Evelyn Avis Vaughn

Graveside services for Evelyn Avis Vaughn are scheduled for Monday, July 2, at the Summit Ridge Cemetery at 10 a.m. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy of the First Southern Baptist Church will officiate

Evelyn, the daughter of Newell J. and Mary Ella (Allan) King, was born on May 19, 1910, in El Dorado, Okla. She passed away on June 28, 2001, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 91.

She was a homemaker who loved to cook and garden and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dolores. Evelyn worked for many years as the manager of Pippo's Restaurant.

She is survived by her three daughters, Joyce Ann (Carl) Armstrong of Cortez, Mary June (Wayne) Wolff of Ridgway, Colo., and Colleen (Ted) Holiday of Queen Creek, Ariz.; 18 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; brothers, Obert King of Amarillo, Texas, Glen King and Nelson King both of Silverton, Texas, Jimmy W. King and Murvin King both of Cortez; and sisters, Ada Del Ennis of Denton, Texas, and Ruth French of Ord, Neb.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernest Raymond Vaughn, who passed away in 1984; and four brothers.

Funeral services for James J. "Ace" Welch are scheduled for Tuesday, July 3, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.

Ace was born to Michele "Mike" and Marie Antoinette (Hennequin) Welch on March 2, 1915, in Crested Butte, Colo. He passed away June 29, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 86.

Ace was wed to Marjorie Grace Becher in Kansas City, Kan., on March 6, 1944. He served his country in the Navy on submarines in WWII. He located his family in Dolores and started the Superior Auto Supply in Cortez on Dec. 7, 1964.

Surviving Ace is his wife of 57 years, Marjorie, of Dolores; children, James R. (Mary Lou) Welch of Dolores, Mike (Karen) Welch of Cortez, Val (Betty) Welch of Cortez; grandchildren, Heather (Don) Nowlin, Trevor Welch, and Kyle Doudy all of Cortez; and brothers, Angelo (Grace) Welch of Helper, Utah, Michael (Jessie Mae) Welch of Cañon City, Colo., and William (Pearl) Welch of Alameda, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Frances Smith, Marie Runge, and Josephine Orchison.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ace Welch’s name to the Dolores Fire Department.

Verda Bernadine Cummings

Memorial services for Verda Bernadine Cummings, a former resident of the Yellow Jacket area, are scheduled for Friday, June 29, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Brothers Clinton Smart and Lester Peister will officiate.

Verda Cummings died on June 21, 2001, at the age of 82.

Verda was born in Vici, Okla., to Thomas and Emma Moss. She was one of eight children. She lived in Vici until the age of 17, when the Moss family moved to Pleasant View.

There she met Ben Cummings and after a long courtship they were married on Nov. 2, 1940, in Monticello, Utah.

In 1941, she and Ben began farming near Yellow Jacket, and continued until 1981, when they moved to Mesa, Ariz., where she and Ben managed a mobile-home park for 15 years. During this time they traveled in the summer months, seeing much of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Verda suffered a stroke in 1999 and Ben cared for her at home until her death.

Verda was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters, and one granddaughter.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Linda Pruitt and Connie Pruitt, both of Farmington, N.M.; two sisters, Dorothy Koehler of Albuquerque and Ruth Crowley of Eastland, Utah; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Naomi Hahs

Naomi Hahs, a resident of Dolores, died June 25, 2001, at her home. She was 83.

She was born to Eugene Ralph and Mary Evelyn (Brown) Heiliger on Feb. 22, 1928, in Oklahoma City, Okla.

She was wed to Thomas Hahs who had preceded her in death. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by cousin, Ann Kennedy of Roswell, N.M.; brother-in-law, Jack Jacobs of Yale, Okla.; great-niece, Theresa Jacobs Lowry of Houston, Texas; dear friend, Pat Redburn; and many other wonderful friends.

There are no services planned at this time. For further information, contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.

Euologio Salazar Jr.

Eulogio Salazar Jr., a lifelong resident of Tierra Amarilla, N.M., passed away at his sister’s residence in Cortez on June 22, 2001. He was 52.

A prayer vigil will be held Tuesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. in the Santo Nino Catholic Church. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 27, at the church. Father Salvador Aragon will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Santo Nino Cemetery in Los Ojos, N.M.

Eulogio was born to Eulogio and Casilda Olivas Salazar on Dec. 28, 1948, in Tierra Amarilla. He attended school there. He worked for 18 years with the New Mexico State Highway Department. Prior to that, Eulogio worked on construction projects and also as a truck driver.

Eulogio was a member of the Santo Nino Catholic Church, a member of Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Posse and a member of the Ganados Del Valle.

He loved his horses, and he was deeply involved with the sheriff’s posse. He also enjoyed rodeos, and dancing to country and swing Spanish music. He loved his friends and family.

Eulogio is survived by his son, Frank; daughters Karrie and Melanie; sisters Amelia Montana, Theresa Garcia and Helen Salazar; three grandsons and two nieces, Pebbles and Melisha; nephews Mark, Melvin and Anthony; several cousins, one aunt and many friends.

Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken funeral directors, are serving the family.

Kenneth 'Kenny' Waggoner

Funeral services for longtime Mancos resident, Kenneth Kermit "Kenny" Waggoner have been set for Friday, June 29, at the Mancos First Baptist Church beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Dan Straw will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Kenny was born in Swink, Colo. on May 21, 1910 the son of James Adelbert and Lucy (Underwood) Waggoner. He passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Sat., June 23, 2001. He was 91.

Freda Woods became Kenny's bride on Sept. 30, 1931 in Aztec, N.M. Together they shared 63 years of marriage until Freda's death in May 1995. Kenny was a member of the Mancos First Baptist Church.

Surviving Kenny are his three daughters, Karen (Clyde) Cerniway of Grants, N.M., Rosalie (Donald) Knight of Bayfield, Colo., and Mary Elizabeth (Phil) of Belen, N.M.; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; and his sister, Helen Nelson of Aztec, N.M.

In addition to his wife, Freda, Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

Memorial contributions can be made with the Mancos First Baptist Church to benefit the missionary fund.

Bill Johnson

A memorial service will be held for Bill Johnson at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at the Beaver Corrals. A potluck lunch will precede the service at 1 p.m.

Mr. Johnson passed away earlier this spring on April 7, 2001. He was born in the Cortez area on Sept. 25, 1922. Bill ran his family’s ranch near Cortez for many years, and was hired on by the state of Colorado in 1960, working as a brand inspector until his retirement at age 66.

Bill was only retired for one year before going back to work, this time for producers, as a cattle solicitor up until his final days. He spent the last part of his life in Greeley, Colo., where most of his family, including his wife, resides today.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mae Johnson, and five children and their families, which include 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His sisters, Katherine and Josephine, also survive him.

Friends and family are invited to the memorial service. For further service information, contact Camie Buron at 505-856-7611.

Funeral services for Loretta Eveline "Lottie" James, a longtime Cortez resident, are scheduled for Monday, June 25, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. There will be a viewing at the Ertel Chapel on Monday, June 25, from 10 a.m. and noon. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate the services. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Lottie was born to John Thomas and Ida Adella (Simmons) Stanford on October 19, 1917 in McKinney, Tex. She passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 83 years old.

