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Memorial services for Robert McCabe Pinder, 62 of Cortez will be held Saturday, May 5, at the Arriola Bible Church beginning at 1 p.m. Robert passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 2, 2001. He was born on June 23, 1938 in Dove Creek, to Robert and Dona Pinder. On Jan. 28, 1961 Robert wed Betty A. Bettencourt in San Diego, Calif. He lived in Moab, Utah working at the PotAsh Plant for the 25 years prior to moving to Cortez. Robert is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty Pinder of Cortez; sisters and brothers, Roberta Pinder Keeler of Teec Nos Pos, Ariz., Donna Lee Casey of Palisade, Colo., Edward James Pinder of Park City, Md., Nedetta Bucchheit of Eveleth, Minn., Ben Pinder of Reistertown, Md., Janet Pinder of Arriola, and Ernest Richard Pinder of Clifton, Colo. Memorial contributions can be made with the Arriola Bible Church. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home. Graveside services for Mark Randall Balfour, Jr., 18 of Camp Verde, Ariz., a former Cortez resident, will be held Saturday, May 5, at the Cortez Cemetery at 3 p.m. Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home. Mark was born in Farmington, N.M. on Sept. 5, 1982, to Mark Randall and Regina (Norris) Balfour. He died as the result of an accident on April 28, 2001, in Camp Verde, Ariz. Mark was a Camp Verde High School senior, proficient guitarist, and loved motorcycles. Beloved son, grandson, nephew and cousin, Mark is survived by his father and mother; brother, Trever (Erica) Balfour; grandparents, Ken and Judy Balfour, and Bob and Cleota Norris; aunts, Shanna Hagen and Janet Svenilsson; uncles, Les Norris and Ron (Jeannie) Balfour; and nieces and nephews, Shelbe, Jordan, and Trevor Colton Balfour. Billie Maxine Rust Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Billie Maxine Rust are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home. Mrs. Rust passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on April 27, 2001 at the age of 86. She was born in Kansas City, Mo., on March 12, 1915, to Zadock and Zadah (Ervin) Kennedy. She married Glen D. Rust on Sept 19, 1931 in Monticello, Utah. He passed away on April 29, 1973. Mrs. Rust was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Surviving her are her children, Wayne Rust of Cortez, Maxine (Don) Baker of Takysie Lake, British Columbia, and Donald Rust of Cortez. For service information, contact Ertel Funeral Home, 565-3468.
Viola May Nixon Graveside services for Viola May Nixon of Nucla, Colo., and formerly of Dove Creek, will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Dove Creek Cemetery. Ron Steele will officiate. Visitation is set for today from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Mrs. Nixon passed away on April 24, 2001, at her residence. She was 88. She was born to William T. and Ida Pearl Strutton Cowin on Nov. 11, 1912, in Claire, Okla. She married Ira Jones on Dec. 24, 1926, in Duncan, Okla.. They were blessed with three children. Her second marriage was to Paul L. Nixon on Nov. 11, 1939, in Sonora, Texas. They were blessed with one child. Mrs. Nixon was a homemaker all of her life. She is survived by her son, Ira (Mona) Jones of Bedrock, Colo.; daughter, Dorothy (N.D.) Monger of Clifton, Colo.; stepdaughter, Ima Gene Edie of Grand Junction, Colo.; brother, C.C. Cowin of Marlow, Okla.; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons Paul Nixon Jr. and Thomas Jones; brother, J.R. Cowin; and sisters, Opal and Lena. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nucla-Naturita Ambulance Service, in care of Judy Elder, P.O. Box 740, Nucla, CO, 81424.
Thelma Aline Cooper A memorial service for Thelma Aline Cooper of Mancos will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at the United Methodist Church in Mancos. Mrs. Cooper passed away April 25, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 82. She was born to James and Hester Hendrixon Remer on Dec. 5, 1918, in Katesby, Okla. On June 16, 1934, she married Kenneth Clyde (Jack) Phillips. He passed away on Feb. 24, 1965. She then married Sam Cooper, on March 29, 1968, in Carson City, Nev. He passed away Feb. 21, 1991. Mrs. Cooper was a supervisor with Campbell’s Soup Co. in Sacramento, Calif. She also worked as a caretaker for the Sally Stanford Estate in Santa Rosa, Calif. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mancos. She enjoyed gardening and was an expert crocheter, cook and candy-maker. She is survived by her sons, Delbert Phillips and Gary Phillips; daughter, Alpha Jean Western; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, brother, John Remer; and her sisters, Juanita Szabo, Pauline Hallen and Pearl Rich. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors are serving the family.
Funeral services for Mikel Dean Gragert, 10, of Cortez, will be held Friday, April 27, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Larry Chappell, and Brothers Don Smith and Don Wilson will officiate. Mikel was born in Moab, Utah on Nov. 16, 1990 to James Cecil and Mary Ann (Stiles) Gragert. He passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 as the result of an accident. Mikel was adventurous and loved to explore new things. He was a natural born leader of other children. He attended Lakeview and Kemper Elementary School. Mikel's favorite pastime was playing his Play Station. He loved spending time with his mom and dad. Mikel will be deeply missed by many. Surviving Mikel are his parents, James and Mary Gragert of Cortez; brothers and sisters, Dennis A. Gragert of Chicago, Ill.; Rebecca Knight of Springfield, Mo.; Dawn Armendarez of Trinidad, Colo.; J.R. Armendarez of Moab, Utah; Lorie Armendarez of Cortez, and Mariah Gragert of Cortez; a grandmother, Roberta Stiles of Cortez; and grandfather, Bob Jennings also of Cortez. Memorial contributions can be made in Mikel Gragert’s name with the Citizens State Bank of Cortez. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Funeral services for Archey Ray Huskey, a lifelong resident of Dove Creek, are scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at the First Baptist Church of Dove Creek beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Friday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. Archey was born on Feb. 28, 1925 in Stratford, Texas, to Walter Theodore and Bertha May (Hanvey) Huskey. He passed away on Monday, April 23, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez. He was 76 years old. Archey worked for Union Carbide as an uranium miner. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and throwing horseshoes. He is survived by a large family including his children and their spouses, Lana (Randy) Watson of Showlow,Ariz., Lora (Terry) Nash of Aztec, N.M., Lorna (Mike) Birch of Grand Junction, Colo., Darrel (Jamie) Huskey of Dove Creek, Lloyd (Terri) Huskey of Cahone, and Leslie (Mike) Long of Goldfield, Nev. Archey also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gladys Finley of Texas. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dove Creek Fire Department. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Funeral services for Elizabeth M. Tracer will be held today at 10 a.m. in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Pastor Johnny Arrington will officiate. Burial will follow in the Peel Cemetery. Elizabeth Tracer, a longtime resident of the area, passed away on April 22, 2001, at the Golden Years Retirement Home in Dolores. She was 84. Elizabeth Marion Tracer was born to Frank and Maren Hansen Wilson on Jan. 30, 1917, in San Diego, Calif. When she was 3, her family moved from Norfolk, Va., where her father was serving in the US Navy, to Egnar. She attended the Burn School just west of Egnar. On March 10, 1934, Elizabeth married Lionel Vanoy "L.V." Hill at the Methodist Church on S. Beech in Cortez. They were blessed with nine children. This marriage ended in divorce. Elizabeth then married Virgil Tracer. She became a stepmother to his 13 children. Virgil preceded her in death. She was a homemaker for most of her life; however, she did work for a photographer’s studio for 10 years. She enjoyed this very much, and kept many family pictures, and loved to take photographs. She also enjoyed quilting and traveling to visit her children, who lived all over the country. She also enjoyed attending the Baptist Chapel in Cortez and the Methodist Church in Dolores with her family. Elizabeth also studied with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Elizabeth enjoyed attending the Senior Citizen’s Group in Dolores, where she was a member. She was a mild and timid individual. Of her greatest enjoyments was her visit to Norway, taken when she was 70, with her sister Daisy, three daughters and one son. There, they saw her mother’s relatives. She also enjoyed seeing the refurbishment of the Statue of Liberty. She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Fanny) Hill of Canby, Ore.; Clinton (Carol) Hill of Russelville, Ark., and Steve Hill of Dolores; daughters Arlene (Chuck) Fillmore of Cantonment, Fla.; Beverly (Mac) McClay of Green Valley, Ariz.; Molly Warren of Cortez; Carolyn (Jack) Squires of Green River, Wyo. and Jill (Jack) Smith of Bloomfield, N.M.; three brothers; a brother-in-law; 26 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews and 13 stepchildren and their families. