Obituary: Virginia Stenzel Casten Phillips

Virginia Stenzel Casten Phillips, 93, passed away Saturday March 23, 2013 surrounded by family in Greeley, Colo.

She was born October 22, 1919, in Windsor, Colo., to John and Amalia (Nuss) Stenzel. Virginia graduated from Windsor High School as valedictorian of her class in 1937. She attended the University of Colorado where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business education. She later received a Master of Arts degree from Colorado State College, now University of Northern Colorado.

Virginia married Harry Casten in Estes Park, Colo., on Nov. 29, 1943. They made their home in Windsor, Colo., where Harry served as postmaster. As for Mrs. Casten, she became a much-loved business teacher at Windsor High School, where she taught for 20 years. Virginia also taught night business courses for the newly-formed Aims Community College. She was also a member of PEO Chapter U in Windsor. Harry Casten died at the age of 48 on Nov. 4, 1968. He and Virginia were married just weeks shy of 25 years.

She met Vern Phillips at the suggestion of friends in 1970, and they were married on March 29, 1972. They lived in Encampment, where Vern was a well-known fishing and hunting guide. Virginia enjoyed serving as the hostess and chef for Vern’s hunting and fishing camp, “Little Acres”, which was located 30 miles west of Saratoga. Her grandchildren all loved visiting her in Wyoming, where she and Vern taught them to hunt, fly fish and love the outdoors.

During her many years in Encampment, she was active in the community and played an important role in the creation of the Encampment Senior Center, as well as the Encampment Library. She remained professionally active by teaching business college extension courses at Encampment, and also participated in the Adult Non-Fiction Wyoming Writers Group.

After nearly 35 years of marriage, Vern Phillips died on March 21, 2007. After Vern’s death, Virginia returned to Windsor, and enjoyed visiting the library and playing bridge at the senior center. On her 90th birthday, she moved to an assisted living apartment in Greeley, Colo. She lived at Grace Pointe until her death.

She is survived by her sons Michael Casten (Cindy) of Greensboro, N.C., Fred Casten (Kate) of Windsor, Colo., daughter Ruth Casten Sens of Greeley, Colo., step-daughter Lynn Phillips Finney (R.G.) of Encampment, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents John and Amalia Stenzel; her sisters Hattie Stahl and Olga Lorenz; her brother Ray Stenzel; and husbands Harry Casten and Vern Phillips.

At her request, no funeral service will be held, and the family will have a celebration of her life at a later date. Should you wish to make a donation to the Virginia Casten Phillips Memorial Fund, please send it in care of Marks Funeral Service, 9293 Eastman Park Drive, Windsor, Colo., 80550. Online condolences may be made at http://www.marksfuneralservice.com.