Virginia Mae Getts

Virginia M. Getts, 92, passed away on June 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on August 12, 1933, to Jake and Anna (Bertram) Schwartzkopf, Virginia went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her beloved husband, Max.

As an infant, Virginia moved with her family to western Nebraska, where they settled in the Dutch Flats area northwest of Mitchell. She attended Fairview School District #34, a two-room country school, from kindergarten through eighth grade. After graduating from Fairview, she attended Mitchell High School. For a country girl, attending school in town was quite an adventure. She graduated in 1951 continuing at the University of Domestic Engineering.

On October 23, 1951, Virginia married C.R. “Dick” Frey. Two children were born to this union: Judith Louise in 1952 and Wendell Eugene in 1954. In 1963, the young family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, a long way over the mountains from the place they would always call home.

Both Judy and Wendell were active in band, and Virginia was elected president of the Grand Junction Junior High Band and Orchestra Parents Organization during the 1968-1969 school year. Virginia received her first taste of the grocery store business in 1968 when she began working for the City Market in Grand Junction.

After moving to Fort Collins in 1961, she joined Safeway, being the first female 1st Assistant Manager in the Denver District, where she worked for the next 25 years. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Poudre Valley Hospital for 15 years, spreading her positive vibes and warm smile with patients and visitors, including many Nebraska acquaintances.

On November 9, 1980, Virginia married Max Getts. Through this marriage, she was blessed with four additional grown children, whom she welcomed into her family with love. Together, Max and Virginia enjoyed traveling the world with friends through Rotary International, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

A devoted Christian, Virginia was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she served as a lay minister, Altar Guild member, Scripture reader, communion assistance, and in many other capacities. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her service to others.

Virginia’s life was defined by the love of family, her strong values, her independent spirit, and the many last friendships she built over the years. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, extraordinaire caregiver, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

Virginia is survived by her children, Judy (Rick) Keller of Gering, Nebraska; Wendell Frey (Raymond Moreno) of Alameda, California; Ginny (Bushrod) White of Fort Lupton, Colorado; Same (Dorine) Getts of Sequim, Washington; and David (Lori) Getts of Bothell, Washington. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Max Getts Jr.; her father, Jake Schwartzkopf Sr.; her mother, Anna (Bertram) Gompert; her stepfather, Jake G. Gompert; her in-laws, Max Sr. and Virigina Getts; her brothers, Albert, Jake, and Floyd Schwartzkopf; and her sister, Betty (Schwartzkopf) Schwindt; and her daughter, Margie Getts McGrane.

A Celebration of Virginia’s Life will be held on June 10th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, followed by a luncheon open to family, friends, and the congregation. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Grandview Cemetery.

Virginia’s family is grateful for the compassionate care she received during her final days at Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center and for the many friends and loved ones who surrounded her with love and support. Her kindness, faith, and devotion to family and friends will remain a legacy for generations to come.

Donations may be made to the Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center or Food Bank of Fort Collins.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to watch it by going directly to live.redeemerconnect.com