Lottie was well loved by so many in our community, she was always on the go and "up-to- date." She enjoyed attending activities at the senior center. She especially loved the dances for the senior citizens. She was known for her love of music.

Lottie's greatest treasure in life were her son and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Darrell James of Cahone; grandchildren, Linda Cumnock, Scott James, Billy James, all of Texas; five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sisters, Gussie Gift of Cortez, Edna Bohannon of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and brother, R.Q. Stanford of Wofford Heights, Calif.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, William "Bill" James who passed away in 1987; son, Darwin James in 1980; brothers, Jake Stanford, Delbert Stanford, Marvin Stanford and sisters, Dora Leavell, Dottie Leavell (Lottie's twin sister), and Jewel Maslen.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Glenn Dale Frans Sr.

Funeral services for Glenn Dale Frans Sr., a longtime resident of this area, will be held Friday, June 22, at the Cortez First Southern Baptist Church, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Pastor Jimmie Kennedy will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday evening at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between the hours of 6 and 8.

Glenn was born Sept. 15, 1921 in Monte Vista, Colo. to George Walter and Edna Mae (Harlan) Frans. He passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. on Tues., June 19, 2001 at the age of 79.

July 11, 1954, Glenn married Margaret Ellen Schnichels here in Cortez at the Presbyterian Church. At the time of his death Glenn and Margaret were days short of celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. Glenn loved to hunt rocks, cut and polish gem stones and do silversmithing and jewelry making. He was a member of the Ute Mountain Gem & Mineral Society. In addition, he was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and of the Royal Neighbors of America receiving his 50-year pin in 1987.

Surviving Glenn are his wife Margaret Ellen Frans of Dolores; his children, Glenn Dale Frans Jr., Wayne Lee (Debra) Frans, Darrell Lynn Frans all of Dolores, and Pamela Sue (Randy) Bland of Cortez; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; his sister, JoAnn Marie (Waylen) Burke of Eagletown, Okla.; and his uncle, George Harlan of Alamosa, Colo.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harvey Judson Frans.

Memorial contributions can be made with the First Southern Baptist Church to benefit the building fund.

Ida May Hines Pickering

Graveside services will be held for Ida May Hines Pickering, 86, of Cortez on Friday, June 22, at 2 p.m. at the Tatum Cemetery in Tatum, N.M.

Ida was born in Kiowa, Okla. on Feb. 14, 1915 to James Franklin and Ollie Lee (Gillespie) Franklin. She passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at Southwest Memorial Hospital.

Surviving Ida are her daughters, Edith English of Cortez and Nadine Stephenson of Yuba City, Calif.; step-daughter, Roetta Keever of Roswell, N.M.; and step-sons, Robbie Pickering of Amarillo, Texas and Jimmy Pickering of Lovington, N.M. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Franklin of Fayetteville, Ark.; sisters, Dorma Lee Sanders of Springfield, Mo., Corabelle Amert and Betty Ruth Ivey both of Modesto, Calif.; and five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and several step-grandchildren.

For further service information, please contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.

Alma Lucille Cole

Funeral services for Alma Lucille Cole will be held at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Friday, June 22, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Lynn Evans of the Cortez First United Methodist Church will officiate. Visitation has been set for Thursday afternoon at Ertel Chapel between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. Interment will be at the Green Acres Cemetery in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lucille was born to Howard E. and Letta (Gollehon) Blackard in Dunn, Texas on Oct. 22, 1913. She passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home on Mon., June 18, 2001. She was 87 years old.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Barbara Sperry of Moab, Utah; three grandchildren, Arlene Curtis of Cortez, Terry Markum of Mountain Home, Idaho, and Darren Sperry of Denver, Colo.; 10 great-grandchildren; and three sisters residing in Texas.

Preceding Lucille in death was her husband, Gerald "Red" Cole.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Dominick Mustache

Dominick Mustache of Bluff, Utah, passed away on June 14, 2001. He was 48.

He was born Aug. 7, 1952, in Bluff, to the late Frank and Louise Atcitty Mustache.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the Chapel of Memories Funeral Home in Kirtland, N.M. Burial will follow at the family cemetery in Red Mesa, Ariz. A reception will take place at Allen and Irene Nakai’s residence in Red Mesa, Ariz.

Dominick was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Krista Purdy

Krista Raye Purdy, a homemaker, of Grand Junction, passed away June 12, 2001, at her home. She was 47.

She is survived by three daughters, Shiloe Harding, Sherrie Tipton and Jeany Tipton, all of Clifton; mother, Jayne Roelker of Cortez; brother Gary Anderson of Cortez; sisters Peggy Brinkerhoff, Patty Linnens and Kathy Anderson-Marth, all of Cortez, and seven grandchildren.

Her husband, Loyd Tipton, preceded her in death.

Delynn Nellie Ketchum

Funeral services for lifelong Towaoc resident Delynn Nellie Ketchum will be held Thursday, June 21, at the Towaoc Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery. A wake will be held at Delynn's home at 1316 Chipita Circle in Towaoc Wednesday at 6 p.m. .

Delynn was born in Cortez on Oct. 18, 1976, the daughter of Darrell Ketchum Sr. and Deborha L. Box. She died as the result of an automobile accident near Blanding, Utah, on June 15, 2001. She was 24.

She attended school in Cortez; she loved to play basketball and volleyball. Delynn was gifted with the ability to write poetry.

Surviving Delynn are her "mom," Cindy Casey of Towaoc, who raised Delynn from the time she was a small child; her father, Darrell Ketchum Sr. of Towaoc; sisters, Erica and D'Lora Ketchum, both of Towaoc; brothers, Darrell Ketchum Jr., Dalton, Gabe, and Jerum Box, all of Towaoc; grandmother, Eva Wall Colorow of Towaoc; and grandfathers, Hewitti Colorow and Roger J. Redfoot, both of Towaoc.

Delynn is also survived by her aunts, Karen, Sophia and Marissa Box, Delberta, Janet, and Anita Redfoot, and Alvoria Ketchum, all of Towaoc, Mary Jane Yazzie, Janet and Diana Ketchum and Shirley (Ketchum) Dentsosie, all of White Mesa, Utah; uncles, Tilman and Floyd Box Jr., Frankie, Paul, Gerald and Melvin Ketchum, and Victor Hight all of Towaoc, Johnnie Ketchum of White Mesa, Utah, and William Turtle of Albuquerque, N.M.; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Preceding Delynn in death were her mother, Deborha L. Box; grandfathers, Floyd Box Sr. and Alex Ketchum; grandmother, Mellie H. Redfoot; great-grandmothers, Sarah Ute House and Callie M. Hight; aunt, Anna Marie Nat; brother, Stefan Casey; nephew, Ty Aaron Box; and uncle, Marvin (Ketchum) Dutchie.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home

Letia Rogers

Services for Letia Rogers of Dolores will be held Wednesday, June 20, at 10 a.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Rogers Family Cemetery at Bug Point, Utah. Brother Jim Parker will officiate. Visitation is set for today from 4 to 7 p.m.

Mrs. Rogers was born Feb. 2, 1932, in Aneth, Utah, to Lee and and Nattie (Redman) Lansing. She died at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M., on June 16, 2001. She was 69.

In April 1947, Letia became the bride of Harry Croxdale Rogers in Aneth. They shared 34 years of marriage before his death in May 1981. They were known throughout the Navajo Nation for their great generosity.