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas and sister, Daisy Patterson. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Hospice of Montezuma, 1108 N. Mildred Road, Cortez, CO 81321. Aleene Broughton Dailey, 89, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2001, in Cortez. Mrs. Dailey lived in the Four Corners area for 30 years. Burial will take place at Pomona Valley Memorial Park in Pomona, Calif. Mrs. Dailey was born Feb. 12, 1912 in Altona, Mo., to Earl and Gerty Broughton. She married William Dailey on Oct. 16, 1932 in Wichita, Kans. Mrs. Dailey was a direct descendant of both presidents Benjamin Harrison and William Henry Harrison. Throughout her career, she was a nurse, mostly in California. She was a loving and devoted mother. She is survived by her sons, Herb Dailey of Salt Lake City and William Dailey of Dolores, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death on June 12, 1989. Arrangements are being made through Hood Mortuary. Contact 247-2312 for further service information. Memorial services for Harvey Earl Oliver Jr., a longtime resident of Lewis, will be held Thursday, April 26, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Johnny Arrington of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Harvey passed away at his home in Lewis on Sunday, April 22, 2001. He was 71. Harvey was born in Akron, Colo., on Feb. 24, 1930, to Harvey Earl Oliver Sr. and Gaither (Tewell) Oliver. During the Korean War, Harvey served his country proudly in the Army. He married Alberta Honaker on April 13, 1958, in Mesa, Ariz. They had celebrated 43 years of marriage earlier this month. Harvey was a member of the American Legion. He was a farmer and rancher enjoying his time with his cows and horses; but fonder still was the time spent with his family and his eight grandchildren. Surviving Harvey are his loving wife, Alberta "Bert" Oliver of Lewis; his children and their spouses, Alisa (Jeff) LaRue of Arriola, Lori (Les) Likes also of Arriola, and Cindi (Raymond) Millich of Bayfield; and his eight grandchildren, Shay, Stevi, and Lane LaRue, Jessie and Cody Likes, and Kara, Carly, and Raymond Millich Jr. Harvey is also survived by three sisters, Roberta Wood of Yellow Jacket, Veda Wood and Della (Wes) Osborn, both of Cortez; two brothers, Troy (Shorleen) Oliver and Herschel Oliver, both of Cortez, and a brother-in-law, John Miller. His parents, a sister, Audrey Miller, and two brothers, Lester Oliver and Duard Oliver, preceded him in death. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Norman G. "Mike" Pikarsky of Cortez died Saturday, April 14, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez. He was 77. He was born on April 19, 1923, in Syracuse, N.Y. to Francis and Elizabeth (Foeder) Pikarsky. He married Helen Baker,on Sept. 12, 1946, in Dwight, Ill. He worked in general construction as a superintendent. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Cortez; children, Kurt (Diane) Pikarsky of Houston, Texas, and Kae (Jerry) Skala of Dolores; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. There are no services planned at this time. José Antonio "Tony" Rivera José Antonio "Tony" Rivera, a longtime resident of Cortez, passed away April 10, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center in Durango. He was 53. No services are planned at this time, with cremation taking place. Tony was born to José and Maria Cueva Rivera on June 19, 1947, in San German, Puerto Rico. Tony Rivera is survived by his mother of Rosario, Puerto Rico; his wife of Cortez; children Rogue and Patricia of Cortez; and Tanya Rivera of San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, one sister, and several extended family members and friends. Memorial contributions may be made at Citizens State Bank, 77 W. Main, Cortez, CO 81321. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors are serving the family.
Clifford Beecher Whyte, Sr. Funeral services for lifelong Towaoc resident, Clifford Beecher Whyte, Sr. will be held Tuesday, April 17, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Rosary services will be held Monday evening at the Ertel Memorial Chapel 7 p.m. Clifford was born in Towaoc on Oct. 19, 1934, the son of Marshall Whyte and Harriet (Beecher) Whyte. He passed away at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. on Thursday, April 12, 2001. He was 66 years old. He married Mildred "Millie" Watts at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church on May 15, 1963. He is survived by a large and loving family which consists of his wife, Millie of Towaoc; his children Rose Whyte (Dean) Chavez of Roswell, N.M., Donald Whyte and Kristi Sharpeta of Mesa Verde, Colo., Melanie (Lambert) Garcia of San Felipe Pueblo, N.M., Fawnda (Bailey) Cotonuts of Towaoc, Eric Whyte and Lorraine Begay of Mancos Creek, Colo., Clyde (Susan) Whyte of Clifton, Colo., Valerie Whyte and Darren Whiteman of Towaoc, and Madonna Whyte also of Towaoc; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a sister, Karen Whyte (George) Mills. Two sons, Clifford Whyte Jr. and Gordon Watts, and two brothers preceded him in death. Memorial contributions can be made to the M-CHS Marching Band, 206 W. 7th St., Cortez, CO, 81321; or at Vectra Bank, 350 W. Montezuma, Cortez, CO 81321. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Corene Ball Corene Ball passed away Friday, April 13, 2001, due to complications from a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at Durango Christian Church, 255 E. 11th and 3rd Ave. A luncheon will follow the ceremony at the church. Corene's passion in life were her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Randy Ball, son Steven (Amy) Ball of Cortez, daughter Darcy (Lawrence) Barela of Durango; grandchildren Brandon Barela, Ryan Barela, Dylan Ball, Kaitlin Barela, and Lauryn Ball. She is also survived by five sisters: Mary Cooley of Houghton Lake, Mich., Alice Davis of Ithaca, Pat Roof of Perrinton, Mich., Norma Stahl of Ithaca, and Hope Tucker of Jacksonville, Fla; six brothers: Grant Uribe of Carson City, Mich., Ray Uribe of Harrison, Mich., Roger Uribe of Mason, Mich., Robert Uribe of Detroit, Mich., Doug Uribe of Jacksonville, Fla., and Gary Uribe of Dewitt, Michigan. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Corene was proceeded in death by her parents, a brother Alfred Uribe; and two sisters, Amelia Marcy and Barbara Ball. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Health Care at Mercy Medical Center, 3801 N. Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 (970) 382-2000. Stanley Alexander Masters Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Stanley Alexander Masters, are scheduled for Monday, April 16, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 15, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between 1 and 5 p.m. Stanley was born to Lloyd and Stella (Hamilton) Masters on March 12, 1915, in Woodson, Texas. He passed away at his home on Thursday, April 12, 2001 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Mary CeNona Masters of Cortez; his son, Mitchell (Kathy) Masters of Jonesboro, Ark.; grandchildren, Leslie Ross of Wichita Falls, Texas, Dana Hewett of Austin, Texas, and Keri Dimeuque of Lubbock, Tex. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; three sisters; and one brother. Memorial contributions can be made to the VFW. Funeral services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Arrangements are pending for José Rivera of Cortez, who passed away April 10, 2001 at Mercy Medical Center, in Durango. He was 53. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors may be contacted at 564-0667 for further details. Services for William "Bill" Johnson of Greeley, Colo., will be held Thursday, April 12, at Adamson Memorial West Chapel. Cremation will follow. