Betty Schumacher Coy

Graveside services for longtime Durango resident and current Dolores resident Betty Schumacher Coy will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango. Bishop Spencer Smith will be officiating.

A visitation has been scheduled for Friday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ertel Funeral Home.

Betty was born on April 5, 1911 in Durango, the daughter of George Michael and Wilhelmina "Minnie" (Pallakowski) Schumacher. She died on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at her daughter's residence in Dolores at the age of 93.

Surviving are her children: L. Bill Fields of Las Vegas, Nev.; Darleen Turner of Winslow, Ariz.; Michael C. Coy of Malaysia, and Elizabette J. Coy of Dolores; grandchildren, Bill Fields, John Fields, Jeannie Do, Nora Mesa, John Turner, Susie Rosales, Phyllis Turner, Carl Turner, Vincent Coy, Vahgo Coy, Sherry Brew, Connie Goldman, Tara Kim, Laurie Alexander, and William Lewis; as well as several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Clarence Coy; her children, Roy Lee Fields, Lavora Fields and Eldon Coy; and her siblings, Edith Slade, Clara Schaffeehoff, Elmer Schumacher, and Elsie Holt; as well as two infant siblings.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Arthur Augustus "Runt" Wilson

Funeral services for lifelong Yellow Jacket resident Arthur Augustus "Runt" Wilson will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. Wilson was born on Jan. 18, 1921 in Yellow Jacket, the son of Charles Wesley and Nancy Ethel (Stevenson) Wilson. He died on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004 at his home in Yellow Jacket at the age of 83.

He was a family farmer his whole life and he belonged to the Farmer's Union, the Grange and the Democratic Party. On June 19, 1950 in Pleasant View, Arthur married Esther Eileen Murphy.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Esther Wilson of Yellow Jacket; his children, Arthur Wade Wilson and wife, Debbie; David Andrew Wilson and wife, Beth; Timothy Allen Wilson, Mark Duane Wilson, Virginia Ruth Wilson Francisco and husband, Micheal; and Diana Nadeen Wilson; and grandchildren, Matthew David Wilson and Hannah Elizabeth Wilson; sisters and brother, Marjorie Wilson Crowley and husband, J.W., Nancy Wilson Erwin, Nellie Wilson Bradfield, Faye Wilson Bertrand, and Larry Wilson and wife, Eloise.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Rocky Mountain Farmer Union Education and Charitable Foundation Fund at First National Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

George Begay Sr.

Funeral services for George Begay Sr. will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery.

Mr. Begay was born Oct. 8, 1933, the son of Jimmy Begay and Marie (Slowman) Begay. He died near Sapinero, Colo., on Monday, Oct. 18, 2004. He was 71 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Begay of Towaoc; his children, George Begay Jr. and wife, Tina, of Grand Junction; Andy Begay Sr. and wife, Trina, of Cortez; Edward Begay and wife, Lisa, of Aneth, Utah; Leonard Begay and wife, Sarah, of Bishop, Calif.; Irma Begay of Towaoc; Lorraine Begay and husband, Eric Whyte, of Mancos Creek; Bonnie Begay and Tina Begay both of Towaoc; and his adoptive daughter, Dolly Talk and husband, Ramone, of Shiprock, N.M.; 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Topaha and husband, Robert, and Lucy Dick and husband, Thomas, all of Shiprock; and his brother, Phillip Begay and wife, Marie, also of Shiprock.

His parents and one brother, Roy Begay preceded him in death.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Crawford Maurice McMillan

Funeral services for Crawford Maurice McMillan will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004 in the Lebanon Cemetery. The McMillan family will be in charge of the services.

Crawford M. McMillan died Oct. 18, 2004. He was born in Lebanon on Oct. 10, 1918 to John and Lillie McMillan, but spent the last 50 years of his life in the Denver area.

He is survived by his wife, Etta May McMillan, of Jefferson County, Colo.; two sons, John McMillan and Paul McMillan and wife, Caroline, of Jefferson County; daughter, Daurice McMillan of Jefferson County; and a grandson, Ted McMillan, who is studying in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the local Masonic Lodge.

William Bethel Powell

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident William Bethel "Bill" Powell will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Reverend H.H. Davis will be officiating.

Visitation has been set for Sunday evening at the Ertel Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m.

Mr. Powell was born Sept. 11, 1914 in Merit, Texas, the son of H.A. and Bessie Powell. He died at his home in Cortez on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Sue Jones Powell.

Survivors are his children, William Kenneth Powell and his wife, Susan, of Denver, Gail Powell of Cortez, and Shirley Janiece Kitchens of Santa Fe, N.M.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and his brother, Aldridge Powell of Crosbyton, Texas.

Merle C. McCaw

Funeral services for Merle C. McCaw, 83, of Durango will be Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 at Hood Mortuary with Chaplain Myron Darmour officiating. Burial will follow at Oxford Cemetery in Oxford.

Mr. McCaw was born June 1, 1921 in Durango, the son of Wayne and Blanche McCaw. He died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 at Four Corners Health Care Center in Durango.

He is survived by his wife, Altha McCaw of Oxford; sons, Paul McCaw of Farmington, N.M., and Dean McCaw of Oxford; daughter, Martha Nelson of Kirtland, N.M.; four granddaughters, two grandsons, one great-granddaughter and six great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his father Wayne McCaw, his mother Blanche McCaw and one son.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the La Plata County Cattlemen's Scholarship Program.

Martha Ann "Marty" Ludemann

Memorial services for Mancos resident Martha Ann "Marty" Ludemann will be held at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 19, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Nancy Schaufele and Heather Ludemann will be officiating.

Mrs. Ludemann was born on May 28, 1944 in Cortez, the daughter of Roy Mathew and Thelma Eugenia (Baer) Hammond. She died Friday, Oct. 16, 2004 at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 60.

Surviving are her husband, Steven, of Mancos; her children, Heather Ludemann of Washington, D.C., and Eric Ludemann of Boulder, Colo.; as well as her brother, Charles Hammond of Cortez. Preceding her in death were her parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Ludemann's name to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Odis Ireland "Bud" Northcott  

Services for former longtime Cortez resident Odis Ireland "Bud" Northcott are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home. Mr. Northcott was born on September 30, 1939 in Lamesa, Texas, the son of Odis Martin and Martha Jo (Taylor) Northcott. He died Thursday, October 7, 2004 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., at the age of 65. For further service information contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468 or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Neva Wilson Sego Bolton

Funeral services for Neva Wilson Sego Bolton will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Empire Street. Interment will be at the Cortez Cemetery.

Mrs. Bolton was born on March 10, 1920 in Ellington, Mo., to Riley Lenoah and Cordelia Moriah (Johnson) Wilson. She died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 at her home in Cortez at the age of 84.

She married her first husband, Raymond Rexford Sego on May 20, 1938 in Cortez. With this union 14 children were born. She was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints soon after her marriage to Mr. Sego. After 23 years of marriage the couple divorced. On Sept. 8, 1961 she married her second husband, James Paul Bolton. Two daughters were born to this union. On Nov. 11, 1976 Mr. Bolton passed away.

Surviving are her children: Veva Jean of Cortez; Sharon Gaye Gubler of Orem, Utah; Raymond Francis of Salt Lake City, Utah; Rodney Rexford of Cortez; Mayonne Gregory of Salem, Mo.; Daniel of Fountain Green, Utah; Marilee Sego of Salt Lake City; David of Blanchard, Idaho, Radine Ackland of Lac Du Flambeau, Wis.; Steven of Rathdrum, Idaho; Neva Ann Richards and Patricia Louise Young; and 48 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; as well as her sisters, Marie, Eva and Melba Ruth. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, James Paul Bolton; her children, Barbara Ann Bailey, John Wilson, Vontella Sego, and Michael; her siblings, Clyde, Gladys, Woodrow, Olive, Jewell, Paul, Riley and James; as well as her ex-husband, Raymond Rexford Sego.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome. com and click on the obituary section.

Paul E. Butler

Funeral services for lifelong Dolores resident Paul E. Butler will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 11 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Pastor Walter Olsen will be officiating.

Mr. Butler was born on Nov. 30, 1918 in Durango to William Lester and Mary Magdalene (Jenkins) Butler. He died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 85.

In 1946 he married Marge Jacobson, with this union four children were born. Surviving are his children: Ed Butler and wife, Joyce, of the Philippines; Tom Butler and wife, Lucy, of Dolores and South Carolina; and Kathie Butler of Dolores; grandchildren: Eric Butler and wife, Elizabeth, of Denver; Jon Butler and wife, Holly, of Summit Ridge; Laura Jenkins and husband, Fred, of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Luke Butler of the Philippines; three great-granddaughters: Elise, Tessa, and Lauren; his siblings, Maurice Butler, John Butler, Ruth Dennison, Hannah Blackburn and Sarah Barner; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Marge; son, Larry; and his siblings, Norman, Harry, David "Bud" and W.T. "Dopey", Lois Greenlee and Jane Novack.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the children's section of the Dolores Public Library at 1002 Railroad Ave. in Dolores.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome. com and click on the obituary section.

Lorene Elnora Hackett

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Lorene Elnora Hackett will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Arriola Cemetery. Mr. Doug Carver will be officiating.

Mrs. Hackett was born on Jan. 21, 1943 in Eureka, Calif., the daughter of Alvin and Maple Helen (Preston) McCall. She died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004 at her home in Cortez at the age of 61.

