Shelia Marie Briggs (Smith), 64, known to many in Del Norte, Colo., as “Miss Shelia”, passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2024, at Memorial Central Hospital in Colorado Springs. Shelia was born to Edward and Alice Smith (of Paonia) in Delta, Colo., on Aug. 22, 1959.

A farm-girl and natural born Coloradan, Shelia enjoyed many outdoor activities with her parents and two siblings, Steve and Janelle; including being blessed with her mother’s green thumb. Hometown pride was a part of her youth, as a Paonia student and Eagles cheerleader – spending many a summer’s day at Big Ma’s (her grandmother) practicing.

In 1976, after the birth of her son and divorcing her first husband, she began dating the love of her life, John Briggs. As John helped her raise Mike, as his own. Their love continued to grow, and the couple married Sept. 1, 1979. Their family grew by two when they welcomed two more children – William in 1981 and Criselle in 1992.

Shelia loved spending time with her husband and kids, especially in the high country. Her admiration for nature and its wildlife was unprecedented and never faded; the butterflies and beautiful wildflowers in the mountains always will remind us of her. Once her youngest was old enough to be home alone, Shelia began working as Teacher’s Assistant for Del Norte Head Start – those children, along with her grandson Karsyn, kept her spirits lifted and her body busy.

Shelia was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Alice Smith, sister-in-law Kathleen Smith, brother-in-law Everett Briggs, father and mother-in-law Willard and Helen Briggs, and nephew Levi Comer.

Shelia is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John; siblings Steven Smith and Janelle (Bill) Comer; children Michael (Ginger) Vodopich, William Briggs, and Criselle (Jeremy) Nading; grandson Karsyn Nading; four bonus grandsons (Avery, Alex, John, and Jase); several sisters and brothers-in-law; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

A donation page to help with cost of arrangements and to support the family is available through GoFundMe – under the title “Celebration of Life for Shelia Briggs”. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date; inquiries can be made with her daughter, Criselle. Cremation was chosen at Shelia’s request.

Arrangements are in care of Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.