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Beaver Corrals, near Dolores at a later date. Bill Johnson passed away April 7, 2001. He was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Cortez to Charles and Dorothy Carlise Johnson. He ranched in Montezuma and Dolores counties until 1958. He and his wife, Anna Mae West Johnson, moved to Greeley in the late 1960s, where he worked as a brand inspector for the state of Colorado. He is survived by his wife; sons Bill and Shane of Lima, Colo.; daughters Sharon Johnson of Pagosa Springs; Libby Allinder and Darla Bullock of Greeley; sisters Josephine Greenlee and Catherine Lichliter of Cortez; thirteen grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cy Johnson of Cortez. Memorial services for Michael Dylan Dunn of Wellborn, Fla., will be held Monday, April 16, at 11 a.m., at the Live Oak Florida Church of Christ. Dylan passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2001 at Shands, University of Florida. He was born Aug. 3, 1998, in Denver, to Michael Adam and Kathie Dunn. He is survived by his parents and sisters, Kaylee and Brittany of Wellborn; grandparents Cecil and Brenda Dunn of Dolores and Tim and Doreen McNulty of Cortez; great-grandparents, C.B. and Sue McMullen of Live Oak, Fla. and Tina Wilson of Cortez; aunts, Shawn Valdez and Lesley Dunn of Dolores and April Wright of Cortez; uncle, John Dunn of Dove Creek, and a multitude of cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles. Donations can be made to the Dylan Dunn Memorial Fund at First Federal Savings Bank of Florida. Funeral services for Raymond Fertsch Jr. are scheduled for Thursday, April 12, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Cortez beginning at 3 p.m. Pastor Larry Chappell will officiate. Raymond Fertsch Jr. was born to Raymond and Ann (Thompson) Fertsch on May 1, 1913 in Ambler, Penn. He passed away on Monday, April 9, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 87. Raymond had been a resident of Pennsylvania for over 86 years. He recently moved to Colorado to be close to his son and to enjoy being outdoors. He worked as a long haul trucker for much of his adult life. Hewas a wonderful husband, dad, and always a great provider for his family. He was a dedicated provider who quit school in the 8th grade to help meet the needs of his family. He was a member of the New Britain Baptist Church in New Britain, Penn. He was also a member of the Wissahickon Fire Dept. for 65 years. He loved to hunt and garden. He is survived by his children, Raymond (Mary Jane) Fertsch III of Lansdale, Penn. and Robert (Julie) Fertsch of Cortez; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his brother, Frank (Marjorie) Fertsch of Lansdale, Penn. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Grace (Haldeman) Fertsch; one brother; and one sister. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Cortez. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date in Ambler, Penn. Cecil Henry Cash Funeral services for Dove Creek resident Cecil Henry Cash are scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Military graveside services and interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Pastor Don Daniels of the Dove Creek First Baptist Church will officiate Cecil was born on Sept. 28, 1950 in St. Louis, Mo., to Reuben Allen and Della Norlene (Turner) Cash. He passed away at his home in Dove Creek on Thursday, April 5, 2001 at the age of 50. He worked as an oil rigger in the petroleum production industry. He served his country in the Air Force. He was in the Strategic Air Command in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW, Paralyzed Veterans Association, and the American Legion. He loved to read, hunt, fish, and be outdoors. He is survived by his parents, Reuben and Della Cash of Dove Creek.; sister, Cathy (Joe) Nelson of Dove Creek; and brother, Ricky Cash of Dove Creek. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive him. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. John J. Hersch died March 30, 2001, at his home in Durango. He was 72. A celebration of life will be observed Friday, April 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Bayfield. Cremation will be at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. Mr. Hersch was born March 9, 1929, in Del Norte, Colo., to Joseph and Berenice Hersch. John attended schools in Pagosa Springs and Del Norte. He graduated from Del Norte High School, attended Adams State College and served with the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Cortez B.P.O. Elks, the Cortez Masonic Lodge # 133 and a Shriner in Durango. He had several businesses in the Cortez, Pagosa Springs, and Durango. He was a well-known and respected commercial pilot. He is survived by his sons, Troy Jon Hersch of Waukomis, Okla., and Trenton Jay Hersch of Stavanger, Norway; brothers, David W. Hersch of Port Orchard, Wash., and Richard E. Hersch of Marysville, Wash; grandchildren, Linn Emilia Hersch of Stavanger, Norway, Jarrod Maly and Colton Maly both of Waukomis; and numerous nieces and nephews Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 375 E. Park Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Services for Thomas L. Jordan will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, 120 S. Linden, on Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m. Pastor Don Henderson will officiate. Thomas L. Jordan was born to Thomas Lane and Lisa (Vorhees) Jordan on Aug. 3, 1982, in Decatur, Texas. He passed away at his home April 1, 2001. "T.J." loved the outdoors, and loved to be with his friends and his family. T.J. worked as a cook in the food service industry. He was a former member of the High School Rodeo Team and was in the Cortez chapter of the FFA. His hobbies were working on cars and rock climbing. He will be deeply missed. T.J. is survived by his father, Tom Jordan of Cortez; mother and step father, Lisa and Steve DeKruger of Cortez; grandmother, Donna Johnston of Cortez; grandfather, Paul Lambert of Cortez; sister, Amber Jordan; brother-in-law, Justin Earle; niece, Summer Earle; nephew, Tyler Earle, all of Cortez; brothers and sister, Justin DeKruger, William DeKruger and Kayla Rae DeKruger, of Glendale, Ore; grandmother, Veronica "Ronnie" Jordan of Mountain View, Calif.; and many other extended family members. Memorial contributions can be made at the First National Bank of Cortez. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. Funeral services for Thelma M. Hodges, a Dolores resident, are scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Pastor David Dahl of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate. Thelma was born on Feb. 22, 1906, to Thomas and Amanda (Jacoby) Howard in Atlanta, Kan. She passed away on Friday, March 30, 2001, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 95. Thelma married Victor O. Hodges Sr. on June 17, 1923, in Springfield, Colo. Victor and Thelma settled in Dolores in the early ’40s. Thelma enjoyed being at home and caring for her family. In her later years, she liked to go to the Dolores Community Center and play cards with her friends. She attended the Methodist church. She is survived by her children, Ruby A. Sanders of Durango; Yvonne M. (Clyde) Rule of Dolores, Colo., and Victor O. (Jeanie) Hodges Jr. of Dolores; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 11 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Lavella R. Pyle; four brothers and two sisters. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dolores State Bank for the benefit of the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Dorothy Cleo Rash Dorothy Cleo Rash, a longtime Dolores resident, passed away at her residence on March 27, 2001. She was 77. She was born to Jon and Vivian Short Sagrillo in Telluride, Colo., on July 22, 1923. She passed away quietly at home under the loving care of her nurses at Hospice of Montezuma. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal ceremonies. A private interment will be held at a later date. Dorothy C. Rash is survived by her sons and their wives, Donn (Kathleen) Hilton and Dan (Lynn) Hilton; their children; grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Don L. Sagrillo, and her long-time companion, Thornton Lockett. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Montezuma, Inc., 1108 N. Mildred, Cortez, CO 81321. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors are serving the family.