Mrs. Rogers was devoted to her church, the Baptist Chapel. She also loved the time she spent with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Rogers is survived by her brother, Bobby Lansing of Aneth, and her children: Abe Rogers, John Rogers, and Jane Rogers, all of Bloomfield, N.M., Esther Quintana of Cortez, Ziska Rogers of Dove Creek and Judd Rogers of Dolores. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Mrs. Rogers’ family extends special thanks to the Valley Inn Nursing Home for taking such special care of their mother and grandmother.

William Charles Perdue

Funeral services for William Charles Perdue, a 17-year resident of Cortez, are scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, at the Cortez First Assembly of God Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Don Henderson will officiate.

He was born to William Thomas and Dovie Ethel (Clarkston) Perdue on Jan. 29, 1920, in Peach Orchard, Ark. He passed away on June 12, 2001, at the St. Rose Siena Hospital in Henderson, Nev. He was 81.

William worked as a logger in his early years. He was wed to Virginia Seachrist. He and Virginia attended the First Assembly of God Church.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Cortez; his children, Larry Perdue of Grenada, Miss., Jerry Halvorson of Yarnell, Ariz., Phillip Perdue of Pleasanton, Calif., Ronald Perdue of Las Vegas, Nev., Mark Perdue of Pahrump, Nev.; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home.

Lawrence A. Smith

Lawrence A. Smith of Meeteetse, Wyo., a former administrator of Cortez’s Southwest Memorial Hospital, died May 25, 2001, in Meeteetse. He was 77.

He was born Aug. 4, 1923, in Worland, Wyo., the son of Allan Madison and Elizabeth Marie Brown Smith.

Larry was raised in Meeteetse and graduated from Meeteetse High School at age 16.

He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and remained in the service when it became the Air Force. Larry spent most of his time in the SAC branch and his final years in the OSI branch. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

He married Lenna Lang on April 22, 1944, at the Army Air Field in Las Vegas, Nev,

Following his discharge, Larry was a hospital administrator and was involved in establishing new hospitals. He was administrator of Southwest Memorial from 1975-77.

His wife, Lenna, died May 10, 1999, in Clearfield, Utah. Larry returned to the Meeteetse area in March 2000.

He was a past member of the Meeteetse Masonic Lodge and a member of the OSI Association.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Brace and Julie Greer, both of Mancos, and Lawrence G. "Greg" Smith of Gillette, Wyo., sisters Pat Wilson of Victor, Mont., and Betty Rhodes of Hamilton Dome, Wyo., 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son, and two brothers Stan Smith and Don Smith.

Military memorial graveside services were Wednesday, May 30, at Riverside Cemetery. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions in Larry’s memory may be sent to the World War II Memorial Fund.

Thomas Ray Fisher

Four-year-old Thomas Ray Fisher died tragically on June 9, 2001, in a drowning accident in Canadian, Okla., at the Arrowhead State Park. Services will be held at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Friday, June 15, at 10 a.m. Pastor David Dahl of the Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate.

Thomas was born on Aug. 26, 1996, to Joe Joseph Fisher and Jill Bumgarner in Texas.

He is survived by his mother, Jill Bumgarner; stepfather, Gary "Nick" Muff; brother Michael David Fisher; and sister, Jasmine Marie Muff, all of Cortez.

He is also survived by his grandmothers, Terri Fisher of Dayton, Texas, and Cindy Dailey of Cortez; step-grandmothers, Pat Bumgarner of Salina, Kans., and Donna Johnston of Cortez; aunt and uncle, Donna and Delbert Montgomery of Cortez; and numerous other relatives.

Yancey Clayton Wing

Funeral services for Yancey Clayton Wing, a lifelong resident of Towaoc, will be held Wednesday, June 13, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery. Brother Matthew Walters and Brenda Cuthair will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Ertel Chapel on Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 5.

Yancey was born in Cortez on Nov. 4, 1961, to John Wing Jr. and Mary (Hammond) Wilson. He passed away at his home in Towaoc on June 9. He was 39.

Yancey was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, ride horses and to care for his cattle. He enjoyed times spent with his many nieces and nephews.

Surviving Yancey is a large and loving family. He leaves behind his companion, Toma Ketchum of Towaoc; his father, John Wing Jr. of Towaoc; his mother, Mary Wilson, also of Towaoc; and his sisters and brothers, Glynis Wing, Jana Mills both of Towaoc, Sharon Wing of Mancos, Marcianne Wing and David Wing both of Towaoc, Dorena Wing and Howard Richards Jr., both of Ignacio, Colo. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved very much.

Preceding Yancey in death were a sister, Gwendolyn Wing, in November 1996; his paternal grandparents, John Wing Sr. and Martha Wing; and maternal grandparents, Jack Hammond and Ora Hammond.

Warren Pyle

A memorial service for Warren Pyle, former Cortez resident, will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 23, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cortez.

Mr. Pyle died Jan. 4, 2001 in Globe, Ariz.

Helen Luella Beydler

Graveside services for Helen Luella Beydler, former Cortez resident, are scheduled for Saturday, June 9, at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos at 10 a.m.

Helen was born to Roy Edward and Mabel Marguerite (Miller) O'Brien on March 4, 1918, in Durango. She passed away at her home in Globe, Ariz,. on June 4, 2001, at the age of 83.

Helen was a homemaker who loved to sew, read books and play the Lottery. She is survived by her children, Terry Eugene (T. Roxane) Beydler of Globe, Ariz., and Marilyn (Buck) Hurst of Globe; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Lillian Davies of Aztec, N.M.

Nicholas Pacheco

Nicholas Pacheco of Montrose, Colo., passed away on Friday, June 1, 2001, at the San Juan Nursing Home. He was 96. 

Nicholas Pacheco was born on July 13, 1904, in Colonias, N.M., to Felipe and Virginia Pacheco. He was a direct descendant of some of the first pioneers to settle New Mexico in 1598. Nick came to Colorado in 1927 in search of employment. He worked on livestock ranches for several years before returning to New Mexico to bring back a bride. On Jan. 8, 1947, he married Lupita Montoya and returned, settling on the Western Slope of Colorado. They became the parents of seven children. Nick and Lupita made their home in Hotchkiss, Colo., where he was employed with Hotchkiss Ranches for several years. The family moved to Montrose in 1975. Nick retired in 1984, at age 80. He and Lupita celebrated 54 years of marriage in January, 2001. Nick live and loved the outdoor life and was still very active in his yard work, not letting one weed grow anywhere in the yard. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren during all of the holidays and family get-togethers. 

Surviving family members blessed to have shared his life include his wife, Lupita of Montrose; children, Virginia (Larry) Lick of Georgetown, Colo.; Philip (Kathy) Pacheco of Pueblo, Colo.; Larry (Lenn) Pacheco of Cortez; Connie (Jeff) Hamrick) and Annette (Anthony) Quintana, both of Montrose. Nick was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and two sons, Nicholas Pacheco Jr., who died as an infant, and George Joseph Pacheco, in 1975. 

At Nick¹s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Earnest Floyd Boren

Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident, Earnest Floyd Boren will be held Wednesday, June 6, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the services at the LDS Church beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Earnie was born in Regina, N.M. on July 7, 1919, to Thomas Earnest and Sarah Elizabeth (Jennings) Boren. He passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on June 2, 2001. Earnie was 81 years old.