On Feb. 25, 1961 in Eureka, Calif., she married Jimmie Dwight Hackett. She is survived by her husband, Jimmie D. Hackett of Cortez; children: Deana Carr and husband, Michael, of Arvada; Marcia Reichenau and husband, Mark, Howard Hackett and wife, Sharon, and Wendell Hackett all of Cortez; Rhonda Tracey and husband, Nicholas, of Henderson, Nev.; Stan Hackett of Cortez, Karen Stifel and husband, John, of Priest Lake, Idaho; and Amanda Hackett of Cortez; 15 grandchildren; and brothers and sister, Richard McCall of Oregon, Delmar McCall of Calif., and Helen Laughlin of Alsea, Ore.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome. com and click on the obituary section.

Bruce C. McAfee

Funeral services for lifelong area resident Bruce C. McAfee will be held at 2 p.m.

today, Oct. 7, 2004 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Lewis Cemetery. Pastor Vicki Richards Street of the Johnson Memorial Methodist Church will officiate.

Mr. McAfee was born to Charles Clifford and Ada Violet (Miner) McAfee in Cortez on Aug. 24, 1929. He died at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, at the age of 75.

On Dec. 18, 1950 in Farmington, N.M., Bruce married Guyrene Retherford. From this union four children were born: Melanie, Mike, Suzie and Bruce.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Guyrene McAfee of Lewis; his children, Melanie Filener and husband, Casey, and Mike McAfee and wife, Angie, all of Lewis, Suzie Boehm of Wisconsin, and Bruce "Buzz" McAfee and wife, Lydia, also of Lewis; and nine grandchildren, Bryan and Mandy McAfee, Cody and Shacy Filener, Ty Boehm, Morgan McAfee, and Jenna, Charles and Derrick Jeter.

His brother, Charles McAfee, and grandson, Mark McAfee, precede him in death.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome. com and click on the obituary section.

Jasper Fermin Vallejos

A funeral Mass for Jasper Fermin Vallejos will be held at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 9, 2004, at St. Columba’s Church in Durango.

Mr. Vallejos was born Sept. 16, 1940 in Dolores. He died Oct. 3, 2004, from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 64 years old.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Margaret P. Vallejos, of Durango; son, Rod Vallejos and wife, Katherine, of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter, Robyn Vallejos, of Fullerton, Calif.; mother, Fedelina Vallejos, of Cortez; his siblings, Fern Maestas, Laverne Archibeque and husband, Gilbert; Margie Martinez and husband, Rubio; Bernadine Vallejos; Alfred Vallejos, Louie Vallejos and wife, Paula, all of Cortez; Richard Vallejos and wife, Florence, of Ignacio; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory at P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.

Manuel Obispo-Bello

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Manuel Obispo-Bello will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12 at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be held at the Cemetery Municipal in Apipilulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

A prayer vigil has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday night at the Catholic Church.

Mr. Obispo-Bello was born on June 5, 1923 in Apipilulco, Mexico, the son of Rafael and Agustina (Bello) Obispo. He died Sunday, October 3, 2004 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 81.

Surviving are his wife, Carmen (Roman) Obispo of Cortez; his children: Francisca Jimenez and husband, Jose, of Cortez; Gloria Obispo of Mexico; Roberto Obispo-Roman and wife, Blanca E. Valdivia de Obispo, of Cortez; Griselda Obispo- Flores and husband, Jorge; Carmen Obispo-Cabrera and husband, Jose Luis, all of Mexico; Orlando Obispo of Cortez; Guadalupe Obispo; and Manuel Obispo and wife, Rozio, all of Mexico; eight grandchildren; brothers, Emilio Obispo, Felepe Obispo, Cresencio Obispo, and Reyes Obispo. Preceding him in death were his parents.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Funeral services for former area resident Jearl Blake Ruiz will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Lifeway Baptist Church in Cortez. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Mr. Ruiz was born on Aug. 14, 1983 in Cortez, the son of Oscar and Zandra L. (Hart) Ruiz. He died Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 in Denver at the age of 21.

Surviving are his parents, Zandra L. Hart of Tucson, Ariz., and Oscar Ruiz and wife, Sue Ann of Cortez; grandparents, Jeanette Hart of Cortez, and Jose Ruiz of Chihuahua, Mex.; great-grandfather, Edwin L. Hart of Tucson, Ariz.; sister, Jacqueline Ruiz-Hart of Tucson, Ariz.; and stepbrother, Ryan Thompson of Cortez; uncles and aunts, Eric Hart and wife, Shay, of Cortez, William Taft Hart of New York, and Alicia Guzman and husband, Juan, of Mexico; as well as his nieces and nephews, Kacey and Auston Hart of Cortez, Marta, Alicia, Carlos, and Ricky Guzman all of Mexico.

Preceding him in death are his grandfather, Bruce Hart; great-grandmother, Eileen Hart; and stepbrother, Benjamin James Sanders.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Ruiz's memory to the Denver Automotive and Diesel College Scholarship Fund, 460 S. Lipan St., Denver, Colo. 80223.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Leroy Ketchum

Funeral services for lifelong Towaoc resident Leroy Ketchum will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the North Chapel Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Blanding, Utah. Interment will follow at the Blanding Cemetery.

A visitation has been scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from 1 to 3 p.m.

Leroy was born May 16, 1943 in Cortez to Lloyd Cantsee and Dorothy Ketchum. He died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004 at his home in Towaoc at the age of 61.

In 1984 in White Mesa, Utah, Leroy married Annie Lee Rabbit. Leroy was a member of the Native American Church. He worked well with his hands, crafting bed frames, flutes and doing mechanic work. He used to play basketball, enjoyed hunting and most recently liked joking with his health care nurses.

Surviving Leroy are his wife, Annie Ketchum of Blanding, Utah; his mother, Dorothy Ketchum; his children, Nathan Dutchie and wife, Leona; Marcus Roy Ketchum and friend, Sophie, all of White Mesa; and Vernon Dutchie Jr. of St. George, Utah. He leaves a granddaughter, Syannah Rose Ketchum; two sisters; his brother, Harold Taylor; and his half-brother, Clarence Cantsee; as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death was his father, Lloyd Cantsee.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Ray "J" Alsobrook

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Ray "J" Alsobrook will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday 1 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Empire Street. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos. The Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75 will be conducting military graveside services.

A visitation has been scheduled for today at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from noon until 2 p.m.

Ray was born on Nov. 7, 1919 to John Baxton and Ineader Ellen (Johnson) Alsobrook. He died on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004 at the Four Corners Health Care Center in Durango at the age of 84.

Ray was a career military man, who at retirement was ranked as Chief Petty Officer, Gunner's Mate. On Dec. 22, 1949 in Falls Church, Va., Ray married Barbara Fern Allen. In 1976 he moved his family to the Cortez area.

A craftsman at heart, Ray enjoyed leatherwork and woodworking. During his spare time Ray liked hunting, fishing, building model ships and traveling. Eating homemade tacos was another passion of Ray's. Rodeoing with his son Michael was another favorite pastime. Ray was a member of the V.F.W., and at one time was a Mason and a Lion.

Surviving Ray are his wife, Fern Alsobrook of Cortez; his three children: Margie Wood of Golden, Janice Alsobrook of Cortez, and Michael Alsobrook of Canon City. He leaves two grandchildren: Jennifer Bashore and husband, William, of South Korea, and Matthew Wood of Golden; as well as two great-grandchildren: Taylor and Erin both of South Korea.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ray's memory to the Cortez Animal Shelter.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information you may log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Steven Roger Crites

Funeral services for 49-year-old Cortez resident Steven Roger Crites will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Cortez First Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75.

Steve was born on July 11, 1955 in Ukiah, Calif., the son of Raymond Henry and Anna Eileen (Peters) Crites. He died on Monday, September 27, 2004 in New Mexico.

Steve was a long haul truck driver for Meadow Gold Dairies, who, when he wasn't working, enjoyed hiking, fishing, boating and scuba diving. He was also a member of the Cortez First Assembly of God Church.

Surviving Steve are his mother, Anna Crites of Cortez; his daughter, Anna Lee and husband, Jeff, of Cortez; and his brothers, Tim Crites of Cortez, and Ron Crites of Carson City, Nev.

Preceding him in death was his father, Raymond Crites.

Memorial contributions can be made in Steve's memory to Gideon's International at 14251 Road 26, Dolores, CO 81323.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, please log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Nina Faye Haskell

Nina Faye Haskell, a longtime resident of Nucla, died Sept. 25, 2004 at her residence. She was 77.

A graveside service is set for today, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. in the Nucla Cemetery. Pastor Karen Winkle of the Union Congregational Church will officiate.

Visitation will also take place today from at the cemetery from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Haskell was born to Thomas Guy and Alice Violet Willden Van Arsdale on Nov. 23, 1926 in Cortez. She was a homemaker all of her adult life. She married Charles Elmo Haskell on July 9, 1946 in Olathe. They were blessed with five children. Mr. Haskell preceded her in death on June 3, 1992.

Mrs. Haskell was a member of the Lady's Auxiliary of the local VFW in Nucla, the Women of the Moose in Nucla and the Rimrock Historical Society. She enjoyed playing pinochle, loved playing bingo at the Moose Lodge, fishing and especially being with her family on the holidays.

She is survived by her children: Art Haskell of Nucla, Thomas Haskell of Battlement Mesa and his twin sister, Alice Mockerman of Juneau, Alaska, Irene Adams of Hidding, Minn., and Ted Haskell of Nucla; her sisters, May Weimer and Marie Templeton, both of Nucla, and Betty White of Delta; a brother, Thomas Van Arsdale of Texas; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and a brother, Bud Curtis.

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

Charles Ray "C.R." Hoffman

Funeral services for lifelong Dolores resident Charles Ray "C.R." Hoffman will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Rock Springs Community Church. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Pastor David Ramsey will officiate.