Victor Hugh Goodwin Memorial services for Victor Hugh Goodwin, a longtime Cortez resident, are scheduled for Monday, April 2, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. Vic was born on Dec. 24, 1919, to Frances Hugh and Lillian (Marian) Goodwin in London, England. He passed away on March 28, 2001, in Grand Junction, Colo., at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Goodwin of Cortez; son, Philip H. (Janet) Goodwin of Boulder, Colo.; stepchildren and their families, Katherine Moritz of Boulder, Colo., John Lovett of Edwards, Colo., Kevin Lovett of Cortez, and Bill Lovett of Homer, Alaska. Vic was known to the community of Cortez as the owner and operator of his own photography business for over 42 years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 701 Camino Del Rio, Ste. 115 A, Durango, CO 81301, attention Elaine Stumpo.
Lita Fern Sevir was born on Aug. 15, 1904 in Claremore, Okla. to Walter and Sylvia Mae (Hughes) McCain. She passed away from this life on Tuesday, March 27, 2001 at the Mesa View Retirement Home. Lita was 96 years old. Lita lived a very full life of helping others. She worked for many years as a care taker for those ill in their homes. She is survived by her children, Steve (Ira) Dean of Cortez, Doris (Gene) DeCoster of Vickor, Iowa, Lloyd (Lee) Dean of Ocala, Fla.; four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Retherford of Chandler, Ariz.; brothers, Jessie McCain of Green Valley, Ariz., Lawrence McCain of Whittier, Calif., and Lavel McCain of Los Angeles, Calif. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Irvin R. Dean; and one grandchild. There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. Graveside services for Irene Handy L. Filfred are scheduled for Wednesday, March 28, at the family plot located six miles northeast of Aneth, Utah. Daniel Harvey will officiate the service. Irene was born on Nov. 11, 1941 to Handy Hosteen Nez and Elizabeth (Anderson) Lansing in Aneth. She passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 59. Irene was married to David B. Filfred in 1962 at the Moonlight Presbyterian Church in Monument Valley, Utah. She was a faithful homemaker and mother. She loved to sew, do arts and crafts, crochet, bead, quilt, make sashes and belts; all of these skills she learned on her own. She is survived by her husband, David Filfred of Aneth; her children, Clarilene Filfred of Salt Lake City, Gilfred (Theresa) Filfred of Ismay, Utah, Davis (Linda) Filfred of Aneth, Shirilene (Donald) West of Earlsboro, Okla., Lorenzo (Michelle) Filfred of Albuquerque, Freciareen (Philbert Foster) Filfred of Cortez, Johnnie (Nita) Filfred of Ogden, Utah, Marion (Ralph Fredson) Filfred of Aneth, Winfred A. Filfred of Aneth; 23 grandchildren; and one sister, Mary H. Begay of Aneth. She was preceded in death by both of her parents. Memorial contributions can be made with the First National Bank of Cortez. No services are planned at this time for Mary Bernice Leavell, a lifelong Dolores resident. Bernice was born on Dec. 25, 1911, in Dolores, to James and Mary Jane (Peel) Morrison. She passed away at her home on Sunday, March 25, 2001, at the age of 89. Bernice worked for many years as a cook for the Dolores school district. She is survived by her children, Keith Leavell of Dolores, Kay (Darlene) Leavell of Dolores, and Mike (Karen) Leavell of Durango; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her beloved husband, Albert (Paddy) Leavell; and one grandson, Lynn Leavell. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice through the Dolores State Bank. For further information, contact Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468. Private memorial services for Brian Jay Dennison Sr. will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at Parque De Vida beginning at 4:20 p.m. Steve Jenkins will officiate. Brian Jay Dennison was born to Clarence Harold Dennison and Violet (Mettie) Manning on Sept. 29, 1958, in Houston, Mo. He passed from this world on March 23, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 42. Brian worked as a general carpenter in the construction industry. He loved his children very much as well as the rest of his family. His favorite pastime was riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He is survived by his mother, Violet Manning of Cortez; children, Shanna Emery of Delta, Colo., Brian J. Dennison Jr. of Durango; Charlie "Chuck" Harold Dennison of Upland, Calif., Jason Robert Dennison of Cortez, and Tyler Cole Dennison of Cortez; four grandchildren; nine brothers; and six sisters. He was preceded in death by his father. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be sent to Citizens State Bank. Margaret 'Lorilla' Calkins Crowson Margaret Lorilla Calkins Crowson of Albuquerque passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on March 15, 2001. She was born July 4, 1919, to Dr. R.W. and Margaret Calkins in Cortez, where she lived until moving to Albuquerque in 1966. Always intelligent, beautiful and vivacious, Lorilla had many interests. She as active in Eastern Star, both in Cortez and in Moab, Utah. She was also active in St. Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church in Cortez, but her family always came first. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a sympathetic and caring friend, loved by all who knew her. She loved animals, especially her dogs, gardening, cooking and traveling. Lorilla was preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Crowson, and is survived by her son, Roy, of Albuquerque; daughter, Diana; grandson, Michael Armendariz and wife Leslie; great-grandsons, Michael Jr. and Fabian Jackson Armendariz, all of Los Lunas, N.M. She is also survived by her dogs, Shadow and Rascal, who also miss and love her. She wished to be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Elda Prescott Sparks passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home on Friday, March 23, at the age of 86. She was born to Leslie John Prescott and Ellen (Tippetts) Prescott in Heyburn, Idaho, on Dec. 7, 1914. In September, 1934 Elda became the bride of Stanley Ray Sparks. