Longtime Alamosa resident, Yolanda “Midge” VanHaitsma, 95, passed away on December 28, 2018.  She was born October 29, 1923.  Yolanda came to Alamosa from Delta, Co in 1944.  She lived with her Aunt Anne Massano.  Her first job was at Sherman Drugstore where the Narrow Gauge bookstore is now.  She worked behind the counter selling floats, shakes, sodas, etc.  This is where her love of waitressing began and she started using the name “Midge”.

She met her first husband, Gordon Tucker, and they married April 1, 1945 but later on divorced.  One day she went into the Grande Café which was located on State St. where Macs Pool Hall was and is now the Rubi Slipper.  Donald VanHaitsma was there having a cup of coffee. After they met they were married on September 20, 1947.

In 1961 Donald and Midge opened the Bel Air Café which was next to the Rialto Theater.  Many people would go there on their lunch breaks.  In 1974 they sold the café to David and Delones Lucero and opened the Dutch oven Bakery across the street where San Luis Valley Vacuum sales and Repair is now.  In 1977 they closed the bakery.  Donald went to work for Al’s Bakery and Midge went to work at the Medicine Chest and later went to work at the Sunshine Laundry.  She retired in 2004 at the age of 81. 

Midge leaves behind 2 children, Maria (Doro) Martinez and James VanHaitsma.  Two grandchildren; Tara (Christian) Lloyd, and Matthew Shaffer.  One Step- Grandson. Jason (Marilyn) Martinez.  Four Great Grandchildren; Jeanne Gurule, Joey Cisneros, Angelo Cisneros, Niclo Cisneros.  One Step-great grandson, Marco Martinez.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Vincenzo “James” Barone, and Carmela “Minnie” Massano-Barone.  Her brothers Antonio “Tony” Barone, Lebodio “Lee” Barone, James Barone and Vincent Barone who died when he was a small boy.  Her sisters; Julianna “Julie” (Lewis) Gallob, Donna (Terry) Fergeson.  Her husband, Donald William VanHaitsma, Son Karl Jon VanHaitsma, and Great-granddaughter Chloe Martinez.

Midge’s motto to a long life was “Do not worry about anything and live life one day at a time.”

Goodbye Moma, we will never forget you.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  A funeral service will be held at the Alamosa 7th Day Adventist Church on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with interment to follow at the Alamosa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of arrangements.  If you would like to leave on line condolences or tributes for the family please visit Yolandas obituary at www.RogersFunerals.com