A visitation has been scheduled for today at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m.

C.R. was born on Feb. 12, 1935 in Cortez, the son of Samuel Edward and Mae Elizabeth (Maness) Hoffman. He died on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004 at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 69.

In 1954, C.R. enlisted in the Air Force and served his country during the Korean conflict. On May 29,1954 in Amarillo, Texas, C.R. married Ruth Humpherys. With this union three children were born. C.R. owned and operated • & H Lumber for many years. He had a passion for restoring old Ford cars and trucks. C.R. also enjoyed fishing and hunting at his cabin at Groundhog. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #1789.

Surviving C.R. are his wife, Ruth Hoffman of Dolores; his children: Kathie S. Ledford, Vernon Hoffman and wife, Dyanna, and Wesley Hoffman all of Cortez. He leaves six grandchildren: Mitchell Hoffman, Monique Hoffman, Dylan Hoffman, Cecillia Ledford, Brandi Miller and Natasha Ledford; and one great-granddaughter, Jocelynn Ledford. His three sisters: Marie Godfrey and husband, Earl, of Cortez; Pauline Riley of Nampa, Ida.; and Freeda Stapleton and husband, Al, of Farmington, N.M. also survive C.R.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in C.R.'s name at the Dolores State Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information you may log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Linda Lynch

Linda Lynch was born on June 14, 1948 in Auburn, Calif., the daughter of Virgil and Ada (Hoyt) Lynch. She died on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004 at her home in Dolores at the age of 56.

Linda was a data entry operator for the Motorola Company in Phoenix, Ariz., for a number of years. She later moved to the Dolores area where she has lived for 10 years. Linda enjoyed both reading and listening to music. Camping was another favorite pastime of Linda's.

Surviving Linda are her mother, Ada Estes and husband, Sib; her sisters, Joan Lynch, Sue Muesch, and Mary Wright.

Preceding her in death were her father, Virgil Lynch; and sister, Paula Moses.

Memorial contributions can be made in Linda's name at Vectra Bank.

Private memorial services will be held in Flagstaff, Ariz., at a later date. For further obituary information please log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Virginia Agnes Rosenbaugh

Funeral services for Virginia Agnes Rosenbaugh, a longtime resident of Cortez will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Father Derrek D. Scott will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Visitation has been set for Friday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

A Prayer Vigil will be held Friday evening at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Virginia was born July 15, 1918 at Walsenburg, Colo., the daughter of Adolph Joseph and Virginia (Agnes) Dissler. She died at her home in Cortez on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004 at the age 86.

On Feb. 7, 1942, Virginia married George Glen Rosenbaugh in Walsenburg, Colo. To this union nine children were born. Prior to moving to Cortez in 1963, the Rosenbaugh family lived in Durango for three years.

Virginia was an active member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and belonged to the Catholic Daughters and the Alter and Rosary Society. For many years she was a registered nurse at Southwest Memorial Hospital and Vista Grande Nursing Home. She was a volunteer for Hospice of Montezuma and enjoyed visiting shut-ins.

Surviving Virginia are her children, George "Tom" Rosenbaugh and wife, Ann, of Moncks Corners, S.C., Ray Rosenbaugh and wife, Terri, of Arvada, Ron Rosenbaugh of Cortez, Jim Rosenbaugh and wife, Mindy, of Cortez, Charlie Rosenbaugh and wife, Denise, of Cortez, Ginger Byers and husband, Mike, of Albuquerque, N.M., Terry Rosenbaugh of Durango, Jerry Rosenbaugh and wife, Debbie, of Westminster, and Don Rosenbaugh and wife, Kati, of Littleton; and 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Her husband, George, preceded Virginia in death in June 1973; as did two brothers and one sister.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Virginia Rosenbaugh with Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information you may log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Victor Shane Gallegos

Victor Shane Gallegos, 26, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004 near Mancos.

Mr. Gallegos was born July 4, 1978 in Farmington, N.M., the son of Victor C. and Romelia Debra Ruiz. He was a resident of Mancos for most of his life. Victor Shane, married to Amanda Chaloupek, shared in a beautiful daughter, Makayla.

He was self-employed as a house painter. His family says he will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, and son.

Victor Shane Gallegos is survived by his wife Amanda, his father Victor, his mother Romelia, a daughter Makayla Gallegos of Las Vegas, Nev., a brother Lucas Gallegos of Denver, a nephew Isaiah Gallegos of Denver, paternal grandparents Victor and Josie Gallegos of Mancos and maternal grandmother Bertha Valdez of Mancos, and numerous uncles and aunts.

Visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary in Durango today, Sept. 23 from 2 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Hood Mortuary. Pastor Raymond Maestas of Calvary International Assembly of God will be officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor Shane Gallegos Memorial Fund at either the Mancos Valley Bank, P.O. Box 450, Mancos, CO 81328, or Wells Fargo Bank, 200 W. College Dr., Durango, CO 81301.

James Edward Horton

Memorial services for longtime Dolores resident, James Edward Horton will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday at the Johnson Memorial Methodist Church, 105 N. 8th, Dolores.

A reception will be held following the service at the Horton residence located at 25274 Road T.5, Dolores.

Jim was born on May 4, 1960 in Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Francis R. and Janice (Emeny) Horton. He died on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 at his home in Dolores at the age of 44.

Jim was a passionate man who loved the outdoors, especially the Boggy Draw area. Sturgis was a favorite place for Jim to travel. He liked the North Dakota area. His dog, Vivian, was also a love of his life.

Surviving Jim are his mother, Janice Horton; his sisters and brother, Susan Merillat, Jane Horton all of Dolores, and Scott Horton of Farmington, N.M.; he leaves several nephews and nieces: Nick, Kailee, Robbie, Jessica, Sarah, Daniel; and his great-niece, Trinity.

Preceding him in death was his father, Francis Horton.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information you may log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Colleen Ann Yazzie Pacheco

Funeral services for Colleen Ann Yazzie Pacheco will be held at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 23 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Empire Street. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Colleen was born on Nov. 8, 1951, in Ignacio, Colo. the daughter of Frank and Ruth George (Beyale) Yazzie. She died on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in Santo Domingo Pueblo, N.M., at the age of 52.

On May 3, 1975, at the Santo Domingo Pueblo Catholic Church, Colleen married Larry Pacheco. With this union a son and daughter were born. Colleen worked hard as a pharmacy technician for St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, N.M. Colleen was called "Korn" by those close to her and her favorite color was purple. Colleen really loved the simplicity of life.

Surviving Colleen are her husband, Larry Pacheco of Santo Domingo Pueblo, N.M.; her children, LaCher Pacheco and husband, Bobbie; and Amidooli Pacheco; she leaves her grandson, Heyashrum Pacheco; her grandmother, Crescincia; and her siblings, Esther Yazzie of Cortez, Susie Muller and husband, Sid of Belen, N.M., Martin Yazzie of Cortez, Mary Ann Yazzie of Globe, Ariz., Charlotte Corrales and husband, Joseph, of Farmington, N.M.; and adopted sister, Janet Baird and husband, Tom, of Baltimore, Md.; as well as several aunts and uncles.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Ruth Yazzie; and her daughter, Trudy Lynn Pacheco.

Memorial contributions can be made in Colleen's name at either Vectra Bank or Citizens State Bank of Cortez.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information please log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Alice Louis Lyon

Funeral services for former longtime Cortez resident, Alice Louise Lyon will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Louise was born on Dec. 15, 1919 in Viola, Kan., the daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Braden) Hare. She passed away on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 in Broomfield, Colo., at the age of 84.

Louise Hare embarked on her nursing career in western Kansas in the mid 1940s. She soon joined the Army Nurse Corps and was stationed in the French Quarter in Louisiana where she cared for German prisoners of war. She was an avid champion of her patients and heard from some of them for years following the war.

Following the war, she landed in Albuquerque, N.M., to assist an army buddy. She was eventually invited to come to the Cortez area. She began working at Southwest Memorial Hospital in the late 1940s. On Feb. 5, 1949 in Denver, Colo., Louise married Rex Neil Lyon. After a short hiatus to the Denver area, Louise Lyon returned to Cortez and worked in the community for 30 years. She worked in the offices of several doctors, and then many years at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She worked in the emergency room, operating room, and the medical and surgical floors.

Louise was an ardent patient advocate, a novelty in those days. She knew her patients, and had a sixth sense of what it would take to get them to comply with their plan of care. She often yearned to become a medical missionary on one of the reservations in the area. One day, she realized that she could be that missionary right here in her own community. She loved Cortez and the entire area. Her infectious smile and zest for life made her a hit with her community of care.

At the time of her retirement she had assisted in the delivery of many hundreds of babies. Following retirement she worked for the Montezuma County Health Department. She continued her "caring" ways with her family and new community in Broomfield, Colo., after leaving Cortez in 1983. Louise was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the Broomfield Senior Center and spent many happy hours there volunteering for meals, and especially the Senior Dances. She often danced two or three times a week in the Denver area with other senior groups. She never knew a stranger, and had a witty, entertaining and loving personality.

Louise was able to be around and watch her five grandchildren grow and mature. Last fall, she even traveled to Arizona to meet her great-grandson. All of her grandchildren adored their "Granny Lou" and she will certainly be missed.

Surviving Louise are her children: Nancy Montgomery and husband, Monty; Linda Selkirk and husband, Steve; and Peggy Sherman and husband, Bill. She leaves six grandchildren: Colby and wife, Amanda; Tyler, Sara, Travis, Ryne, and Cara; as well as one great-grandson.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Rex Neil Lyon.