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to paint, travel and spend her winters in Arizona. Surviving Elda are her three children, William R. (Marie) Sparks of Cortez, Dorothy (Ronald) Wilke of Boise, Ida., and Richard Sparks of Moab, Utah; 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Elda was the eldest of her 12 siblings. She is survived by brothers and sisters, Aaron (Elaine) Prescott of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Reuben (Aleen) Prescott of Banks, Ark.; Donna (Thayal) Byington of Clearfield, Utah; Connie (Stanley) Domino of Edison, N.J.; Stanford (Ann) Prescott of Riverdale, Utah and David (Alice) Prescott of Ellendale, Wash. Three brothers and one sister preceded Elda in death, as did her husband, Stanley. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home. Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Jerrel Victor Burton will be held Monday, March 26, at the Cortez Cemetery at 10 a.m. Pastor Guy Van Drunen of the Church of the Nazarene will officiate. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Jerry, as his friends knew him, was born Dec. 16, 1913 in Floydada, Texas, the son of Charlie Edward Burton and Mary Olive (Marshall) Burton. He passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home on March 22, 2001 at the age of 87. Jerry served his country during World War II in the Army 8th Infantry, earning two Purple Hearts during his service. He was very active in 4-H Clubs and the American Legion and was a member of the Church of The Nazarene. Jerry loved to hunt and fish in his spare time. Surviving Jerry are his children, Lee G. (Sharon) Burton of Cortez; Eva Burton also of Cortez, and Edna and Brian Frazier of Phoenix, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and two sisters, Josephine Nelson of Seattle, Wash., and Ivy Lee Crandell of Martinez, Calif. His son, Charles Burton and his wife, Betty Nadine (Hart) Burton preceded him in death, both in 1998. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Memorial services for Daniel Charles Kardokus will be held at 3 p.m., April 8 at New Life Chapel, Foursquare, 500 N. Washington. Daniel was born March 12, 1954 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Charles and Wilma (Palmer) Kardokus. He went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2001, at the age of 47. He succumbed to lymphoma cancer after a year-long struggle. He leaves to mourn his passing one son, Robert (Megan) of Durango; daughter Michelle of Cortez; ex-wife Lorraine Blanchfield of Cortez; grandson Khristopher of Durango; his parents; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Palmer of Cortez; sister Melanie Lien of Cortez; brother Dennis (Charlotte) Kardokus of Salem, Ore.; three nieces and one nephew. He also leaves a large extended family and many friends. Graveside services for Douglas Raisley, 44, of Cortez, will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Summit Ridge Cemetery in Dolores. Brother David Armstrong will officiate. Visitation will be the same day, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Mr. Raisley was born to Robert and Faith Nelson Raisley on Aug. 19, 1956, in New Haven, Conn. He passed away at his residence in Cortez on March 22, 2001. He attended schools in East Haven and Jeffersonville, Ind. Mr. Raisely worked as a truck driver and also worked in customer services, while employed for Kwik Service Co., located in Lousiville, Ky. He moved to Cortez from Otisco, Ind. in December, 1998. Douglas Raisely is survived by his mother, of Cortez; brothers Edward (Brenda) Raisley of Otisco; William Raisley of Jeffersonville and Bruce (Doris) Raisley of Searcy, Ark.; sisters Roberta (Paul) Dooley of Otisco and Rebekah (Russ) Green of Milltown, Ind. He is also survived by nine nephews and nieces, and four great-nephews and nieces. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors are serving the family. Graveside services for James "Jim" Harold Miller, 71, of Kerrville, Texas and former Cortez resident will be held Tuesday, March 27, at the Summit Ridge Cemetery beginning at 11 a.m. Rev. Johnny Arrington of the Johnson Memorial Methodist Church will officiate. Jim was born in Cortez, Colo. on Aug. 4, 1929. He passed away on March 20, 2001 in Kerrville. Surviving Jim are his wife, Dorothy Miller and their children: Randy Miller, Cheri Turner, Melanie Dow and Trisha Miller. The family request in lieu of flowers, a donation in his name be made to the American Cancer Institute. Your prayers for Jim following him into God's Kingdom are appreciated. Jim graduated from Deer Park High School and attended Lamar Technical University and Southwest Texas School of Law. During the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps as a Combat Field Corpsman. Jim served as the past-president and 38-year employee of Clif Mock Company, now Halliburton Clif Mock. Through his entire Clif Mock career, he represented Kimray Corporation. He also served in various Christian leadership roles over his lifetime and is warmly remembered for his contributions. Surviving Jim are his wife, Dorothy Miller and their children; Randy Miller, Cheri Turner, Melanie Dow and Trisha Miller. Donations in memory of Jim Miller may be made to the American Cancer Institute. Your prayers for Jim following him into God's Kingdom are appreciated. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Gene Leroy Benavidez Services for Gene Leroy Benavidez, 34 of Cortez, will be held Thursday, March 22, at 2 p.m. in the Evangel Assembly of God Church. Pastor Dennis Rivera will officiate. A potluck dinner will follow, also at the church. Mr. Benavidez passed away Friday, March 16, 2001 at his residence. His wife, Beth, three children, three brothers, four sisters and many nieces and nephews survive him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gene Leroy Benavidez Fund at Citizens State Bank. Mr. Benavidez was born to José and Karen Cooper Benavidez on Aug. 14, 1966, in Denver. His education was through the Cortez school system. On Dec. 1, 2000, he married Barbara Elizabeth (Beth) Eldridge, in Cortez. Mr. Benavidez was the owner of EnviroSafe International, Inc., here in Cortez. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping. He is survived by his wife Beth, of Cortez; son Talon Quinn of Washington, Utah; daughters Kayla of Corpus Christi, Texas and Tawnee of Cortez; brothers, William and Robert Cooper of Cortez and Joel Benavidez of Denver; sisters, Patricia Benavidez of Cortez; Bonnie Benavidez of Texas, Maribel Benavidez of Colorado Springs and Lorena Benavidez, also of Colorado Springs. Mr. Benavidez was very fond of his nieces and nephews, who also survive him: Chelsea White, Maddison Cooper, Beau Beckham, Jungle Cooper, Liam Cooper, Austin Short, Jonathan Smith and Zachariah Cooper. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors, are serving the family.