On Feb. 20, 1943, Earnie was wed to Fernella Blackburn in Weiser, Ida. Together they shared 58 years of marriage.

Earnie worked for Bill Lichliter at the old Sale Barn located on Montezuma Avenue. He worked for 32 years for Montezuma County ending his career as County Road Supervisor. Earnie loved to square dance, he could play the guitar and mouth harp at the same time, and enjoyed his time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a former member of the Lakeview Grange.

Surviving Earnie are his beloved wife, Fernella Boren of Cortez; his children, Judy (Jack) Beasley of Farmington, N.M., Earnest Jerry (Shay) Boren of Perris, Calif., and Donald (Carolina) Boren of El Paso, Texas; and 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Earnie was preceded in death by his son, Robert Lee Boren in 1976; and by his seven brothers and sisters, Edith Salmon, Shufford Boren, Gladys Rathgen, Christine Katzdorn, Clarence Boren, Loise Boren, and Curtis Boren.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Dorothy A. Ukanis

Memorial services for Dorothy A. Ukanis, 87, of Cortez are tentively set for the evening of Wednesday, June 6, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dorothy passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Sunday, June 3, 2001. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn. on July 16, 1913 to Claude Penwell and Annabelle (Farnsworth) Penwell.

She became the bride of Marcus Balfour on Nov. 15, 1932 in Los Angeles, Calif. Dorothy moved to Cortez in 1987 to be near her children and grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Surviving Dorothy are her children, Kenneth (Judy) Balfour of Ajo, Ariz, Marilynn (Neil) Hall of Cortez, and Gay (Judy) Balfour also of Cortez; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Dorothy's two brothers, Richard and Kenneth Penwell preceded her in death, as did her husband, Marcus Balfour, and her parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Dorothy Ukanis at the Citizens State Bank of Cortez.

For further service information and scheduling, please contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.

Smith Manuel Martinez

Funeral services for Smith Manuel "Smitty" Martinez, of Dolores, are scheduled for Saturday, June 9, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a Vigil service on Friday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. 

Smitty was born on Feb. 3, 1935 to Reyes and Clara (Medina) Martinez in Cortez. He passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. on Saturday, June 2, 2001 at the age of 66.

 Smitty served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the VFW. He was an avid outdoorsman; he loved fishing and hunting. He loved music and people.  

Surviving Smitty are his longtime companion, Carmelita Sanchez; his daughter, Clara Lee Martinez of Marietta, Ga.; and his son, Ricky Martinez of Levelland, Texas. Also surviving Smitty are seven grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Frances Grimm of Denver, Colo., Mike Martinez of Ft.Collins, Colo., Ralph Martinez, and Pauline (John) Spahn all of Denver, Shirley (Louis) Martinez of Cortez, and Leonard Martinez of Oregon; sister-in-law, Yolanda Martinez of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceding Smitty in death was a son, Manuel Martinez; sister and brother-in-law, Leona and Tom Shay; and brother, John P. Martinez.

James L. Neeley

Funeral services for James L. Neeley, a lifelong resident to this area, will be held on Thursday, June 7, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. A time of visitation will be at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.

Jim L. Neeley was born on Oct. 18, 1915 in Mancos, to Charles Brown and Anna Mae (Flescher) Neeley. He passed away on Friday, June 1, 2001 at the Mesa View Retirement Home at the age of 85.

Jim was a residential carpenter. He loved this area of the country and enjoyed his time spent around the Mesa Verde area. So, engrossed with his experiences, he wrote "Horsing Around Mesa Verde" in which he shared many wonderful memories of being at Mesa Verde.

He married Josephine Avaline Amyx on May 9, 1936 in Dolores. They celebrated over 53 years together until Josephine passed away in 1989.

He is survived by his children, Byron Neeley of Mancos, Vaughn Neeley of Lewis, Cliff Neeley of Greeley, Colo., Greg Neeley of Cortez and Kay Daves of Dove Creek; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geneva Cox of Mancos, Winifred Mallett of Rangely, Colo.; and brother, Raymond Neeley of Farmington, N.M.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; wife, Josephine Neeley; sisters, Hazel Kincannon, Helen Caylor, Ruth Brown; and brother, Chick Neeley.

Memorial contributions can be made in James Neeley's name to the Hospice of Montezuma.

Pamela Bertha Lopez Peabody

Funeral services for Pamela Bertha Lopez Peabody will be held on Tuesday, June 5, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, June 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. Interment will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery.

Pamela was born on May 18, 1971 in Cortez to Daniel Lehi and Linda Lopez. She passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2001 at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, N.M. She was 30 years old.

Pamela married Rufus Dean Peabody on Feb. 18, 1991 in Towaoc. She is survived by her father, Daniel Lehi; mother, Linda Price; step-father, James Price Sr.; husband, Rufus Dean Peabody; grandmother, Emma Cuthair; brothers, Eric Lopez and Floyd Hight; sisters, Marice Lopez and Sharon Hight; half-sister, Minnette Summa, all of Towaoc; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by grandfathers, Russell Lopez and Jacob Lopez; and half-sisters, Janelle Lehi and Julyeth Root.

Funeral services for Robert W. Barry have been changed to Wednesday, June 6, at the First Southern Baptist Church of Dove Creek, beginning at 10 a.m. Steven Candelaria will officiate. Visitation will be at Ertel memorial Chapel June 5th, 2001, between 3 and 5 p.m.

Robert was born the son of Mr. and Mrs. George William Barry on Sept. 10, 1920 in Coldwell, Ida. He passed away on Thurs., May 31, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez. He was 80 years old.

Robert worked as a uranium miner in the union carbide industry. He was a skilled mechanic and loved to restore antique cars. He did some prospecting as a hobby.

He married Arlene Stevens in August of 1986 in Cortez.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene; children, Linda Barry of Nev., Karen (Roy) Jones of Ohio, Gail Madison of Kan., Bobby Barry who is overseas in the Navy; step-children, Paul (Lori) Matya of California, Allen Matya of California; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; brothers, James Barry, and George Barry, and sister, Ella.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Funeral service for Jeanette Lehlia Aeschlimann, a longtime Cortez resident, are scheduled for Monday, June 4, at the Trinity Lutheran Church beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation will be on Monday prior to the service at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Pastor David Dahl will officiate. Interment will be at the Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Mo.

Jean was born on December 26, 1905 in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada to Martin Luther and Jennie Mary (Fairweather) Killam. She passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 95.

She worked as a pediatric registered nurse in the Health Care industry in Boston, Mass. prior to her marriage to Robin A. Aeschlimann. Jean and Rob in were wed in Norfolk, Va., on Aug. 19, 1940.

She then followed Robin, who was in the Navy, during the war and set up home wherever they found themselves. Jean was a true partner to her husband later becoming a farmer's wife in Missouri. She was a loving mother and wonderful mother-in-law. She joined the Lutheran church at her marriage and became a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church when she moved to Cortez.