Memorial contributions can be made in Louise's memory to the Broomfield Senior Center, Alzheimer's Association or to the Presbyterian Church of Broomfield.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information you may log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Bonnie "Betty" Loyce Davis

Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident, Bonnie "Betty" Loyce Davis will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Betty was born on Aug. 13, 1944 in Pagosa Springs, Colo., the daughter of Carlton and Iva Eloise (Coen) Miller. She passed away on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004 in Tacoma, Wash. Betty was 60 years old.

Betty went to the Montezuma Cortez High School and later attended the San Juan Basin Vo-Tech. She worked for 17 years in the county clerk's office, and was a member of the Cortez Lioness Club and then the Lions Club.

Surviving Betty are her children, Kelly, Michael and Brian Davis; as well as her mother, Eloise Miller of Tacoma, Wash. She leaves seven grandchildren; and her sisters, Carlene Johnson of Tacoma, Wash., and Darlene Carlson of Bullhead City, Ariz.

Preceding her in death was her father, Carlton Miller.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Genevieve "Gene" Dickerson

A celebration of life for longtime Summit Ridge resident, Genevieve "Gene" Dickerson will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 at Gene’s residence at Summit Lake. The address is 35933 Road P.5. Everyone is welcome to attend and spend time with the family.

Gene was born on July 12, 1916 in Hollywood, Calif., the daughter of Ellias "Pat" and Ethel (Ennis) Anderson. She died on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. Gene was 88 years old.

Gene married Charles Edward Dickerson and they were married for 65 years before his death in July 2000. She enjoyed working with her husband in the family towing business, Dickerson’s Towing. The outdoors was something Gene loved dearly. She enjoyed fishing, camping and continued to hunt until three years ago. Reading was another favorite pastime of Gene’s. She also donated her time to volunteer at Kemper Elementary School.

Surviving Gene are her children, Charles "Steve" Dickerson and wife, Tony, of Westmorland, Calif., Virginia Dickerson of San Diego, Calif., and Nancy Dickerson Shaw and husband, Gary, of Summit Ridge. Her grandchildren, Stephenie Adams and husband, Chuck, of Springfield, Va., Sarah Dickerson of San Diego, Calif., and Garan Shaw of Summit Ridge also survive Gene. She leaves two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Steven Adams of Springfield, Va.; as well as her brother, Pete Anderson of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Charles; and her sister, Florence Smith.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com   and click on the obituary section.         

Louise Espinoza Overton

Louise Espinoza Overton, 67, died at her home in Cameron Park, Calif., on Aug. 16, 2004, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Cortez on March 26, 1937, the oldest of eight children born to Joe J. Espinoza and Clara Mary Archibeque Espinoza (both deceased).

In 1959, she married Richard Earl Overton originally of New Harmony, Ind. Shortly thereafter, they moved from Cortez to San Diego, Calif., where they started a family. After her divorce in 1976, she began working for (Tenet) Centinela Hospital Business Office in Culver City, Calif., where she dedicated over 27 years of service, until retiring due to her illness in 2002.

Louise moved to Northern California in July 2003, to reside with her daughter, Kandle Rae Overton. She was a loving and devoted mother, and found immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow. She loved holiday picnics (when it did not rain), and treasured absolutely everything about the beach. She was not only a mother, but a best friend, and she will be terribly missed. She is survived by her two daughters, Amberly Louise Cole, of North Hollywood, Calif.; and Kandle Rae Overton, of Cameron Park, Calif.; four grandchildren; Michael Ray Cole and Surina Louise Cole; both of Omaha, Neb.; Garin West Haycock of Cameron Park; Sarah Kay Maxwell, of North Hollywood; and one great-grandchild, Jayden Cole Van Ornam of Omaha. She also leaves behind four sisters; Gloria Espinoza Hererra, Doris Espinoza Lanier and Naomi Espinoza Maestas, all of Farmington, N.M., and Barbara Espinoza Hererra; three brothers, Ray Espinoza and Jerry Espinoza, both of Farmington, and was predeceased by her bother David Espinoza of Mancos.

Louise was cremated in Cameron Park. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Farmington, at 1500 Fairview Ave.     

Stefon M. Gawdun

Stefon (Steve) was born in Cortez on Oct. 22, 1951 to Joe and Eva Gawdun. He died at the age of 52 on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at the Veterans Hospital in Denver.

A prayer vigil has been scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Church in Cortez. Services will be held Sept. 17 at the Olinger Aurora-Chase Mortuary at 1095 Havana St., Aurora, Colo., (303) 366-3551.

Stefon was raised in Cortez, the second of six sons. He graduated from MCHS in 1970, where he was active in wrestling and foreign language. Stefon enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and graduated Valedictorian of his class, serving mostly in the Middle East as a Specialized Corpsman - Second Class, Petty Officer.

Returning to Cortez after his service, he studied at Denver University and the University of Colorado, receiving a BA from Metropolitan State College in linguistics and German. He went on to study martial arts and was a black belt in Karate which he considered his greatest achievement.

He met and married Patricia Larson of Chicago on Oct. 26, 1985 in Denver. She was his wife and soulmate of 19 years.

Stefon used his spare time to volunteer as an interpreter at the Denver airport using the many languages he studied. His volunteering gave him the opportunity to help a Russian family immigrate to the U.S. Spending more of his time building homes for Habitat for Humanity. He also enjoyed the outdoors, cooking and his hobby of leather crafting.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Gawdun of Denver; his mother, Eva Gawdun of Cortez; his brothers, Michael Gawdun of San Antonio, Texas, Ed Gawdun and wife Maya of Mancos, Andre Gawdun of Mesa, Ariz., Frank Gawdun and wife Beth of Tempe, Ariz., and Tom Gawdun of Pagosa Springs. Stefon and Pat had no children of their own, but enjoyed seven nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

Preceding Stefon in death was his father, Josef Gawdun, on Aug. 18, 2004.     

Raymond Allen McMillan

Raymond McMillan, a resident of Durango, Colo., since 1999, and a former resident of Dolores, Colo., died on Sept. 9, 2004, at his residence. He was 71.

Ray was born March 6, 1933, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. A service of remembrance will be planned for a later date.

Ray was a most gentle, loving man, who cared for all living things. He was an avid runner, completing many marathons along with carrying the Olympic Torch in the relay for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. After an injury, he had to resort to walking, which he did at any opportunity. He had a wonderful, witty sense of humor which he shared with everyone.

Raymond Allen McMillan is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; four loving children: Chris of California, Cheryl of Durango, Mark of Hawaii and Sue of Durango; eight loving grandchildren: Marshall, Sarah, Brad, Garrett, Rachel, Theodore, Hailly and Nathanial; two great-grandchildren: Trinity and Nadia; two sisters: Judy and Pat; one brother, Robert, who resides in Canada; many many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Within a special group of friends, loved ones and family, he will be greatly missed. We thank you for your love and support. The McMillans.

Cortez Four Corners, Hale and Gerken is serving the family.

Idah Marie Graves

Funeral services for Idah Marie Graves, a lifelong resident of Cortez, will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Pastor Marvin Graves will officiate. Interment is to follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Marie, as she was known to family and friends, was born Sept. 21, 1913 in Cortez to John Henry and Leona (Warren) Gregory. She died at Vista Grande Nursing Home on Monday, Sept. 13, 2004 at the age of 90.

On June 8, 1936 Marie married Harley Dale Graves in Cortez. The couple shared 65 years of marriage until Harley's death in January 2002. Considered an excellent seamstress, Marie had sewn most of her life.

Surviving Marie are her son, Harold E. Graves and wife, Donna, of Cortez; five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Vylabell Henderson of Arlington, Texas.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Marie Graves with Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez, Colo.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information you may logon to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Joseph Barry Sigwarth

Cortez resident Joseph Barry Sigwarth was born on May 5, 1929 in Albany, N.Y., the son of Charles and Amelia (Levy) Sigwarth. He died on Friday, Sept. 10, 2004 in Durango. Joe was 75 years old.

Surviving Joe are his wife, Frances F. Powell of Cortez; his two sons, Timothy Barry Sigwarth of Golden, Colo., and Terrence Patrick Sigwarth of Longmont, Colo.; his grandson, Charles Sigwarth of Longmont; and his brother, Charles Sigwarth of Colonie, N.Y.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further service and obituary information you may logon to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Dolorita Tapia Jones

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Dolorita Tapia Jones will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Monsignor Dan Huber of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

A prayer vigil will be held Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Dolorita was born April 7, 1910, at Dulce, N.M., to Luciano and Genevieve (Velasquez) Tapia. She died at the Valley Inn Nursing Home Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004. Dolorita was 94 years old.

On Feb. 5, 1931, Dolorita married Simon R. Jones Sr. in Durango. Together they share 70 years of marriage. To this union two children were born, Eleanor and Simon Jr. Dolorita was an active woman and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America, Women's International Bowling Congress, VFW Auxiliary Post 3076, American Legion Post 75 Auxiliary and the National Rifle Association.

Surviving Dolorita are her daughter, Eleanor Bisson-Carter of Cortez; 10 grandchildren: 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jose A. Tapia and wife, Margaret, of Los Alamos, N.M.; Avelino "Buddy" Tapia of Espanola, N.M.; and her sister, Carmel Chavez of San Juan Pueblo, N.M.

Dolorita was preceded in death by her husband, Simon R. Jones Sr. in January 2002; her son, Simon R. Jones Jr.; five brothers: Lino Tapia, Percy Tapia, Perciliano Tapia, Abedon Tapia and Jacobe Tapia; and a sister, Julia Tapia.

The family requests contributions be made in memory of Dolorita Jones to the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Colorado Region of Rocky Mountain Chapter; 701 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available at www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.    