Delbert William Hopper Graveside services for former Cortez resident, Delbert William Hopper will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at the Arriola Cemetery beginning at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Luther Shields of the Montelores Baptist Church will officiate. Delbert was born in Graft, Colo. on May 16, 1924 to Hervie Hudson and Hazel May (Terpening) Hopper. He passed away at the Valley Care Manor in Montrose, Colo. on Friday, March 16, 2001. Delbert was 76 years old. Delbert spent much of his adult life farming, which was what he enjoyed. He is survived by his two children, Cheryl (Paul) Floyd of Cortez, and step son, Keith (Monica) Anderson of Dallas, Texas; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother, John J. Hopper Jr. of Cortez; sisters, Veda (Jim) Wilson of Cortez, Verda (Ernest) Baxstrom of Mancos, Alvina (Skip) McCulley of Cortez, and Vera Tate. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
John Peterson Funeral services for John Albert Bernett Peterson are scheduled for Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eastland, Utah. Branch President Scott Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Eastland. John was born to Andrew Christian and Gunda (Olsen) Peterson on July 6, 1911 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2001at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 89. On July 25, 1933 John wed Fern Snow in Wayne County, Utah. He spent most of his adult years as a farmer. He loved being on his tractor enjoying every part of the outdoors. He was a hunter and fisherman with all of the tremendous stories to tell about these adventures. He was a member of the Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife, Fern Peterson of Monticello, Utah; his children, Joyce (James) Harvey, Byron (Kaylene) Peterson, Netta McDonald, James (Anita) Peterson, all of Monticello, , and Andy (Aleta) Peterson of Mack, Colo.; 31 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, nine great- great grandchildren; four brothers and three sisters. John was preceded in death by both of his parents; son, John "Bert" Albert Peterson and one grandchild. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Arvist Leroy Franklin Memorial services for Arvist Leroy Franklin, 54, of Mancos, will be held Tuesday, March 20, at Ertel Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. Leroy passed away on March 14, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango from a combination of cancer and pneumonia. He was born Nov. 16, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, to Arvist Leo and Thelma Franklin. While living in California he met Alice Rutledge, whom he married on Sept.26, 1965. Leroy had visited the area before and, like so many of us, fell in love with the valley, so he moved into the Mancos Valley in August 1985, with his family following in May 1986. Leroy worked in a couple of different places as an auto-body and paint man before striking out on his own. With his son and wife, Alice, he purchased J&D Autobody in Dolores. He liked to paint cars and was very good at it. Some of the cars he has painted can be seen in regional car shows. However, anyone who knew Leroy knows that his greatest pleasure in life came from hunting and fishing all over the Four Corners area. The more he fished and hunted the bigger the fish got and the bigger the elk got. He was always quick with a good story and a good laugh to go along with it. Leroy was preceded in death by his father, brother David and sister Donna. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice, of Mancos; his mother, Thelma Fry of Cortez; sister, Ruby Moss of Votaw, Texas; son, Leroy Lynn (Laura) Franklin; and daughter, Crystal (Lloyd) McNutt, all of Mancos. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Travis Franklin, Alicia and Keith Williams, and Zachary, Jacob and Kyerstin McNutt; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Donations may be made to the Leroy Franklin memorial account at the Mancos Valley Bank.
James Melvin Buffington Graveside services for Dove Creek resident James Melvin Buffington will be held Monday, March 19, at the Peel Cemetery beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation will be Monday morning at the Dove Creek First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Jim was born in Eminence, Mo., on June 3, 1923 to Fred George and Ida Mae (Knuckles) Buffington. He passed away at his home in Dove Creek on March 15, 2001. Jim was 77. On Dec. 23, 1949, Jim wed Erma Beaver in Aztec, N.M. He enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and was a member of the Dove Creek Roping Club and the VFW Post #5181. Surviving Jim is his wife of 51 years, Erma Buffington of Dove Creek; his children, Jimmy (Kay Lynn) Buffington, Marie Martinez, Steve Buffington, Sherry (Emil) Shutt, and Duley (Terri) Buffington, all of Dove Creek; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and one brother and two sisters. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, and a granddaughter, Debra Dawn Martinez. Memorial contributions can be made in Jim Buffington's name with either the Dove Creek Ambulance Fund or Hospice of Montezuma. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Lucille F. Graham Lucille F. Graham, a resident of the Valley Inn Nursing Home, passed away on March 14, 2001, at the age of 90. Lucille, the daughter of Joseph Curtis Justice and Laura Victoria (Roberts) Justice, was born in Chetopa, Kan., on Nov. 19, 1910. Lucille was a very private woman. She loved spending her time with wild animals and caring for them. She maintained birdfeeders for her feathered friends and was deeply fond of the fourth-generation deer that came to her place to be fed. Lucille had a great love for travel. Lucille came to the Mancos Valley to reside at the Valley Inn Nursing Home nearly three years ago and to be nearer to her daughter. Surviving Lucille are her daughter, Karen Black of Mancos; grandson, Barry Steadman of Craig, Colo.; granddaughter, Darla Hayner of Jackson, Mich.; and great-grandson, Barry also of Craig. One brother, Huston Justice of Kansas; and one sister, Helen Moore of Virginia, also survive Lucille. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further details, contact 565-3468.
Maude Evans Services for Maude Evans of Dove Creek, are set for Friday, March 16, at 1 p.m. and the Peel Cemetery. Viewing will be held at the Four Corners Funeral Chapel in Cortez from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 15, and at Dove Creek First Baptist Church from 10 to noon on March 16. Mrs. Evans was born to Jefferson Davis Knuckles and Clara (Buffington) Knuckles on March 28, 1914. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on March 13, 2001. She is survived by four daughters and their spouses; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and four sisters.
Minnie Ola Gidcumb Funeral services for Minnie Ola Gidcumb, a 45-year resident of Dove Creek, are set for Saturday, March 17, at the First Baptist Church of Dove Creek at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 16, between 5 and 7 p.m. Pastor Don Daniels will officiate Minnie was born Jan. 6, 1916 in Floydada, Tex. to Arthur Thomas and Clemmie Catherine (Garrison) Edward. She passed away at the age of 85 at the Phoenix Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. on Monday, March 12, 2001. Minnie was a homemaker and dearly loved by her children and grandchildren. She was one who loved to be out and busy. She was known to just take a long drive and looked forward to any kind of sightseeing and traveling. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Dove Creek. Minnie is survived by her children, Chester Ray (Jennie) Gidcumb of Westminster, Texas, Wanda Gidcumb and Betty Gidcumb both of Phoenix; her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alma Rape of Lockney, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 55 years, Kline Lee "Jack" Gidcumb of Dove Creek; four children including her son, Dwayne Gidcumb in 1997; two brothers; and three sisters.
Mary Ellen Stork Graveside services for Mary Ellen Stork of Star Valley, Ariz., will be held at the Lebanon Cemetery on Saturday, March 17, beginning at 3 p.m. Mrs. Stork, a former Cortez resident, passed away March 10, 2001, at the age of 78. She was born Nov. 6, 1922, to Ernest and Hazel Maynes in Ignacio, Colo. She graduated high school in Cortez. She married Carl Newlin, and to this union two children, Sharon and Carla, were born. She later married Gerald Stork, in 1966. The couple moved to Payson, Ariz., in March 1992. Mrs. Stork was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mary Ellen Stork is survived by her husband; daughters, Sharon King of Chandler, Ariz. and Carla "Penny" Cook of Overgaard, Ariz.; brother, Robert Maynes of Cortez; sisters, Luella Wesolowski of Montrose, Colo., Ruth Metzelaar of Cortez and Ruby Spear of Heber, Ariz.; grandchildren, Sherrie Clubb, Chris and Troy Teagardin, and Todd and Scott King; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Karen Rossen; brothers, Howard E. Maynes and David E. Maynes; and grandson, Michael G. Smith.
Mary Constance Townley Mary Constance Townley, a resident of the Vista Grande Nursing Home, passed away on Wednesday, March 14 just days after 81st birthday. She was born to Charles and Beulah (Huston) Dowell in Robinson, Kans. on March 9, 1920. Mary became the bride of Thomas Edwin Townley on April 14, 1940 in Jefferson City, Mo. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Surviving Mary are her husband, Thomas E. Townley of Cortez; her children and spouses, Connie Jean (Chuck) Beisang of Pelham, N.H., Thomas Charles (Diane) Townley of Mancos, Linda Joyce Israel of Homestead, Fla., and Paul Burke Townley of Granby, Colo.; as well as eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. For further service information, please contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.
