname—it was a role she embraced fully and joyfully. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she made each one feel like the most important person in the room.

She had a creative spark, too—crocheting blankets, cross-stitching, sewing, and somehow always having time for a good John Wayne movie. She was a fixture at family gatherings, cheering loudly at games and events, and making sure everyone felt seen and celebrated. And then there was her famous “Cobblestone” dessert—a Christmas tradition that earned legendary status among family and friends. Her pumpkin pie baking events were an annual highlight—always filled with family, laughter, and her generous willingness to share recipes. She was a woman who truly fed both hearts and stomachs.

Even in her final year, Virginia continued to live with intention. She found joy in helping others, often saying with a sparkle in her eye, “I know why God still has me here.” And she meant it—her days were filled with small acts of kindness that made a big difference.

She is survived by her four children: Carrie (Jim) Crewdson of Colorado, Clifford (Tammy) Marks of Oregon, Edward Marks of Texas, and Sheri (Jeff) Fields of Mississippi; thirty-four grandchildren, including Candie (Jeremy) Farquhar, Vickie Aldrich, James (April) Damey, Debbie (Ryan) Henkelman, Cindie (Rob) Curtis, Tracie (Scott) Roberts, Steven (Alicia) Marks, Tiffany (David) Gale, Jennifer (Daniel) Bryant, Justin Marks, Zack (Taryn) Marks, Brandon (Marilyn) Marks, Shayna Wareing, TJ (Tara) Fields, Linsey Sutton, Jaimee (Jimmy) O'Dea, Aleah (Ron) Buccelli, Lindsey Henning, Adriana (Bob) McKeighan, and Sierra Crewdson; fifty-five great-grandchildren, including Ethan (Shelby) Farquhar, Mikayla (Tanner) Hutt, Emmie Farquhar, Blaine Farquhar, Andie Farquhar, Journey Aldrich, Eljiah (Kami) Damey, Noah (Aleksa) Damey, Selah Damey, Riley (Savannah) Henkelman, Ryder Henkelman, Brianna Curtis, Vanille Curtis, Abby Roberts, Mylisa Gale, Lyla Gale, Jasper Gale, Arianna Marks, Sebastian Marks, Nolan Bryant, Mackenzie Bryant, Samuel Marks, Jean Marks, Ruthie Marks, Ben Marks, Chloe Marks, Luke Marks, Henry Marks, Lily Marks, Brody Marks, Koda Marks, Jackson Fields, Porter Fields, Tripp Fields, Ava Langley, Zoie Langley, Mila Sutton, Christi (Scott) Taylor, Kaytelin (Hayden) Stewart, Kylie Taylor, Lucas Taylor, JJ O'Dea, Zander O'Dea, Gerry Buccelli, Katelyn Buccelli, Angelina Lettkeman, and Isabella Henning; and six great-great-grandchildren—Holton, Boston, Houston, Lincoln, Robert and Lhyla—with three more on the way, each one a source of immense joy to her. Ginny will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Eugene Ellenwood; sisters-in-laws Troy Ellenwood and Sherri Ellenwood; Terry (Mick) Shoup; Robert Damey; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband S. Edward Marks; her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Ellenwood; her brothers, Melvin and Donald Ellenwood; sister-in-law, Kitty Ellenwood; and her grandson-in-law Nathan Aldrich.

Virginia Irene Marks lived a life that can only be described as full—full of love, full of faith, and full of purpose. She stitched together a legacy like one of her quilts: piece by piece, with care, patience, and beauty that will last for generations. Her memory will continue to warm hearts, guide lives, and bring smiles for years to come.

A Celebration of Grammie’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at FaithPoint Church in Longmont, Colorado.