Lydia F. Vandemoer passed away early Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the age of 91. A private graveside memorial will be held September 9 at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

Lydia was born in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of five children on July 11, 1926 to Viktor and Agnes Filonowicz. She traveled alone on the train at age 16 to attend Colorado College. It is there she received her degree in Economics and met her future husband, Herbert H. Vandemoer. They married after Herb returned from WWII and settled in Sterling. She and Herb were married 69 years and raised three children, Cory, Craig and Chris.

Lydia was an artist and a potter. She had a strong passion for Native American cultures. She loved the outdoors and working in her garden. Lydia also enjoyed traveling, hiking, biking and skiing with friends and family and always found a way to learn something new on every excursion.

Being very proud of the community she called home, she spent years as a director with the Colorado State History Museum and Colorado State Historical Preservation review board working tirelessly to save the historical Logan County Court House, the I&M Building and many other noteworthy buildings in Sterling and around the state. She was also a member of the Logan County Gray Lady Service with the American Red Cross for 25 years.

Lydia is survived by her three children, Cory Vandemoer and spouse Merton Richards, Craig Vandemoer and spouse Marti Stahlman, Chris Vandemoer and spouse Cindy Vandemoer; two beloved granddaughters, Isabel and Phoebe Vandemoer; and three step grandchildren, Trevor Harris and spouse Brittany, Ashley Weiss, Meghan Geiger and spouse Eric, and their respective families.

Any donations may be made to Sterling Hospice of the Plains or charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.