Janet Rose Harris, a former Cortez resident and 1970 graduate of MCHS, passed away March 11, 2001, following a long battle with lymphoma cancer. She was 49. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Farnum-Holt Mortuary Chapel in Glenwood Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, March 14, at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Meeker, Colo., following the service. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. She was born on Jan. 10, 1952, to Elinor (Wear) Anderson and John L. Anderson. She is survived by her husband, her mother, one sister, two nephews, two uncles and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, several aunts and uncles, and one cousin. Memorial contributions may be made to Roaring Fork Hospice, 410 20th St., Ste. 203, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Memorial graveside services for Truman Van Auken will be held Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m. in the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Loel Gray will officiate. Mr. Van Auken was born to James Truman and Mildred Beck Van Auken on Aug. 21, 1939 in Scranton, Penn. He passed away March 11, 2001, at his residence at the age of 61. He attended school in Scranton and enlisted in the Navy in Albuquerque, in 1956. He served as a Bowsman Mate until being discharged in San Diego in 1959. Truman Van Auken was a self-employed carpenter for most of his life. He married Emily "Bonnie" Tozer on Nov. 17, 1973 in Bernalillo, N.M. Truman and Bonnie were blessed with 11 children. In April 1994, they moved to Cortez. Mr. Van Auken enjoyed his life here in the Four corners. He was known as "Mr. T, the CB Radio Doctor" by his friends. Truman was always willing to repair broken CBs. He also enjoyed talking on his CB, hunting, and especially fishing on Lake Shasta in California. He appreciated and enjoyed the company of his many Native American friends. Truman Van Auken is survived by his wife Bonnie of Cortez; seven sons David, Rodney, Dennis, Richard, Robert, Ronald and Truman II; four daughters Lea Ann, Darby, Becky and Brenna Jean; 34 grandchildren; brother Jim Van Auken; sister Dianna (Loel) Gray; aunt Lila Wesfal and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Montezuma. Memorial services for Brenda Lynn Wells of Blanding, Utah, will be held at First Baptist Church of Blanding, 300 W. 157 South, on Friday, March 16, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Blanding Cemetery. Alton House will be officiating the service. A viewing will be held at the Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez on Thursday, March 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. Brenda was born March 27, 1964, to Mark Anthony Wells and Rose Mary Lang in Monticello, Utah. She passed away on March 10, 2001, in Cortez, at the age of 36. Brenda worked as a beverage server at the Ute Mountain Casino. She is survived by her brothers, Troy Wells and Todd Wells, both of White Mesa, Utah; Eric Wells of Blanding; Orelan Wells of Towaoc; Chad Wells of Cortez; sister, Rowena House of White Mesa; grandfather Calvin Wells, also of White Mesa; grandmothers Alice Lang, Helen Lang and Marie Lang, all of Towaoc, and many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; paternal grandmother, Ida A. Posey; maternal grandparents, Harry Lang and Rachel Eyetoo; sister Primrose Wells; aunt Sandra Lang; and uncles DeWayne Lang and Wilford Lang. Funeral services for Edith Christena Freeman are scheduled for Wednesday, March 14, at the Friendship Assembly of God Church in Dolores at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. The Rev. Robert Cogburn will officiate. Edith was born on Nov. 28, 1927, in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Ernest L. and Edna E. (Harsin) Pratt. She passed away on March 10, 2001, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez at the age of 73. Edith owned and operated the Ponderosa in Dolores for many years. She loved to garden, bake, and cook at home. She is survived by her children, Jim Morrison of Belen, N.M., and Gwen (Jeffrey D. Bouwer) Johnson of Dolores; brothers, Ernest W. (Orpha) Pratt of Penrose, Colo.; Wayne (Francis) Pratt of El Dorado, Ark., and Dean (Ronda) Pratt of Spokane, Wash.; sisters, Emma (Howard) Van Pelt of Dolores; Virginia (John) Purvis of Lewis; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Pratt of Penrose. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis William Freeman, in 1999; brothers, Dallas Pratt and Clyde Pratt; sisters, Hazel Beasen, Helen King, and June Pratt. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dolores State Bank for the benefit of the Friendship Assembly of God Church in Dolores. Funeral services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Memorial services for Oleta Amrine, a longtime Cortez resident, will be held at the First Assembly of God Church on Friday, March 9, at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Henderson will officiate. Oleta was born to Jerry Almarion and Stella (Joslyn) Green on July 1, 1909, in Neosho, Mo. She passed away on March 6, 2001, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 91. Oleta married Herman F. Amrine in April of 1926 in Dalhart, Texas. They later relocated to Cortez, where she was known to this community as the one who helped begin Cortez Laundry. She also taught school for some time in Teec Nos Pos, Ariz. She was a wonderful homemaker and in her later years loved to go to the Senior Center and be with her friends. She was a faithful member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cortez. She is survived by her loving children, Fayella Larimore of Mancos; Stella Wright of Phoenix, Ariz., Karl Duane (Eylondia) Amrine of San Jose, Calif., Dena (Marvin) Elliot of Cortez, Zelma Epps of Woodland, Penn., daughter-in-law, Frankie Amrine of Cortez; her 20 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren; sisters, May Crick of Wichita, Kan., Velma Weaver of Cleburne, Texas, Dorthy Seago of Denver, Colo.; and brothers, Everett Green of Harlass, Calif., Lester Green of Cortez, and Verl Green of Indian Rocks, Fla. Preceding Oleta in death were her parents; her husband and son, Herman Eugene Amrine. Ertel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Winston Thaxton Graveside services for Clyde Winston Thaxton, of Cortez, will be held Monday, March 5, at the Cortez Cemetery beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Henderson of the Assembly of God Church will officiate and military graveside services will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Visitation has been set for Sunday afternoon at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Clyde was born the youngest child of Winston J. Thaxton and Mary I. (Reeder) Thaxton in Giles, Texas on Feb. 7, 1906. He passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Feb. 28, 2001, having turned 95 years old days earlier. Raised in Texas, Clyde with his seven brothers and two sisters were orphaned at a young age. During the seventh grade, Clyde quit school to go to work. He also began a love affair with trains that would last throughout his lifetime. He was known to "hop a train," riding with the hobos around the country. Sometime in the 1930s, Clyde made his move to Colorado where he went to work for various farms as a farmhand. He continued his fascination with the Narrow Gauge Railroad Road, making many trips to Silverton aboard the train. Clyde met and became a close and constant companion to Martha Jane Bonds over 30 years ago. One year ago Clyde and Jane moved from Cortez to the Valley Inn Nursing Home. Jane passed away earlier in February. Surviving Clyde is a distant cousin of Amarillo, Texas; and loving friend and daughter of Jane, Doris Tatum of Sapulpa, Okla. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Harvey Otis Young Harvey Otis Young, born Feb. 25, 1914, in Colorado Springs, Colo., died Feb. 27, 2001, in Durango. He was 87. Harvey graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with a degree in mechanical engineering and did graduate work in engineering at Lehigh University, Penn., before accepting a commission in the Army Air Corps. In the service he served both in the States and overseas, primarily in India. A lifelong rancher in Dry Creek Basin, Disappointment Valley and Summit Ridge, he was on the executive boards of the Colorado Wool Grower’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Norwood School District and the Montezuma County Housing Authority. He was a long-time member of the Farm Bureau and was honored with state awards for his service. He is survived by Beverly Murphy Young, his wife of 48 years; his children, Beverly Baril of Roanoke, Va., Max Witkind of Tucson, Ariz., Jane Morehart of Durango, and Clemence Overholt of Phoenix, Ariz. He has four grandsons: Travis Witkind, Ilan Baril, David Baril and Thomas Overholt; and three granddaughters: Jeffe Morehart, Jamie Morehart and Jeremie Morehart. A celebration-of-his-life potluck dinner will be held on Saturday, March 3, at noon at the Dolores Community Center. Memorials may be made to the Fort Lewis Foundation, 1000 Rim Dr.ive Durango, CO 81301.
