July 9, 1978 — July 29, 2023
Virginia M. BigSoldier-Wells started the next step of her journey on July 29, 2023. She passed away at the Cedar City Valley View Medical Center with her loved ones around her.
Virginia was born on July 9, 1978, in St George, Utah. She was the first child born to John and Dolly BigSoldier. She was proud to be the big sister to four siblings and accepted responsibility to be a leader in the family.
Her family grew up on the Shivwits Indian Reservation among many family members, where she learned traditional Paiute culture. Her Southern Paiute Shivwits and Ho-Chunk Nation heritage was a strong part of who she was.
She attended Santa Clara Elementary, Cedar High School, and Sherman Indian High School in California, and later studied at Weber State University. While attending Cedar High School she was part of the Fakahua family. She loved to learn and excelled in academics and sports.
Two marriages and eight children created her beautiful family. She married Saul Martinez Sr. and later Dave Wells. Her children Isaiah, Gissella, Junior, Pablo, Lillyanna, Hunter, Sidney and Nevaeh held a special place in her heart.
She spent time in many places Shivwits, Cedar City, Towaoc, California, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas to name a few. Notably, was her last home she shared with her buddy Elvis.
No matter where she was or how hard life got, she found a way to survive. Virginia was a friend to many and her no-nonsense, strong, humorous personality will be missed by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sons Isaiah and Sidney and brother Winslow. She is survived by her children and siblings Serena, Trenton (Michelle), Joni (Greg) and many special nieces and nephews.
An all-night sing will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Shivwits Gymnasium, 6060 West 3650 North, Ivins, Utah. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. at the Shivwits Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.