Surviving Jean are her son, Scott (Judy) Aeschlimann of Cortez; grandsons, David A. Aeschlimann of Aztec, N.M., and Mark E. Aeschlimann of Parachute, Colo.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Robin A. Aeschlimann who passed away in 1976; grandson, John E. Aeschlimann; and 13 brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jean Aeschlimann's name to the Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Shirley McDonald Wilson

Funeral services for Shirley McDonald Wilson, a longtime Cortez resident, are scheduled for Saturday, June 2, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a time of visitation at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday. Bishop Jeff Curtis will officiate.

Shirley was born to Rex Clift and Ilah (Willmore) McDonald on May 17, 1932 in Heber City, Utah. She passed away after a long battle with cancer on Monday, May 28, 2001 in Washington, Utah. She was 69 years old.

Shirley's husband, Kenneth, preceded her in death only 19 days earlier. Shirley worked in the family business for many years as a bookkeeper. She was a distinquished member of our community. She was a Beta Sigma Phi Society member, an election judge for many years, and an active member of the LDS Church. She was an avid reader of all subjects, a very good seamstress and made clothing for her children and grandchildren. Her life exhibited true love in the giving of herself to meet the needs of others.

Surviving Shirley are her children, Douglas Wayne (Elaine) Wilson of Cortez, Judy Ann (Randy) Dawes of Calvert County, Md., Rodney Dale (Beth) Wilson of Long Island, N.Y., Linda Sue (Pat) Laub of St. George, Utah, and Dawna Louise (Dan) Hawk of St. George, Utah; 10 grandchildren; one great- grandchild; half-brother, Roy McDonald of Paradise, Utah; and half-sister, Kay Bowden of Central Valley, Utah.

Shirley was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, Kenneth Rand Wilson of Cortez, and one brother, Kenneth James McDonald.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America or the Shirley Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Vectra Bank.

Gerald Francis Harrison

Gerald Francis Harrison of Mancos passed away May 28, 2001 at his residence. He was 61.

He is survived by his daughter and her husband, Brenda and Michael Roberts of Grand Junction, Colo.

Arrangements are pending with Callahan-Edfast Mortuary of Grand Junction. For further information, phone 970-243-2450. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors are serving the family locally.

Boyd William Sitton

Graveside interment services for Boyd William Sitton will be held Saturday, June 2, at the Cortez Cemetery beginning at 3 p.m. Pastor David Dahl will officiate.

Boyd passed away here in Cortez on Thursday, May 24, 2001. He was born in Denver, Colo. on April 4, 1969, to Robert Boyd and Margaret Carolyn (Bohling) Sitton. He was 32 years old at the time of his death.

He is survived by sister, Barbara Ellen Mack of Maysville, Okla.; niece, Julie Ann Mack; nephews, Michael Lee Mack and Jimmie Frank Reed, Jr.; great-niece, Lexi Lynette Mack; and great-nephew, Michael Lee Mack, Jr.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Arrangements are being handled by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Mabel G. Cramer

Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident, Mabel G. Cramer will be held Saturday, June 2, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 4:30 p.m Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation is set for Friday afternoon at the Ertel Chapel from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and again Saturday from noon until 3:30 p.m.

Mabel was born to Sommer Emmett and Phoebe Jane (Mason) Tate on March 7, 1918 here in Cortez. She passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home on Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at the age of 83.

Learning to crochet at a very young age, Mabel could create something just by looking at a picture. She never needed instructions. Many knew her as the Quilt Lady for the numerous quilts she had made in her lifetime.

Mabel was also a devoted member of the General Assembly of the Church of The First Born.

Surviving Mabel are children, Jane (Marvin) Young of Yellville, Ark.,John (Joyce) Cramer of Pahrump, Nev., and Clement (LaQuita) Cramer of Mesa, Ariz. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mabel in death were her husband, Lloyd Cecil Cramer in 1959; a son, Lloyd Cramer Jr. in 1997; and her only brother, Emil Tate.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Frances Kate Asa will be held Wednesday, May 30, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel, at 3 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Lynn Evans of the Cortez First United Methodist Church will officiate.

Kate was born in Beulah, Colo., on Sept. 12, 1919, the daughter of Ernest and Mary Anne (Wellington) Higman. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on May 27, 2001, at the age of 81.

She became the bride of Athenus Lewis "A.L." Asa on Aug. 24, 1958, in Cortez.

Kate loved to garden and embroider as well as to travel, camp and fish. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Past President Club of the auxiliary.

Surviving Kate are her beloved husband, A.L. Asa of Cortez; and three daughters, Lanya (Armond) Appy of Avingon, France, Moni Lyons of Tucson, Ariz., and Michi (Doug) McKenzie also of Tucson, Ariz.

Her son, Charles Lewis Asa preceded her in death in 1979. Kate is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Her five brothers and sisters, Ralph, Ronnie, Margie, Cecil and Ed preceded her in death.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Peter James Fecteau will be held Tuesday, May 29, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with Father Thomas Munson officiating.

Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Rosary services were held Monday.

Peter passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on May 25, 2001. He was 49.

He was born in Westerly, R.I., on March 7, 1952, the son of Arthur Oliver and Jeanette Frances (Kelliher) Fecteau.

Enjoying the outdoors, Peter loved motorcycling with his friends, fishing and hiking in the hills. He worked as a diesel mechanic specializing in heavy equipment.

Surviving are his two children, Justin Fecteau and Ann Fecteau, both of Dolores.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Marie Bernadette Hood of Brighton, Mass., Theodore Joseph (Nancy Sue) Fecteau of Barre, Vt., Marie Jeanette (Paul David) Langevin of Johnson, Vt., and James Arthur (Jessica Taplin) Fecteau of Huntington, Vt.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial contributions can be made with the Dolores State Bank.

Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Sulema DeLara are scheduled for Thursday, June 1, at the St. Jude Catholic Church in Dove Creek beginning at 10 a.m. Vigil service will be held on Wednesday, May 31, at 7 p.m., also at the church. Interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Father Thomas Munson will officate.

Sulema was born to Jose Prudencio and Sylvinia (Archuleta) Gonzales on Oct. 7, 1913 in Monticello, Utah. She passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2001 at her home in Dove Creek at the age of 87.

Sulema was a homemaker who enjoyed quilting, crocheting, embroidery, canning and giving her canned goods away as gifts.

She is survived by her children, Burt (Kay) Garcia of Casper, Wyo., Virginia Ortega of Dove Creek, Dell Garcia of Salt Lake City, Utah, Richard (Susan) Garcia of Walla Walla, Wash., Louis (Anne) Garcia of Salt Lake City, and Carla Jay of Reno, Nev.; several grandchildren; siblings, Pauline Pellicia, Clyde Gonzales, Ignacio Gonzales, Julie Pascuilla, Angeline King, Johnson Gonzales, Patricia Jurassic, Bill Gonzales, and Lenore Edmunds.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Robert DeLara; son, Ross Garcia; daughter, Charlotte Garcia; brothers, Lucien Gonzales, Prudencio Gonzales, Jr., and Gonzalo Gonzales.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Hospice of Montezuma. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Ruth Hookham, a lifetime resident of this area, will be held on Friday, June 1, at the Cahone Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.

Ruth was born on February 27, 1906 in Los Angeles, Calif. to John and Molly Wilhite. She passed from this earth on Sunday, May 27, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 95.