Randell L. Gage

Avid outdoorsman and much-loved family patriarch, Randell Gage died at his home of natural causes early in the morning Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004. He was 52 years old.

Services were held Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Hesperus Baptist Church.

Randy was born Nov. 11, 1951, to Ken and Donna Gage in Albuquerque, N.M. He attended elementary school and junior high in Gallup before moving to Durango in 1967 where his family lived in the Animas Valley. He attended school at Durango High School and was active in extracurricular activities including playing the tenor sax in the DHS band and playing center on the Demon's football team. He was an outstanding athlete and received recognition when he broke the school record for the longest "hike."

After high school, Randy joined the Marine Corps and moved to Santa Ana, Calif., where he was an air traffic controller from 1970 to 1974.

On March 24, 1973, Randy married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jo Watters in a ceremony on the rock cliffs overlooking Animas River in the rugged northern section of the valley. The couple briefly lived in California before returning home to settle in Hesperus where they have lived for the past 30 years.

Randy's clever entrepreneurial instincts gave him the opportunity to start several successful business including The Tropical Fish Store, The Donut Stop, R&M Transport and A-1 Septic. He also tried his hand at mining when he owned and worked a placer mine near Naturita. Most recently he worked as a merchandiser at Wal-Mart for electronics and books.

Randy was a skilled and passionate outdoorsman who relished sharing the stunning Colorado scenery with his family. Most of his weekends were spent on extended camping trips into the depths of the Colorado and Utah wilderness where he would demonstrate the fine art of fishing by literally enticing the trout out of the water and into the frying pan with a magic touch that nobody else could master. He also loved horses and they became his faithful companions on his many trips into the Weminuche Wilderness. When it came time for colts to be born, Randy was on a vigilant watch as the mare labored. He would gather the tiny colt into his arms and welcome it into the world and into his care and protection. As a result the spirited fillies and foals would often follow him around the corral with the devotion of large lap dogs. Randy also had a special talent for chasing away the seasonal chill of a fall afternoon with his green chili stew. It was a sure-cure for whatever ailed you and was a mainstay stable for decades.

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Randy's life was his devotion to his family. He was a tender and compassionate father to his three daughters and later, when his grandchildren were born, he would spend hours delighting in their smiles. His lap was strong enough and his arms were wide enough to gather them all up for a big bear hug. Randy was also a fatherly figure for many other members of the extended family and for some of his daughters' friends, always making room at his table or at his campsite for one more child regardless of who they were. He was everybody's daddy.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Gage; his mother, Donna Gage of Grants, N.M.; and his father and stepmother, Ken and Iola Gage of Hilltop Lakes, Texas. His daughters, Melinda Goodson, Lara Gage and Christine Gage, will never forget the amazing man who was their father and will forever remember the years of joy that he brought to their lives. Other family members include brother-in-law, Charlie McCoy; mother-in-law, Ilamae Watters; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Randy Gage Memorial Fund at the Southwest Credit Union.

Arrangements were entrusted to Hood Mortuary in Durango.

Chloe Ursula Cone

Former Cortez resident Chloe Ursula Cone died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at the Sunbridge Estrella Care Center in Avondale, Ariz. She was 96 years old.

Private family services have been held.

Chloe was born Dec. 22, 1907, in Batesville, Ark., to John Albert and Ethel Aldora Hill Grill. She was married to Carroll Cone. The couple moved from Cortez to Buckeye, Ariz., in 1973.

Chloe is survived by two sons: Trent L. Cone of Buckeye; and Augusta Wayne Cone of Ash Fork, Ariz.; two daughters: Barbara Mathews of Mesa, Ariz.; and Phyllis Pauline Kennedy of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son, Melvin Jean Cone.

Arrangements were entrusted to Advantage Golden Door Funeral Chapel in Youngtown, Ariz.  

Martha Louise Girdner

Funeral services for Cortez resident, Martha Louise Girdner were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at the Lewis Cemetery. Kyle Todd and Mike Boyd officiated.

Louise was born on May 8, 1943, in Welling, Okla., to Perry Paul and Sarah Emma (Watson) Moore. She passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004 at her home in Cortez. Louise was 61 years old.

On May 7, 1965 in Tulsa, Okla., Louise married Carthel Girdner. She spent her professional career as a safety coordinator for the food industry. During her spare time Louise enjoyed going to the mountains.

Surviving Louise are her husband, Carthel Girdner of Cortez; her children, Debbie Boyd and husband, Mike, of Lewis; James Green and wife, Kim; Rick Girdner and Brian Girdner all of Tulsa, Okla. She leaves nine grandchildren: Bryan, Emma and Abby Girdner; Michael Boyd, James and Alescia Green; Levi Eads, Dustin and Krystal Girdner; as well as two great-grandchildren, Trevor and Owen Girdner. Her two brothers Fred Moore and wife, Barbara, and Jim Moore all of Tulsa, Okla.; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Moore also survive Louise.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Rocky Moore.

Services were under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information you may logon to www.ertelfuneralhome.com   and click on the obituary section.  

Terry J. Ellenberger

Terry J. Ellenberger was born to Wilbur and Nellie Ellenberger Dec. 17, 1946, in Smith Center, Kan. He died Aug. 26, 2004, in Kalispell, Mont., at the age of 57. Cremation took place in Kalispell and a memorial will be held in Tonapah, Ariz. in December.

Terry graduated from high school in Kirwin, Kan., and from Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kan., with a teaching degree.

Terry, Peg, Cassandra and TJ moved from Kansas to Cortez in 1980 and remained here until 1988 when they moved to Wickenburg, Ariz., then to Tonapah.

Terry loved the cowboy life and was involved with it until his death. He produced ropings in Cortez; Shiprock, N.M., Wickenburg, Tonapah and the last two summers in Kalispell.

Terry loved life and lived it to its fullest. If he was on a horse roping a steer, he was in the height of his glory. He loved visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee. His many friends and relatives will surely miss his humor and positive way of life.

Terry is survived by his wife, Peg; daughter, Cassandra Doyon and husband, Richard, of Del Norte, Colo.; a son, TJ Ellenberger and wife, Sherrie, of Tonapah; three granddaughters; and two brothers: Larry Ellenberger of Cortez, and Tim Ellenberger of Phillipsburg, Kan.

The family requests condolences be sent to the Terry Ellenberger Family, 3825 N. 359 Ave., Tonapah, AZ 85354.  

Clifford Reed Halls

Clifford Reed Halls was born March 8, 1924, in Mancos, to David and Lilllian Emma (Dean) Halls. He died Aug. 27, 2004, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 80 years old.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted.

Cliff lived in Weber Canyon in Mancos and went to school there through high school. He then worked in the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton, Wash., for a year before joining the Navy in 1943. Cliff spent most of his naval career at the Naval Repair Base in San Diego, Calif. He received his discharge in May 1946.

On July 6, 1946, Cliff married Kitty Marie Foster in Aztec, N.M. They lived in Mancos and Telluride for the first couple of years, working at various jobs. Cliff was working at the match factory in Mancos when their first child, Vicki, was born. When Vicki was about 9 months old, they moved to Cortez where Cliff trained to be a printer-linotype operator for theMontezuma Valley Journal.

The family lived in Telluride for about a year before moving to Moab, Utah, where they lived for the next 38 years. Cliff worked forThe Times Independentand Spencer's Printing. Eleven years ago, they moved back to Cortez.

Cliff was an avid reader and loved trivia and crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed time spent gardening and watching sports on television.

Surviving Cliff are his wife of 58 years, Kitty Halls of Cortez; children: Vicki Martin of Fort Scott, Kan.; Anthony Halls of Cortez; Alex Halls of Cortez; Tracy Bullock and husband, Brent, of Moab; Kelly Halls and wife, Severine, of Austin, Texas; Cindy Halls of Florence, Ariz.; and Shawna Halls of Austin; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Harry Halls of Mancos, and Gene Conrad Halls of Durango, also survive Cliff.

A son, Curtis Halls; four brothers; three sisters; and one grandson, Josh Partridge, preceded Cliff in death.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

John Francis Scott Barr

Graveside services for John Francis Scott Barr, a longtime resident of the area, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Lebanon Cemetery.

John was born to Scott C. Barr and Ethel (Kreek) Barr at Cherryvale, Kan., Aug. 11, 1924. He died at Southwest Memorial Hospital Monday, Aug. 23, 2004. John was 80 years old.

During World War II, John served his country in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Hawaii. At the time of his discharge, John had achieved the rank of corporal.

Surviving John are his children: R. Scott Barr and wife, Janel, of Dolores; Deanna Barr of Spokane, Wash.; Cindy New and husband, Paul, of Mosca, Colo.; and Carol Ann Johnson of Aurora, Colo.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jerry Barr of Tallahassee, Fla.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Lonnie Earl Elliott

A funeral for lifelong Montezuma County resident Lonnie Earl Elliott will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Empire Street Chapel. Interment will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Lonnie was born to Dick and Martha Gertrude (Griffeth) Elliott Oct. 7, 1934, in Dolores. He died at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004. Lonnie was 69 years old.

On Aug. 17, 1957, Lonnie married Mary Louise Owens in Cortez. Lonnie and Louise settled less than a mile from where he was born. Lonnie and Louise opened Lonnie's Glass in 1965. He worked very hard to build a strong and productive business. He liked telling people he was the biggest glass man in Cortez.

As a young man Lonnie was active in 4-H. He enjoyed softball, basketball and loved being outdoors. For a man of his stature, Lonnie was remarkably agile and very competitive in snowmobile racing and horseback riding. He derived great pleasure in working with his horses and was a very proficient team roper. Throughout his life Lonnie enjoyed hunting and fishing. He shot competitively with handguns in the sheriff's posse for many years, winning numerous team and individual awards.

