Tinka L. Piper, age 72, of Colorado Springs passed away October 23, 2023. She was born in Memphis, Texas, to Charles and Harriet Williams Jr., the third of six children.
The family moved to Johnstown in 1954. She attended K-12 school in Johnstown, graduating in 1969 from Roosevelt High School. She attended the University of Wyoming before starting her federal civil service career at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. After moving to Hawaii in 1976, she continued her career in civil service with the Social Security Administration. She moved back to Colorado in 1991 and retired from SSA in September 2011 after 37 years of government service. She received numerous awards and commendations for her work with the Social Security Administration.
Tinka was known for her boundless energy, caring spirit and her commitment to family and friends. Being raised on a farm contributed to her development of tenacity and a disciplined work ethic. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and reading. She cherished her time with friends and family, always eager to organize a gathering or party to get everyone together. Much of what she loved to do gradually ended due to her 41-year struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. She went through life with an amazing spirit, positive outlook, and endurance. She spent much of her life in pain, however you would have never known it when you were around her.
She was a longtime volunteer with theArthritis Foundation in both Hawaii and Colorado, helping with and organizing events such as wine tastings and walks to raise funds and awareness about Arthritis. She received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Rocky Mountain Arthritis Foundation for all her efforts on behalf of the foundation. She served on the board of her community association as vice president/secretary for more than 10 years.
Tinka is survived by her two children, Pam (Matt) Fox and Christine (David) Luck- ie; and five grandchildren, Piper, Bella and Leo Fox and Zoey and Dexter Luckie. She is also survived by sister Vicky (John) Kometani; and brothers Clint (Lindy) Williams, Larry Williams and Torin Williams. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Linda (Gene) Thomas.
A memorial service is planned at 11 a.m. November 11 at the Swan-Law Funeral Home in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arthritis Foundation of Colorado in her memory.