Ruth was a homemaker who made the most of her time by writing and contributing articles to newspapers and other periodicals. She loved to garden and was a member of the garden club. She enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

She had no children of her own but is survived by her niece, Jinks Flowers, and her nephews, Jack Erwin and Isaac Wilhite, all of California.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her husband, Farris Hookham. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Chicita Alice Lang, a lifelong resident of Towaoc are scheduled for Thursday, May 31, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Mr. Terry Knight will officiate.

Alice was born on February 14, 1919 in McElmo Canyon, Colo. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Sunday, May 27, 2001, at the age of 82.

She loved to work on arts and crafts specializing in beadwork and basket making. She was a true artist in her craft. She also tanned hides and much of her work is on display at the Notah Dineh Trading Company in Cortez.

Surviving Alice are her children, Ruby Cuthair and Clara Dutchie of Towaoc, Colo.; 27 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Laurel Cuthair; children, Donna Marie Weeks, Paul Dutchie Sr., Kern Dutchie, Pedro Dutchie, and Bonnie Reid; brother, Harry Parker Lang; and sister, Cybil Lang.

Funeral services for Mike Hatch, a lifelong resident of Towaoc, will be held Wednesday, May 30, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Cortez Cemetery. Terry Knight will officiate.

Visitation has been set for Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Ertel Chapel.

Mike passed away at his home in Towaoc on Saturday, May 26, 2001, at the age of 54.

He was born in Ignacio, Colo., on March 4, 1947, to Thell Hatch and Nedra Ketchum.

Mike loved to tinker with anything mechanical and was able to turn that into an occupation, repairing automobiles. He also loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping.

Surviving Mike are his wife of 23 years, Yvonne Marie (House) Hatch of Towaoc; his children, Michauel Badback Jr., Darphene Badback, both of Towaoc, Kenneth Badback of White Mesa, Utah, Thalia Badback, Sharon Badback, Yolanda Badback, Stewart Hatch, and Preston Hatch all of Towaoc; and 15 grandchildren.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Richard ‘Cedar’ Colbert

Services are pending for Richard "Cedar" Colbert, a resident of Mancos, passed away at his home on May 24, 2001. He was 58.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, and many friends.

Arrangements are being made through Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken, Funeral Directors. For more information, phone 564-0667.

June Mardel Chamblee was born to Wert L. and Luella (Moore) Little in Montrose, Colo. on July 10, 1927. She passed away at her home in Cortez on Wednesday, May 23, 2001. She was 73.

June was wed to Milton "Bud" J. Chamblee in March of 1949. June was blessed with five children whom she dearly loved. She worked for some time as a secretary for the Ute Mountain Tribe in Towaoc.

She is survived by her husband, Bud Chamblee of Cortez; her children, Douglas M. Chamblee of Durango, Rebecca M. (Jim) LeClair of Grand Junction, Colo., Judith (Andy) Peacock of Durango, Tim (Caroline) Chamblee of Durango, Trudy Rene (Don) Willis of Penrose, Colo.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edger Little of National City, Calif.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

There are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are being handled by the Ertel Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Montezuma.

LaVeda R. Yuknawicz

Memorial services for LaVeda R. Yuknawicz, 83, of Cortez, will be held Saturday, May 26, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home, beginning at 2 p.m.

LaVeda was born July 25, 1917 in Dayton, Ohio, to Claude and Goldie (Riley) Ramsom. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Saturday, May 19, 2001.

On May 11, 1939, LaVeda was wed to Bernard Yuknawicz in Dayton. Bernard passed away Nov. 29, 1998. They had celebrated 59 years of marriage.

LaVeda is survived by two daughters, Barbara Yuknawicz of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and Judy Guy of Cortez; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Graveside services for lifelong Cortez resident, Thomas W. Carver, will be held Saturday, May 26, at the Arriola Cemetery beginning at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Ertel Memorial Chapel Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thomas W. Carver was born Jan. 23, 1935, to John D. and Lula (Taylor) Carver. He passed away at his home on May 22, 2001.

Tom graduated from high school in Cortez in 1952. He then attended and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison with an industrial arts degree with teacher certification, He continued on to receive his masters degree in counseling.

He was a teacher, counselor and coach at Nucla High School until 1975, when he moved to Cortez to farm and to serve as minister of the Cortez Church of the First Born.

On Sept. 24, 1954, Tom married Janelle Steerman, also of Cortez. Five children were born to this union: Douglas, Timothy, Ricky, Randy, and daughter, Denise.

He leaves to mourn his passing his children, Douglas (Melynda) Carver; Helen "Denise" (Charlie) Rosenbaugh, all of Cortez; Timothy (Cathy) of Fort Collins, Colo.; and Ricky and Randy Carver, both of Cortez; 13 grandchildren; brothers John (Sandy) Carver Jr., Daniel (Dorothy) Carver and Darrell Carver, sisters, Laurna Moore, Milda (Walter) Sitton, Uel Hackett, Judy Fish and Sara Fish, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved stepmother, Josie; brother, Dale Carver; sisters, Leone Dennison, Bonnie Rust and Patsy Sproul, and by Janelle, his wife of 35 years.

Through Tom’s commitment and loyalty to God, we all had a place in his heart. His quiet resolve was a comfort. He will be sadly missed.

Funeral service for Verna Dell Porter, a lifelong resident of this area, are scheduled for Friday, May 25, at the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church beginning at 2 p.m. Pastor Gerald Andrews will officiate. Interment will follow at the Battlerock Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 24, between 3 and 5 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Verna was born to John and Edna (Nordby) Nelson on June 15, 1914 in Mancos. She passed away on Monday, May 21, 2001 at her Cortez residence at the age of 86.

Verna worked for the Forest Service as a fire spotter for numerous years. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Her son, Jack Porter of Cortez and brother, Keith Nelson of Loveland, Colo., survive her. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, and her husband, Nathan Amasa Porter of Cortez.

Memorial contributions can be made at the First National Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Mary M. Supensky are scheduled for Friday, May 25, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow with a military graveside service at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Michael Thornton will officiate.

Mary was born to William and Ethel (Spellman) Grant in Kalispell, Mont. on July 19, 1916. She passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at her home in Cortez at the age of 84.

She attended nursing school in Tulsa, Okla. close to her family home in Cushing. She joined the Army in 1942 and served her country in WWII as a surgical nurse with the 110th Evacuation Unit, where she earned the EAME campaign medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the American Theater Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal. She went on to serve in Korea in a M.A.S.H. unit earning the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the National Defense Service Medal.

Her recollection of one operating room encounter during WWII speaks of her dedication to those in her charge. Gen. George Patton was entering the operating room when 1st Lt. Grant stopped him, insisting he put on sterile gown and mask. While others stood with mouths gaping waiting for the typical "Patton response," she stood her ground and was commended by the general.

She met and married Col. John Supensky in 1954 and raised four children in that 35-year marriage.

Mary moved to Cortez in November of 1999 with her sister, Patricia Grant.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Grant; her children, Mary (Roy) Berry of Cortez, Debbie (Fred) Rupp of California, Tom (Pauline) Supensky of Baltimore, Md., David (Claudia) Supensky of Olympia, Wash., Cathy (Richard) Cunningham of Albuquerque, N.M.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Hazel Blevins

Hazel Bernice Dickson Blevins, beloved mother of Winfred and Thomas Blevins, passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on May 17, 2001. She was 87.