Lonnie was a member of the Four Corners Rifle and Pistol Club and competed in the fall and spring pistol shoot. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren learn to shoot. Lonnie was a proud member of the Montezuma County Sheriff's Posse Search and Rescue. He was an active member for many years serving a major several times. He also worked his way up the state posse ranks and served as colonel for two years. Lonnie served as president of the Montezuma County Fair Board and was proud of being part of the team that was crucial in obtaining the county's fair grounds.

Surviving Lonnie are his wife of 47 years, Louise Elliott of Dolores; his children, Heath Elliott of Dolores, and Debbie Dunham of Columbus, Neb.; daughter-in-law, Melissa Elliott of Dolores; and six grandchildren, Miranda Elliott, Jared Woodrow, Jesse Johnson, and Ashley Johnson all of Dolores, Ryan Dunham and Jade Dunham both of Farmington, N.M. His sister, Vonda Judge; and brothers, Jerry Elliott and Glenn Elliott all of Dolores also survive Lonnie; as well as many other close relatives local and abroad.

Lonnie was preceded in death by two older brothers, Forest and Richard.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Gwendolyn Kay Johnson

A funeral for Cortez resident Gwendolyn Kay Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at the Friendship Assembly of God Church in Dolores. The Rev. Gilbert Archuleta will officiate. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.

Gwen was born May 1, 1950, in Alamosa to Jack O. Morrison and Edith Christena (Pratt) Morrison. She died at her home in Cortez Sunday, Aug. 22, 2004, at the age of 54.

Gwen loved the building industry and took great pleasure in building numerous homes in the area as well as the Dolores Lodge. She co-owned a real estate agency in Dolores.

Surviving Gwen are her husband, Jeffrey Dik Bouwer whom she married on July 4, 1999, in Dolores; and her brother, Jim "Chico" Orlean of Belen, N.M.

Her father, Jack Morrison; and her mother, Edith Morrison Freeman, preceded Gwen in death.

Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Gwen Johnson with the Friendship Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 925, Dolores, CO 81323.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Alma Koppenhafer

A funeral for former longtime Montezuma County resident Alma Koppenhafer will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Marvin Graves will officiate.

A visitation has been scheduled from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Ertel Chapel.

Alma was born Sept. 26, 1910, in Beulah, Colo., to James A. and Matilda Augusta (Thomas) Treece. She died Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, in Rangely, Colo., at the age of 93.

Alma was born in the Beulah School District where she lived until her parents' home burned. Her family then moved to the Mildred area where Alma's parents bought a farm. She resided here until moving to Rangely because of failing health.

In 1936, Alma married Henry Koppenhafer in Aztec, N.M. She and Henry farmed and ranched near Mildred for many years. They ran cattle on a government permit on Calf Creek and sheep on a homestead on Belmear Mountain.

Alma always loved her home, her sheep and her garden. She was an accomplished gardener who always raised a vast garden and many flowers. At one time more than 200 rose bushes flourished under her care. Another favorite pastime of Alma's was painting, and during the '40s and '50s she enjoyed hunting Indian artifacts and fishing with Henry.

Surviving Alma are her children: Henry E. "Ed" Koppenhafer and wife, Sue, of Pierce, Colo.; Irene Rose and husband, Vern, of Rangely; six grandchildren: Clint Koppenhafer and wife, Debbie, of Elizabeth, Colo.; Sheri Lockman and husband, Ron, of Eaton, Colo.; Tee Jay Rose and wife, Stacie, of Olathe, Colo.; Claude Rose and wife, Kayla; Dustin Rose and wife, Kathy, all of Rangely; and Kobey Rose of Grand Junction; as well as nine great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding Alma in death was her husband, Henry; her sisters: Willa Hickey, Laura Bridgewater; and her infant sister, Laura Treece.

Memorial contributions can be made in Alma's name to the Cortez Senior Center.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Wally Johnsboen

Wally Johnsboen, a former longtime resident of Cortez, died of a heart attack Aug. 18, 2004, in Plentywood, Mont. He was 70 years old.

Wally is survived by his ex-wife, Ann Johnsboen of Cortez; his son, Gene Johnsboen and wife, Liz, of Harriman, N.Y.; a daughter, Trana Jeffiers of Kalispell, Mont.; grandchildren: Emily Johnsboen, Sanda and William Jeffiers. He is also survived by two sisters.

Ruthmary "Peggy" Champ

Memorial Services for Cortez resident Ruthmary "Peggy" Champ will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Vista Mesa Assisting Living Residence.

Peggy was born July 24, 1916, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Edward and Ruth (Renick) Junker. She died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, at Vista Mesa Assisted Living Residence. Peggy was 88 years old.

Further service information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com   

Carl Hampton Massey

Memorial services for longtime Mancos resident Carl Hampton Massey will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Luther Shields will officiate.

Carl was born March 10, 1924, in Antlers, Okla., to James and Eva Elizabeth (Vaughn) Massey. He died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 80.

Carl served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. On April 9, 1994, Carl married Helen Peel in Dolores. Carl enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and gardening.

Surviving Carl are his children: Sheila Massey; and John Massey and wife, Caroline, all of Dolores; his stepchildren,: Wayne Noland and wife, Monica, of Dolores; Colene Noland of Mancos; Lalla Chadwick of Bozeman, Mont.; and Diana Green of Las Vegas, Nev. He leaves his grandchildren: Carla Beeman, Brett Beeman, Jesse Massey and Bonnie Massey; as well as his great-grandchildren: Justin Lynn Massey and Kala Fay Massey; and his siblings: Mary Flister of Roswell, N.M.; Vonnie Jo Calp of Washington, D.C.; and Bobby Jene Massey of Texas. Many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive Carl.

Preceding him in death was his first wife, Venna Fay Massey.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com     

Bernard Ricca

Bernard Ricca, a resident of Cortez, died Aug. 19, 2004, at his residence. He was 66.

Arrangements are pending with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale & Gerken. For further information, phone 564-0667.   

Josef Gawdun

A funeral for longtime Cortez resident Josef Gawdun will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Derrek D. Scott will officiate.

A prayer vigil has been scheduled for Monday beginning at 7 p.m. at the Catholic church.

Josef was born March 5, 1920, in Tluste, Galecn, Ukraine, to Josef and Magdalena (Semeras) Gawdun. He died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home, at the age of 84.

Josef was raised in the Ukraine the youngest of four children. On March 16, 1949, in Koblenz, Germany, Josef married Eva Krywecka. In January 1950 they immigrated to the United States. Josef worked hard as an upholsterer doing furniture repair. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Surviving Josef are his beloved wife, Eva Gawdun of Cortez; his children: Michael Gawdun of San Antonio, Texas; Stefon Gawdun and wife, Patricia, of Denver; Ed Gawdun and wife, Maya, of Mancos; Andre Gawdun of Mesa, Ariz.; Frank Gawdun and wife, Beth, of Tempe, Ariz.; and Tom Gawdun of Pagosa Springs. He leaves seven grandchildren: Julie of Salina, Kan.; Richie Anne Gawdun of Grand Junction; Andrew Gawdun of Reno, Nev.; David and Alycia Gawdun of Reno; Heather and Rachel Gawdun of Tempe; and one great-grandchild, Jasmine, of Salina, Kan.

Preceding Josef in death were two brothers and one sister.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com   and click on the obituary section.   

Philip Andrew Balmforth

Memorial services for Cortez resident Philip Andrew Balmforth will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the First Baptist Church in Cortez. The church will host a lunch immediately following the service.

Phil was laid to rest July 1, 2004 in Arlington National Cemetery.

Philip was born Nov. 12, 1957, in Oxnard, Calif., to Stanford Cleworth and Barbara (Deigst) Balmforth. He died June 12, 2004, at his mother's home in Virginia Beach, Va. Phil lost his fight against bladder cancer at the age of 46.

Phil's father was a naval pilot stationed in Oxnard, Calif. Following his father's footsteps, Phil enlisted in the Navy in 1978 as a Seabee. Phil retired in 2000 and moved to the Cortez area. After traveling all over the world, Phil called Cortez his home. Some of Phil's favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting and spending time in the outdoors.

Surviving Phil are his two children, Jason and Nicole of Durango. He leaves his mother, Barbara Balmforth of Virginia Beach; his siblings: David Michael Balmforth and wife, Sally, of Altoona, Pa.; Anne Elizabeth Coppersmith and husband, John, of Dale City, Va.; Mark T. Balmforth of Las Vegas, Nev.; Gregory G. Balmforth of Las Vegas; and Paul Damian Balmforth and wife, Carolyn, of Fort Polk, La.

Preceding him in death was his father, Stanford Balmforth; and his brother, Matthew John Balmforth.

Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Frances Heath

A funeral for longtime Mancos resident Frances Heath will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Cortez. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Erika Meyer will officiate.

A visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the St. Barnabas Church.

After interment services there will be a reception held for family and friends at the family home located at 11525 Road 34 in Mancos.

Frances was born Nov. 27, 1913, in Denver, to Thomas John and Jean (Stevens) Riley. She died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. Frances was 90 years old.

An active member of her community, Frances participated in many organizations. She was involved with the Anasazi Heritage Center as well as Crow Canyon. She was a member of the Colorado Association of Legal Secretaries and belonged to the St. Barnabas Alter Guild. In her spare time, Frances enjoyed playing bridge.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Margaret M. Heath and husband, John A. Beezley, of Mancos; and her grandchildren: Alexander Allen Kane of Irvine, Calif., and Stephanie Ann Kane of Fort Collins, Colo.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Vernon Conger Heath; as well as three sisters and one brother.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association or For Pets' Sake Humane Society.

