Maria Guadalupe Kage

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Maria Guadalupe Kage on March 23, 2026,
surrounded by the love of her family.
Maria was born on January 4, 1952, in San Antonio,TX to Gil and Patsy (Petra) Avila. As the
oldest of eight children, Maria naturally stepped into a role that would define so much of her life
- that of a protector, a caregiver, and a second mother. From a young age, she carried a
strength and love that others leaned on.
On March 1, 1970, Maria married the love of her life, Larry Kage, in Lincoln, NE. Together they
built a life rooted in love, loyalty, hard work, and family. Through every season of life, Maria's
greatest joy was always the people she loved.
Above all, Maria was a family woman. She was a devoted and loving mother to her three sons,
Jerry Kage and wife Felicia, Sherman Kage and fiancée Christina, and Steven Kage and wife
Melissa. She was a loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 9
great-grandchildren, with one more precious blessing on the way.
But Maria's love did not stop with the family she gave birth to - if you walked through her door,
if you needed a place to belong, or if you were one of her boys' friends, you became hers too.
She had a way of making people feel safe, seen, fed, loved, and welcomed. She was truly a
mother to many.
Nothing made Maria happier than showing up for the people she loved. Whether it was a ball
game, school event, or just an ordinary day, she was there - cheering the loudest, loving the
hardest, and making sure her family always knew they were supported.
Maria found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved garage sales and had a gift
for finding treasures - and an even bigger gift for talking someone into a great deal. She loved
traveling, snowmobiling in the mountains, playing in women's softball leagues, and going to the
movies with her grandkids. She knew how to have fun, how to laugh, and how to make
memories that we will hold onto forever.
She was also a woman of incredible strength and work ethic. Throughout her life, Maria worked
at the Sterling Beef Plant, and later retired from the Fort Morgan School District as a cook. She
worked hard, sacrificed often, and gave so much of herself to make sure the people she loved
were cared for.
Maria also had a deep love for her siblings, friends, pets and most importantly, for the Lord.
Though she did not follow one particular religion, she carried a sincere and steady devotion to
Jesus Christ in her heart. Her faith lived in the way she loved others - generously, faithfully,
and without condition.
Maria was the kind of woman you never forget. She was strong but gentle, funny but fierce, and
loving in a way that made people feel at home. She was the heart of her family, the safe place,
the hug you needed, the phone call you could count on, and the kind of love that doesn't leave
when a person does.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gil and Patsy (Petra) Avila, and her brothers, Gil Jr.,
Santiago, and Renee, all of whom she carried in her heart throughout her life.
Though our hearts are aching, we take comfort in knowing that the love Maria gave this world
will continue to live on, not only in her family but in every life she touched. She will be missed
more than words can ever say, loved beyond measure, and remembered forever.

A Celebration of Life honoring Maria will be held on April 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the American
Legion (121 Nelson Rd in Fort Morgan CO, 80701). Family and friends are invited to come
together to remember, honor, and celebrate the beautiful life Maria lived.

For those who wish to honor Maria's memory, the family asks that all cards and flowers be sent
to 231 Gayle Street, Fort Morgan, CO 80701.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Maria Guadalupe Kage, please click here to visit our sympathy store.