Vera Koann Stark

Vera “Koann” Stark, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the age of 86 in her loving residential care facility, ThriveCare Ingalls in Littleton, Colorado.

Koann was born on March 10, 1940, in Coyle, Oklahoma, to Delmer Williamson and Earlene Moore. She graduated from Colton High School in 1958 and was the drum majorette for the marching band during her senior year. She later went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with a minor in Anthropology, from Metropolitan State University of Denver in Colorado. In her professional life, she cared for others as a Registered Nurse in emergency medicine and healthcare administration before becoming an educator through Maric College in San Diego, California. She concluded her career teaching in the Vocational Nursing Program through Arapahoe Community College and Arapahoe High School in Colorado. She always believed education was important, so she blended two of her passions by helping to grow the next generation of nurses.

She married the love of her life, Richard M. Stark, on June 27, 1970, and they spent forty-three beautiful years together.

Outside of her career, Koann was an avid reader who loved books, writing, movies, and journaling. She delighted in listening to music, with her favorites being classical, soft pop, jazz, and country. She admired Broadway and theater shows, with one of her favorites being The Phantom of the Opera. Koann treasured camping trips with her family, the smell of rain, visits to the beach, spending time in the mountains, and the simple joy of being with those she loved. She cared deeply about the environment and was especially passionate about the protection of bees and other causes that preserved the natural world. Koann had a strong Christian faith. She loved God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all her heart and soul.

Koann will always be remembered for her remarkable intelligence, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her kindness, wisdom, and laughter touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Stark; her brother, Denny Williamson; her sister, Delene Roach; and her son, Michael Stuart. She is survived by her brother, David Williamson; her children, Jennifer Nehrig, Paul Stark, Jo Ann Stark, Lauria Simington, and Tracy Airth; her grandchildren, Shannon Athan, Dalen Scott, and Hunter Nehrig; and her great-grandchildren, Christopher Athan, Oliver Athan, Enrique Scott, Greyson Athan, and Nova Koann Scott. Early in their marriage, Richard and Koann opened their hearts and home to a young girl named Margo as well.

Her heavenly birthday memorial will be held at Calvary Church in Aurora, Colorado, on July 21, 2026. Please come in colorful church attire with a sun hat or scarf accessory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue.

Koann will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband.