Marva Fritch

Marva Fritch, 76, passed peacefully with family September 5, 2024, following a journey of several years with Multiple Myeloma.

Marva was born to parents Ada Beth (Cranson) & Kenneth Finkner where she grew up on the family dairy farm in North La Junta. She attended area schools, graduating from LJHS in 1966. Also, Adams State, earning a B.S. in Medical Technology before a 22yr career in the lab at AVRMC, then earned a Master's Degree from UNC before serving the students and families of La Junta Elementaries as School Counselor for 15 years.

Marva enjoyed growing up in the company of numerous cousins, being active in 4-H, the Presbyterian Church, youth groups, women's organizations and church leadership. Her faith remained important throughout her life and she was steadfast in her love of Jesus and family. Despite the difficulties of cancer, she lived her last years in gratitude for all that was good. She was kind and generous, making an effort to maintain treasured friendships of many years. Marva loved thrift stores, gardening, house plants, and canning every fall. She also loved to travel, with many fond memories of international trips with Presbyterian Women, youth mission trips, and family road trips.

Having met in high school, she and Roy Fritch married in 1968; together, they raised two girls and are deeply proud and involved grandparents of two fantastic granddaughters.

Marva was preceded in death by parents and grandparents August & Sophia Finkner and Nathan & Ethel Cranson, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and brother-in-law Daryl Fritch. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Roy, and daughters Lisa Fritch and Becky (Scot) Lemke, granddaughters Braelynn and Savannah. Her brother Norm (Patricia) Finkner and sister Beverley (Phil) Jantzi; nieces and nephews Lori (Garry) Albright, Emily and Andrew; Ryan (Caroline) Finkner, Skylar and Weston; Rachel Jantzi, Josh; and Hannah Jantzi.

Brothers-in-law Jan (Karen) Fritch and Robert (Choon) Fritch; nieces and nephews Kimberly (Jay) Schmidke, Ashton and Braiden; Kurt (Jody) Fritch, Camryn and Owen; Kyle (Hattie) Fritch, Emerson and Paxton; Chan Fritch; Christy (Patty) Falco, Oliver. Marva will also be missed by her many far-flung cousins, extended family and beloved friends.

Marva has chosen cremation with a private inurnment at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta and a Celebration of Life Service to be held at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in La Junta on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 1pm.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.