Ralph L. Coulon Services for Ralph L. Coulon, a longtime Cortez resident, will be March 6 at the Wild Rose Chapel of Fresno, Calif. He passed away at his home in Kingman, Ariz., on Feb. 28, 2001. He was born Aug. 11, 1927, in California, and served in the Navy. From 1956 to 1970, he lived in Cortez and managed Cortez Diesel. He is survived by his children, Sharlene (Mike) Upchurch of Orem, Utah; Dennis (Johnnie) Coulon of Anchorage, Alaska; John (Rosa) of Kingman; Carolyn (Steven) Smith of Pleasant View; sister-in law, Dorothy (Jake) Mills of Fresno; brother, Raymond (Sami) Coulon of Dolores; brother-in-law, Don German of Fresno; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Darcus in July 1999. For further details phone 559-486-7777.
Lilly B. Velasquez Funeral services for Lilly B. Velasquez will take place on Monday, March 5, at the Evangel Assembly of God Church, 209 W. 5th St., at 10 a.m. Pastor Dennis Rivera will officiate. Interment will follow in the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the church. Mrs. Velasquez passed away Feb. 28, 2001, in the Vista Grande Nursing Home. She was born to Antonio and Antonia Chavez Mestas on Feb. 6, 1932, in Gallina, N.M. She attended school there, and the family moved to Mancos, where Lilly met Kelly Epifanio Velasquez. They were married on Aug. 16, 1950, in Mancos, and were blessed with three children. Mrs. Velasquez worked for 15 years at the Ohio Match Company in Mancos. She also worked for Louise Hawkins for many years. Lilly became a member of the Evangel Assembly of God Church in 1981. She taught Sunday school there, and was very active in the church, especially with the youth. She is survived by her husband Kelly, of Cortez; son Randy and daughter Jessie Quintana, both of Cortez; daughter Jolene (Carlos) Cazavez of Covina, Calif.; brothers Joe Mestas of Mancos and Frankie Mestas of Ogden, Utah; sisters Hazel Corrales of Mancos; Annie Martinez of Ogden; Molly (Charlie) Sanchez of Ogden; Virginia (Ray) Pena of Ogden; Sally (Desi) Alcon of Blanco, N.M.; Margaret (Joe) Sanchez of Ogden; Alfey (Pete) Leon of West Valley Utah; and Helen (Milli) Abeyta of Ogden; Zenda Rice, a granddaughter who was adopted by Lilly and Kelly; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangel Assembly of God Youth Organization. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors, are serving the family.
Fadi Fred Hallak Fadi Fred Hallak, a recent Cortez resident, formerly of Whittier, Calif., passed away Feb. 27, 2001, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. He was 35. Funeral arrangements are pending at Queen of Heaven Mortuary in Rowland Heights, Calif. Local arrangements are being handed through Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors. For further information, call 564-0667.
Memorial services for Carol Elene Sturdevant of Cortez are set for Saturday, March 10, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Carol was born on Dec. 30, 1924 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She passed away at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at the age of 76. Carol was born to Wayne Wheaton and Mabel Bertina (Ponsness) Gates on Dec. 30, 1924, in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She passed away at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico on Feb. 18, 2001, at the age of 76. Carol was a devout Christian, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Surviving Carol is her husband, Wendell F. Sturdevant, whom she married in Marshalltown, Iowa on July 14, 1945. Also surviving are her children, Rick Sturdevant, Ph.D. (Katherine) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Trudy (Larry) of Ft. Collins, Colo., Pamela (Frank) DeFranza of Skokie, Ill., Karen (Karl) Vetter of Fresno, Calif., Edward Sturdevant of Cortez, and Michael (Sharon) Sturdevant of St. Louis, Mo.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two brothers survive her, Wallace (Jackie) Gates of Murrieta, Calif. and Dennis (Barbara) Gates of Mesa, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Paul Gates, who passed away just last year. Memorial contributions can be made with the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice.
Irma June Powell Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Irma June Powell will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Cortez Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate. Irma, the daughter of Cornelius "Neily" and Vera (Miller) Roe, was born in Brown County, Neb., on June 14, 1931. She passed away at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001. She was 69. A regular at the Elks Lodge on Thursday nights, Irma loved playing bingo as well as all card games. Reading was a favorite pastime for Irma. Irma leaves behind a loving and devoted family. She is survived by her husband, Sidney Powell of Cortez; son Brent (Elaine) Powell of Cortez; daughter Roxanne (Grant) Armstrong of Cortez; and her beloved grandchildren, Melissa, Janelle, Brandon, Erin, Elizabeth, and Candace, all of Cortez. A brother Darwin Roe of Fort Collins, Colo.; and two sisters, Lois (Bill) Rutledge and Vada Small, both of Cortez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive Irma. She was preceded in death by a brother, Darrel Roe; sister, Lillie Mae James; and twin sisters, LaVonna and LaVerna Roe. Memorial contributions can be made at the First National Bank of Cortez to benefit the American Heart Association. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Edna Sylvia Seitz Funeral services for Edna Sylvia Seitz, a lifetime resident of Cortez, are scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Goodman Point Cemetery. Bishop Mortensen will be conducting the services. Edna was born on Feb. 15, 1912 in Mancos, to William McEwen and Laura Jane (Bell) Willden. She passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 89. Edna was known and loved for her domestic skills. She was part of the Dolores River Garden Club and helped to create a recipe book. She kept a beautiful flower garden. She was a help to her husband, McBirney Seitz, as a farmer's wife and also helping in the years that they ran the Trailways Bus Station in Cortez. A highlight in her life came while in her 60's when she and her sister, Harriet, climbed Helmet Peak. She is survived by her grandchildren; Brad (Keri) Mustoe of Cortez, Clay Mustoe of Cortez, Craig Mustoe, Susan Holt, Brett Mustoe all three of Utah, Aaron Mustoe, Nancy Patt, Cyndi Seitz, Erica Cunningham all four of Calif, Warren Seitz of Mass., David Seitz of Ariz., Scott Seitz of Ill.; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband in 1995; daughter, Charlotte Mustoe; sons, Charles and George Seitz; grandson, Grant Mustoe; and 12 brothers and sisters. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the Valley Inn Nursing Home, 211 3rd Ave. Mancos, CO 81328. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. |
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