For further obituary information, go online to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Atha Laurena Wilcox

Graveside interment services for Atha Laurena Wilcox, 90, of Dove Creek, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the Cedar Cemetery in Montrose, Colo.

Atha was born at Wiley, Colo., on June 19, 1914, to Charles Atlas and Mary Elizabeth (Nodine) Davis. She died at her home Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.

Atha was a licensed practical nurse and worked a number of years at Colorado General Hospital in Denver. She enjoyed handiwork, keeping her hands busy doing needlework, crocheting, quilting, knitting and gardening. After her move to the Dove Creek area five years ago, Atha became very involved with the senior center in Cahone.

Atha is survived by her sons: Donald Rhodes of Ashfork, Ariz.; and Charles Rhodes and wife, Alta, of Dove Creek; stepson, Wayne Wilcox of Casper, Wyo.; granddaughter, Tammy Tentler and husband, Dave, of Cortez; and granddaughter-in-law, Lynn Rhodes of Casper, Wyo. Atha is survived by four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. One sister, Charlene Snare of Denver; a sister-in-law, Marie Davis of Craig, Colo.; and several very special nieces and nephews also survive Atha.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Waldron Donald Rhodes; a daughter, Thelma Elizabeth Rhodes; and a grandson, Donald E. Rhodes.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, visit www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Elizabeth Irene 'Liz' Estep

A funeral for longtime Cortez resident Elizabeth Irene "Liz" Estep will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Steven Schwarz of the Seventh Day Adventist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Liz was born to Charles and Myrtle (Williams) Whelchel Oct. 1, 1937, in Denver. She died at her home in Cortez Friday, Aug. 13, 2004. Liz was 66 years old.

On Nov. 9, 1958, Liz married J.D. Estep in Montrose. Together they shared 45 years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters, Valarie and Robin. Liz loved the outdoors and was content with any activity that had her outside.

Surviving Liz are her beloved husband, J.D. Estep of Cortez; daughters: Valarie Francisco of Cortez, and Robin Hughes and husband, Leon, also of Cortez; four grandchildren: Kevin Judson, Jason Francisco, Lacey Francisco and Kelton Judson; four brothers: Ernie Whelchel and wife, Tanya, of Gillett, Wyo.; Lester Rice and wife, Pat, of Arizona; John Rice and wife, Sherrie, of Fernley, Nev.; and Art Meyer and wife, Luann, of Cortez; and two sisters: Nancy Thurman of Cortez, and Jacquie Allen and husband, Shannon, of Fernley, Nev.

A brother, Herbie Meyer, preceded Liz in death.

Memorial contributions can be made with Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez, CO 81321.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Jack Glenn Schmittel

Memorial services for longtime Durango resident Jack Glenn Schmittel will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Larry Chappell of the Lighthouse Baptist Church will officiate.

Jack was born Nov. 30, 1925, in Center, Colo., to Orville A. and Minnie Frances (Hartman) Schmittel. He died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 78.

Jack was best known for the construction of the Rotary Park gazebo in Durango. He was in the construction business and enjoyed working with and building things from wood. Jack served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. On May 18, 1950, in Alamosa, Jack married Merelyn Johnson. In his spare time Jack liked to fish, hunt, go out on his boat, and found the computer very interesting.

There were twelve children in Jack's family, and he was the youngest of them all.

Jack is survived by his brother, Howard; and his sister, Dorothy; his wife, Merelyn Schmittel of Cortez; three children: Robin Schmittel and wife, Donna, of Mancos; Susan Hillmeyer and husband, Roger, of Durango; and Barbara Davis and husband, Tom, of Glendale, Ariz. He leaves six grandchildren: Kendra Schmittel-Woodman and husband, Buck; Sean Hillmeyer; Adam Davis; Katelyn Hillmeyer; Brianna Schmittel, and Kyle Davis; as well as one great-grandson, Beau Woodman.

He was preceded in death by nine siblings.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jack's name to any charity for lung or asthma conditions, or a research fund for pulmonary fibrosis.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Marjory E. Akin

Marjory E. Akin, 65, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at her home in Cortez. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Dolores Community Center. The Rev. Bud Rousset will officiate. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango.

Marjory was born Oct. 25, 1938, in Dolores, to Preston and Mary Akin. She was a graduate of Dolores High School class of 1956. Marjory managed the Rio Grande Southern Hotel from 1972 to 1979.

She was a hairdresser and last worked at the Madison House. Marjory also worked at the Montezuma County Addiction Recovery Unit.

She was loved by many friends.

Marjory is survived by her son, Preston Klock of Dove Creek; a sister, Lynelle Rule of Farmington, N.M.; brothers: Preston Akin and Jack Akin, both of Dolores; and numerous nieces and nephews.    

Phillip Warren Kelly

Phillip Warren Kelly was born March 6, 1928, in Charleston, W.V., to Hubert and Elizabeth (Whitmore) Kelly. He died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 76.

Phil was a military veteran having served in the U.S. Marines. He was a member of the B.P.O.E. 1789 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. Phil had many diverse interests. He enjoyed riding horses, photography and woodworking, but Phil loved to play golf.

Surviving Phil are his wife, Lois Kelly of Cortez; his two sons and daughter: Michael Warren Kelly and wife, Chris, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; John Douglas Kelly and wife, Georgia, of Georgia; and Carolyn Scott Greg of Louisville, Ky.; as well as seven grandchildren.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com        

John Earl Pock

John Earl Pock, longtime resident of Pleasant View, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at the age of 88.

Cremation will take place and no services are planned at this time.

John was born in Stillwater, Okla., Sept. 30, 1915; he was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Ripley High School in Oklahoma in 1938. John served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He moved his family to Pleasant View in 1946 where he homesteaded and became a bean farmer. Although he took jobs from time to time as an industrial mechanic in uranium mining and milling, he always considered Pleasant View his home and returned there permanently in 1968.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rita Louise (Brogher) Pock and his daughters: Sylvia Louise Kleczkowski of South Carolina, and Gala Fern Pock of Pleasant View.

John’s siblings all preceded him in death.

Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale & Gerken, is serving the family.    

David Marshall Denton

Memorial services for longtime Cortez resident David Marshall Denton will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Cortez First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Lynn Evans will officiate.

Marshall was born in Neosho, Mo., on July 3, 1917, the only child of David L. and Stella (Marshall) Denton. He died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 87.

Marshall graduated from Tempe High School in Tempe, Ariz., in 1935. In 1936 he moved to the Cortez area where he attended Fort Lewis College and met Frances Jacobson, whom he later married on Dec. 27, 1945, in Aztec, N.M.

Before he was married, Marshall enlisted in the Army where he defended his country during World War II. He was sent to the European theater of action. Upon his return home and life in Cortez, Marshall became an active member of his community. He served several terms on the City Council, served two terms as mayor, was the president of the chamber of commerce, and was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1981.

Marshall is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Denton of Cortez; his children: Kenneth David Denton and wife, Annette; Marsha Louise Cummins; Denise Marie Maness and husband, Marion; his grandchildren: David Patrick Cummins, Timothy Maness, Sean Maness, Carla Denton and Jeffrey Denton.

Memorial gifts can be made in Marshall Denton's name with Hope's Kitchen, in care of the Cortez First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1016, Cortez, CO 81321.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.      

Roy John Tibbets

Memorial services for lifelong Mancos resident Roy John Tibbets will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the VFW in Mancos. Chaplain Charlie Goff will officiate. A meal and reception will follow the service at the VFW.

Roy was born Aug. 9, 1918, in Cortez, to John Cloud and Ann (Elliot) Tibbets. He died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. Roy was 85 years old.

Roy defended his country in the Navy as a Sea Bee. On July 14, 1944, in Long Beach, Calif., Roy married Daphne Jean Pecht. Roy graduated from Fort Lewis College, and continued his working career as an accomplished welder. He remained an active member of this community, both as a community volunteer and a Boy Scout leader. Roy was also a member of the VFW in Mancos.

Surviving Roy are his beloved wife, Daphne Tibbets of Mancos; his children: R.D. Tibbets of Mancos; Dallas Tibbets and wife, Pat, of Spokane, Wash.; and Leila Parga and husband, Dallas, of Cortez; his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marie Winters and husband, Dewey, of Cortez.

Preceding Roy in death was his brother, Dale Kelly Tibbets; as well as two other brothers and two sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Roy’s name at Mancos Valley Bank.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Minnie Mae Ernst

Memorial services for lifelong Dove Creek resident Minnie Mae Ernst will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Dove Creek First Baptist Church. Jerry Martin will officiate.

Minnie was born Dec. 31, 1904, in Nebraska to Mr. and Mrs. Cardwell. She died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at the Vista Grande Nursing home at the age of 99.

Minnie married Lloyd Ernst and they had one son, Harold. Minnie loved quilting, crocheting, and playing cards.

Surviving Minnie are her daughter-in-law, Helen Ernst of Dove Creek; three grandchildren: Dixie Mulligan and husband, Mike; Rick Ernst and wife, Berna; and Mike Ernst and wife, Laurie, all of Dove Creek; 14 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild.

Preceding her in death was her husband; her son, Harold "Buck" Ernst; and her grandson, Ron Ernst.

Memorial contributions can be made in Minnie's name to Dove's Nest at Community Bank of the Rockies Dove Creek Branch or to the Dove Creek Clinic.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Lupita Sophia Sanders

Memorial services for longtime Cortez resident Lupita Sophia Sanders will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Jehovah's Witnesses church.