Hazel was born Aug. 1,1913, in Waldo, Ark., to Wilton and Alice Eugene (Flaherty) Dickson.

Hazel is survived by her two sons, Winfred Blevins of Bluff, Utah, and Thomas Blevins of Edgecomb, Maine; and four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Ernest Blevins Sr.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Leatha N. Winburn

Funeral services for Leatha N. Winburn will be held Wednesday, May 23, at the Arizona-Ruffner Funeral Home Chapel in Prescott, Ariz., at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Prescott. Local arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Leatha passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on May 18, 2001, at the age of 87. She was born in Tribbey, Okla., on Aug. 20, 1913, to John N. Jones and Nelly E. (Hickey) Jones.

A Church of Christ member most of her life, Leatha loved all who knew her and was especially fond of her grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing and had sewn professionally for a period of time.

Her son and his wife, Walter and Dorothy Winburn of Cortez, survive Leatha, as do six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Winburn; and her two daughters, Loretta Winburn in 1936, and Melda Wilson in 1989.

Hazel Bergstrom

Hazel Bernice Bergstrom of Mancos passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on May 19, 2001. She was 86.

She was born Dec. 5, 1914, in Cambridge, Minn., one of 19 children born to Erick and Alice (Lundquist) Lindquist.

Hazel became the bride of Delbert Walter Bergstrom on June 30, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minn. She was involved with the Senior Center in Mancos and during her time spent in Arizona she played harmonica in a senior band. Hazel loved entertaining especially during holidays. Additionally, she enjoyed her time spent in her gardens and she loved animals.

Surviving Hazel are her daughter, Jeannie Cripps of Mancos; son, Don Bergstrom of Dolores; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and her sister, Francis Sullivan of Minneapolis, Minn.

No services are planned. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Orpha Estes

Graveside services for Mrs. Orpha Ellen Estes, longtime resident of Naturita, Colo., will be held today, May 19, in the Nucla Cemetery at 2 p.m. Pastor Michael Stoker will officiate.

Mrs. Estes was born to Elijah and Sarah Whittacker Johnson on Feb. 8, 1906 in Logan County, Ky. She passed away on May 17, 2001 at Community Hospital of Grand Junction, Colo., at the age of 95.

She attended schools in Oklahoma. On May 10, 1923, Orpha married Pearl "Bert" Lee Estes in Kansas. They raised their family while Bert mined in Monument Valley, Utah; Slickrock, Cortez and Blanding (Utah). They moved to the Naturita area in 1943. Bert preceded Orpha in death in November of 1969.

Orpha was a homemaker for the most part of her life. She worked as a waitress in her younger years at the Dodge House in Dodge City, Kans., and locally for the old Borchard’s Hotel in Nucla. She also worked as a maid for Ray’s Motel in Naturita.

Orpha was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Naturita. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening, reading and riding in the car.

Orpha Ellen Estes is survived by sons, Donald (Ann) Estes of Naturita; Therald (Nina) Estes of Dolores; daughters, Jenneth Loy Moore and Lois Anneth Bauer, both of Naturita; brother Emmitt Johnson of Grand Junction and sister, Vada ("Doc") Jiles of Aztec; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nucla-Naturita Ambulance Fund, in care of Judy Elder, P.O. Box 740, Nucla, CO 81424.

Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken Funeral Directors, are serving the family.

Nelda Lee Barlow

Nelda Lee Barlow, 97, of Weippe, Idaho, and former longtime Cortez resident passed away at her home in Weippe on Sunday, May 13, 2001. She was born Jan. 26, 1904 in Palco, Kansas, to Oliver Francis Lee and Lucinda Pearl (Reed) Lee.

Her husband, Ellis B. Barlow, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Barlow is being brought back to Cortez to be laid to rest next to her husband at the Cortez Cemetery. Ertel Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements.

Samuel D. Saunders

Memorial services for longtime Mancos resident, Samuel D. Saunders will be held Friday, May 18, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m.

Sam was born to William Leftridge Saunders and Mary Jane (Glaspie) Saunders on March 9, 1931 in Young, Ariz. He passed away at his home on May 15, 2001. Sam was 70 years old. He loved music, playing the guitar, horses, old movies, and people.

Surviving Sam are his wife, Faye of Mancos; numerous children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; two brothers; and two sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Samuel Saunders to the Cancer Foundation. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Joseph 'Gary' Baker

Memorial services to celebrate the life of Joseph Garrett "Gary" Baker will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at the First United Methodist Church of Cortez. Full military services will follow. Services will be conducted by Chaplain Brad Perry.

Gary passed away at his home in Bloomfield, N.M. on May 9, 2001, after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 52.

Gary was born Jan. 3, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., to Joe and Jacqueline Baker. He attended schools in Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita, Kan., Boulder, Colo., and Burbank, Calif.

Gary joined the U.S. Army in April 1968. He served two tours in Vietnam and one in Thailand. In Vietnam he was attached to the 60th Engineers Battalion where he operated rome plows, the "Jungle Eaters," for land-clearing. He was awarded two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism and two Purple Hearts.

After receiving an honorable disability retirement, he operated heavy equipment and was a surveyor in Colorado. In 1983 Gary moved to Cortez, and began working as an inspector for the Bureau of Reclamation on the Dolores Project. He worked as a realty specialist in the Farmington, N.M., office until his retirement in April of this year.

Gary and his wife, Maxine, were married June 30, 1973, in Fowler, Colo. They enjoyed sailing, boating at Lake Powell, hiking and camping, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and their collies.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine (Fosdick) Baker; his parents, Jo and Janiece Baker of Orange, Calif.; brothers, Pat, David, and Paul; sisters, Barbara and Teresa; his in-laws, Kathryn and John Cross of Fowler, Colo.; Kellie and Darrell Watts and Karla and Scott Fillmore; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie.

Donations can be made to the NWNM Hospice in Farmington, N.M., cancer research, or Colorado Collie Rescue, Longmont, Colo.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez.

O'Dean W. Chambers

Funeral services for O'Dean W. Chambers, a Cortez resident, are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, at the Trinity Lutheran Church beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor David Dahl will officiate. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 14, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between 6 and 7 p.m.

O'Dean was born to Charles and Carrie (Brown) Wilson on Sept. 11, 1940 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. She passed away at the Southwest Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at the age of 60.

O'Dean married Roger Price and moved to Sydney, Neb. where they were blessed with four children. She later married Cleo Chambers in June of 1979. O'Dean and Cleo settled in the Cortez area in 1983. She worked as an assistant cook at Crow Canyon for the last eight years. She and Cleo enjoyed being active together. She enjoyed fishing, watching football, bowling and being around people.

She is survived by her husband, Cleo Chambers of Cortez; children, Sylvia (Ron) Michaelis of Scottsbluff, Neb., Roy Price of Vidor, Tex., Michael Price of Cortez, Carrie Jean Price of Cortez; grandchildren, Jennifer, Amanda, Christine, Kimberly, Roy Jr., Karen, and Robert Price; five step children; six step grandchildren; and two great-step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; two brothers; and one sister.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Kenneth Rand Wilson

Funeral services for Kenneth Rand Wilson, a lifelong Cortez resident, will be held Monday, May 14, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Sunday, May 13, between 6 and 8 p.m.

