Obituary of Vivian Kiefer

View Video Tribute Vivian Gwendolyn (Ragan) Kiefer, born June 13, 1914 to Burt and Adella Ragan in their home in Burlington, Colorado, was called home by the Lord to her heavenly home on April 7, 2009 at Grace Manor Care Center. Vivian was a very active young girl. She was in all the scholastic activities, and especially proud to be in Drama and Rainbow Girls. She married Fred J. Kiefer on August 4, 1935. To this union six children were born; Garry Max, Virginia Kaleen, Terrance Jay, Sheryl LaVona, Katholyn Fredell and Billy Tim. Vivian kept busy with her children organizing the Sunshine 4-H club. She was active in the Rebecca Lodge, Eastern Star, and Farm Bureau, Past Nobel Grand, Garden Club, Church choir and Ladies Aid Society. She made sure that her children were active in 4-H, rainbow girls and raising large gardens. She also helped raise two nieces and many foster children. She spearheaded a campaign to the county commissioners to create the “Bus for Usâ€?, (She even drove the bus). This later evolved into what is now the city public transportation bus. Along with Fred, they started the Senior Citizens Center in Burlington. She organized the Senior Citizens “Kitchen Bandâ€?, and traveled to facilities in the Tri-State area to perform. During the years she performed at many group gatherings, singing and reciting poems by memory, many times in costume. Children and family were very important to her. Any day could be deemed a “holidayâ€? and granted a big dinner and family gathering, especially if someone came home to visit from far away. Grandmother to everyone in town, Vivian always welcomed in-laws, out-laws, ex’s and friends to dinners and family events. She started a group called the “Walkie Talkiesâ€? when she decided she needed more exercise. During the first years of married life, she raised their children on the farm. Then moved to town for high school education for her children, moving back to the home she was born in, living there until she reached 90 years old. At that time she moved to assisted living. Due to health issues, she moved to Grace Manor Care Center where she spent her remaining years. Vivian is survived by her six children and their spouses, 37 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren, 38 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by other family members that include Leonard Smith, Grace Mahaffey, Margie Jones, Curtis Johnson and Darryll Tyrrell. Funeral services for Vivian were held on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:30 AM at the First Christian Church in Burlington with Pastor John Wrench officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington. Memorials may be made in Vivian’s name to the First Christian Church and may be left at the Bank of Burlington, Burlington, Colorado.