Lupita was born March 25, 1920, in Breen, Colo., to Bidal and Lena May (Smith) Candelaria. She died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at her home in Cortez at the age of 84.

Taking care of and loving her family was Lupita's greatest devotion.

She is survived by her two sons: Richard J. Sanders and wife, Ellen; and Timothy D. Sanders, all of Cortez; her grandchildren: Deborah D. Hager and husband, Rodney; Rita Higgins and husband, Robert; and Gene Sanders, all of Cortez; as well as nine other grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Her sister and brother, Juanita Bettini of Buena Park, Calif., and Richard Candelaria of Kirtland, N.M., also survive Lupita.

Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Benjamin Franklin Sanders; and two sisters and nine brothers.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, go online to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Shirley Alice Foster

Graveside services for Cortez resident Shirley Alice Foster will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Cortez Cemetery.

Shirley was born Dec. 26, 1925, in Berkeley, Calif., to Allen and Helen May (Douglas) McGahan. She died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at Aspen Gardens Assisted Living in Cortez. She was 78 years old.

Shirley was a member of both the Cortez and the Elk Grove, Calif., communities. Playing bridge was a passion of hers and she belonged to several bridge clubs in California.

Surviving Shirley are her two sons: Keith E. Foster and wife, Margie, of Durango, and Lester J. Foster of Albion, Wash., ; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her husband, James M. Foster; and one brother.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, go to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Lawrence Edmund LeRoy Jr.

Memorial services for longtime Dolores resident Lawrence Edmund LeRoy Jr., will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Bud Rousset will officiate.

Larry was born June 17, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Lawrence Edmund and Leona (Streithoff) LeRoy Sr. He died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at his home in Dolores at the age of 62.

On Oct. 3, 1994, in Denver, Larry married Valerie Lynn Sorensen. Larry loved working with wood. He spent his career as an artist working with and creating wood pieces. He was the founder of the Four Corners Wood Workers Club, and was also a member of the Four Corners Rifle and Pistol Club.

Surviving Larry are his wife, Valerie LeRoy of Dolores; his children: Lawrence LeRoy III and wife, May; Kenneth LeRoy; and Shawn LeRoy, all of California; Shannon Bates and husband, Brian, of Virginia; and seven grandchildren.

The family requests that donations be made in Larry's name at Dolores State Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com .

Frances Esther Young

Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident Frances Esther Young will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Duane Block of the Arriola Bible Church will officiate.

Frances was born Jan. 2, 1912, in LaPorte, Colo., to the Rev. J. Morton and Constance (Grainger) Young. She died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home where she had been a resident for several years. Frances was 92 years old.

Frances taught junior high school math in the Albuquerque school system for 32 years. Upon retirement in 1970, she moved to Cortez to live with her sister, Mildred.

Her survivors include her sister, Mildred Young of Cortez; her nephews: Richard Green and family of Denton, Texas; and Kenneth Green and family of Sacramento, Calif.

Preceding her in death were her sister, Quendred Green; her husband, Leslie; and her infant brother, Melville Young.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, go online to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Charles Mathias Goldsmith

A funeral for longtime Cortez resident Charles Mathias Goldsmith will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. David Ramsey will officiate. A reception for family and friends has been planned after the service at the Rock Springs Community Church in Cortez. Military graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Chatfield Community Cemetery in Chatfield, Minn.

A visitation is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Charlie was born Aug. 29, 1932, in Chatfield, Minn., the son of John William and Dora Myrtle (Oviatt) Goldsmith. He died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at the New Mexico Heart Hospital in Albuquerque at the age of 71.

A retired Air Force veteran, Charlie spent his military career as an Air Force technical sergeant. He was a lifetime member of the B.P.O.E. and the V.F.W. in both Colorado and Minnesota.

Surviving him are "Charlie’s Angels:" Emily Wofford and husband, Mike, of Culver, Ore.; Margaret Leeder and husband, Matt, of Durango; Georgia Stanley and husband, Gary; Debra Ramsey and husband, Burt, all of Cortez; as well as his grandchildren: Kyni, Kolton and Kymber Wofford; T.J., Tessa and Tenille Leeder; Ronica, Reece and Rylee Stanley; Jacquelyn and Jasmine Ramsey; and many nieces and nephews in Minnesota.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further information, go to www.ertelfuneralhome.com   and click on the obituary section.   

Sandra Fae King

Sandra King, a resident of Dolores, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at her residence. She was 62.

Among her survivors is her husband, Wayne, of Dolores.

Arrangements are pending with the Ingolds Funeral Chapel in Fontana, Calif., (909) 822-8083.

Local arrangements are with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale & Gerken.   

Lawrence Edmund "Larry" LeRoy Jr.

Services for Dolores resident Lawrence Edmund "Larry" LeRoy Jr. are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.

Larry was born June 17, 1942, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Lawrence E. LeRoy Sr. and Leona (Streithoff) LeRoy. He died at his home in Dolores Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at the age of 62.

For further service information, contact Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468 or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.   

Blanche Mowry Rucker Fidell was born July 14, 1917, in Oneida, N.Y. She died July 25, 2004, at the age of 87.

Blanch met and married Milton "Lee" Rucker in New York. After Lee's discharge from military service, they moved to western Colorado where they raised four children: Bob, Dave, Rick and Brenda.

Blanche was active with her family and in community affairs. She was a member of the Congregational church, a 4-H leader, a correspondent for five area newspapers, as well as a daily live correspondent for KVFC Radio in Cortez.

Other employment and public service activities for Blanche included assistant postmaster, county extension secretary, chamber of commerce director, secretary-treasurer for the Red Cross, assistant secretary at the San Miguel Water Conservation District.

In 1970, Blanch was selected as the Mother of the Year by the Colorado Elks.

Blanch and Lee moved to Cortez in 1971. Lee managed the family boat business while Blanche continued to show her devotion to family and community. She served as the executive secretary to the Ute Mountain Indian Tribe and held several positions at the First National Bank in Cortez.

Blanche enjoyed water skiing and riding a jet ski. She became a licensed pilot while in her 60s.

After Lee preceded Blanch in death in 1993, she was reunited with her high school sweetheart, Bernard Fidell. They were married in Arizona in January 1994.

Blanche is survived by her husband, her children and her sisters.

Charles M. Malcolm

Graveside memorial services for Charles M. Malcolm will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.

Charles was born to Ollie and Thelma (Sherman) Malcolm Dec. 19, 1920, at Ponca City, Okla. He died at his home on Summit Ridge Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. Charles was 83 years old.

On Sept. 5, 1939, Charles married Vivian Estelle Anders. Together Charles and Vivian shared 64 years of marriage. During that time, Charles served his country in the Navy during World War II. He spent his career working as a yard foreman for the railroads. In 1980 Charles and Vivian moved to the Summit Ridge area.

Charles was a life member of the American Legion and also held membership with the VFW. He would have been a member of the Masons for 50 years in December. In his free time, Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading and most especially, telling stories of days gone by.

Surviving Charles are his beloved wife, Vivian Malcolm of Summit Ridge; his children: Barbara Sue McAllister of Mancos; Vivian Patricia O'Neill of Kauai, Hawaii; and Charles Scott Malcolm and wife, Ann, of Olathe, Kan.; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, with another great grandchild expected. A sister, Opal Risley and husband, Hugh of Oklahoma City, Okla., also survive Charles.

One sister preceded Charles in death.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Donald Wayne Perlinski

A funeral for longtime Cortez resident Donald Wayne Perlinski will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

A visitation will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel, followed by a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at the Catholic church. The Rev. Derrek D. Scott will officiate.

Don was born July 18, 1938, in Chadron, Neb., to Roman Martin and Mildred (Toole) Perlinski. He died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at his residence in Cortez at the age of 66.

On May 23, 1959, in Worland, Wyo., Don married Marjorie Ellen Bechtold. Don spent his career managing a hearing aid shop and was a hearing aid specialist. During his spare time Don enjoyed fishing, camping and bird hunting with his son. He was a dedicated member of the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

Surviving Don are his wife, Marjorie E. Perlinski of Cortez; his children: Marguerite Garner and husband, Tom, of Grand Junction; Becky Eaton and husband, Jim; and Steve Perlinski and wife, Shasta, all of Cortez. He leaves seven grandchildren: Charisse, Marc and Chantel Garner; Jack and Kayla Eaton; and Adam and Eric Perlinski; as well as his brother, Richard Perlinski of Reno, Nev.

Memorial contributions can be made in Don's name to the American Cancer Society or to the Catholic Daughters.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further obituary information, visit www.ertelfuneral home.com and click on the obituary section.

Memorial services for lifelong Mancos resident Roy John Tibbets will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the VFW in Mancos. Chaplain Charlie Goff will officiate. A meal and reception will follow the service at the VFW.

Roy was born Aug. 9, 1918, in Cortez, to John Cloud and Ann (Elliot) Tibbets. He died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. Roy was 85 years old.

Roy defended his country in the Navy as a Sea Bee. On July 14, 1944, in Long Beach, Calif., Roy married Daphne Jean Pecht. Roy graduated from Fort Lewis College, and continued his working career as an accomplished welder. He remained an active member of this community, both as a community volunteer and a Boy Scout leader. Roy was also a member of the VFW in Mancos.

Surviving Roy are his beloved wife, Daphne Tibbets of Mancos; his children: R.D. Tibbets of Mancos; Dallas Tibbets and wife, Pat, of Spokane, Wash.; and Leila Parga and husband, Dallas, of Cortez; his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marie Winters and husband, Dewey, of Cortez.

Preceding Roy in death was his brother, Dale Kelly Tibbets; as well as two other brothers and two sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Roy’s name at Mancos Valley Bank.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

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