Kenneth was born to Henry and Idonna (Wigglesworth) Wilson on Oct. 16, 1931 in Cortez. He passed away at the age of 69 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 9, 2001 as a consequence of heart failure.

Kenneth Wilson was a pillar in the Cortez community. He served as a pharmacist, owning the Wilson Pharmacy on Main Street for many years. He was available to his community day and night helping to meet the needs of those who were in need of pharmaceuticals.

He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, worked on the local planning board, was part of the Downtown Association, the Calkins Building Preservation Group, served on the hospital board, sang with the Choralaires, and was very involved with tracing genealogies via computer.

Ken grew up in Cortez, and attended Cortez High School. He went on to attend Colorado University in Boulder, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and Pharmacy degree.

He married on June 20, 1953 in Provo, Utah to his sweetheart, Shirley McDonald, who survives him. Their marriage was sealed in the Logan Temple in 1958. To this union were born five children who all survive him: Douglas Wayne (Elaine) Wilson of Cortez, Judy Ann (Randy) Dawes of Baltimore, Md., Rodney Dale (Beth) Wilson of Long Island, N.Y., Linda Sue (Pat) Laub of St. George, Utah, and Dawna Louise (Dan) Hawk of St. George. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sisters, Marilyn (Chuck) Haley of Cortez and Carole Jean (Greg) Dillon of Grand Junction, Colo.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and one grandson, Jace Hawk.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ken Wilson's name to the Cancer Society, American Heart Fund or to Hospice of Montezuma County. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Stella M. Kell

Memorial services for Stella M. Kell are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Fred Thomas will officiate.

Stella was born to Tillman and Bessie (Duarte) Fields on April 6, 1929 in Harvington, Ken. She passed away on Friday, May 11, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez at the age of 72.

Stella was a very active homemaker. She enjoyed camping, fishing, outdoor activities, crocheting, gardening, and especially her flowers.

She is survived by her children, Robert (Beverly) Kell of Globe, Ariz., Steve (Sharon) Kell of Elko, Nev., Dale Kell of Cortez, John (Shirley) Kell of Rangely, Colo., David (Chris) Kell of Globe, Ariz., and Brenda Kell of Cortez; 14 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one sister, Loretta Gourette of Crane, Mo.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Arrangements are being handled by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Brenda Gaye Miller Neesmith

Memorial services for Brenda Gaye Miller Neesmith will be held on Saturday, May 12, at the First Baptist Church of Cortez beginning at 2 p.m. Pastor Ronald Horne will be officiating.

Brenda came into this world on December 18, 1953 in Cortez. She was the daughter of Robert "Bert" and Norma Jean (Ives) Howell. She left this world on Thursday, May 10, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 48.

Brenda was a 1972 graduate of the Montezuma County High School. She later married Steve Miller of Cortez. She and Steve loved to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Steve passed away in July of 1998. She also loved her home, pets, and her small farm. She was an auxiliary member of the American Legion.

She is survived by her mother, Norma Jean Howell of Cortez; son, Nathan Hearne of Clam Gulch, Alaska; step son, Reed (Michelle) Miller of Montrose, Colo.; two step grandchildren; brothers, Roy (Lindy) Howell of Cheyenne, Wyo., Ronnie Howell of Cortez, Harlan (Patricia) Howell of Cortez, and Kevin Howell of Denver.

She was preceded in death by her father; and her husband.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Vectra Bank.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Margaret M. Corkery

Memorial services for Margaret M. Corkery are scheduled for Monday, May 14, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Mancos at 10 a.m.

Margaret was born to John and Elizabeth (McGarry) Doherty on April 21, 1919, in Boston, Mass. She passed away on May 9, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 82.

Margaret was a homemaker and loved ceramics. She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Kirk of Mancos and Kathy Sylvain of Cortez; grandchildren, Michael Curran of Warwick, R.I., David Iuliano of Greenboro, N.C., and William Iuliano of Warwick, and her little black dog, Jay Jay.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Joseph J. Corkery; and son, Joseph Corkery who passed away in 1999.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Franciscans at St. Anthony's Guild, P.O. Box 2948, Patterson, N.J. 07509-9952.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Maureen Troutman Howe

Memorial services for Maureen Elizabeth Troutman Howe will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 12, at the First Baptist Church of Cortez. Pastor Ronald Horne will officiate. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in the Cortez Cemetery.

Maureen was born on June 7, 1917, to William Waldo and Bessie Elizabeth Smith Troutman in Central City, Neb. Maureen went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 3, 2001, in Payson, Ariz. She was 84.

Maureen had three sisters, Erma, Ruth and Darline, and two brothers, Elwin and Edward. Her family moved to Arizona and New Mexico, where Maureen met her future husband, John Harley Howe. They married on Dec. 8, 1935, in Taos, N.M., and celebrated over 60 years together.

To this union were born three children: Pauline, Shirley and Gary. The family moved from New Mexico to Provo, Utah, and in 1947, moved to Cortez. After living in Cortez for 13 years, they moved to Montrose, Colo.

When Harvey’s health began to fail, he and Maureen moved to Apache Junction, Ariz. Harley passed away in 1996, and Maureen moved to Payson to be near Shirley.

Maureen is survived by her children, Pauline (Robert C.) Conner; Shirley (Gary) Stabnau, and daughter-in-law, Aime Howe; grandchildren, Robert, Richard, Bill, Jay Conner; Terrie Conner Rios, Rusty Hicks; Chandra and Shamus Howe, and Nathan and Staci Sanburg. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth Line of California; brother Edward Troutman of Connecticut; sister-in-law Eunice Troutman, brother-in-law James (Lois) Howe; sister-in-law Ethlyn Jones; 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and innumerable friends, including two very special ones, Helen Best of Mesa, Ariz.. and Cora Smith of Cortez. To know Maureen Howe was to love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Gary, sisters Erma and Darline, her brother Elwin and three great-granddaughters, Hannah, Jessie and Lauren.

Mae B. Shaggy

Funeral services for Mae B. Shaggy will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Cortez Cemetery. A dinner will follow at the LDS Church at 1700 E. Empire in Cortez.

Clayton Long will officiate the services.

Mae was born to Joe Watson Bennett and Mary Silversmith McCrea on June 20, 1936, in Mentmore, N.M. She passed away at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, N.M., on May 1, 2001, at the age of 64.

Mae was a homemaker who dearly loved her children and grandchildren. She was wed to Robert Shaggy Sr. on May 24, 1956, in Shiprock.

She was active on the Parent Advisory Committee in Egnar. She enjoyed life to its fullest and especially enjoyed reading.

She is survived by her children, Gibson (Cynthia) Montano Sr. of Tsaile, Ariz.; Robert Shaggy Jr. of Tsayatoh, N.M., Rebecca (Ray) Benally of Montezuma Creek, Utah; Melinda (Ron) Greer of Dove Creek, Colo., and Melvina Shaggy of Montezuma Creek; 17 grandchildren; sisters, Ella Benally of Gamerco, N.M. and Stella Dayea of Mentmore, N.M.; and brother, Ernest McCrea of Canoncito, N.M.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Robert Shaggy Sr.; son, Gregory; daughter, Rosalinda; and grandaughter, Tiara.

Memorial contributions can be made with the Dove Creek Community Bank. Funeral services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Robert McCabe Pinder

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.

Mark Balfour Jr.

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.

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