The Cortez Journal - Obituaries - Cortez, CO

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Cortez Journal Obituaries - Nov - Dec 2001
Cortez Journal

Obituaries
May - June  2002 

David Newton Adair
Charles Edward Bauer
Clarence Sleepy Ben
Jewell Truman "Sonny" Bennett
Nellie Jerry Billie
Charles Shields Binkly
Anna Marie Boettiger
Marjorie E. Bowden
Tillman Box
Laura Lynn Brown
Melvin J. Cayatineto
Constance Esther (Patch) Clarkson
Bruce Claussen
Mildred R. Corbett Compton
Geneva Lorraine Cox
Harry Davis, Jr.
Lois Oleta Deaton
Walter F. Dils
Tony S. Dornik
Felita A. Dutchie
Sue Dee Elliott
Bonnie Engledow
Frances Elizabeth Fairbanks
Clinton Fairchild
Walter Leon Felkins
Paul E. Fry
Richard Giesler
Billy Ray Gilbert
Doy Bob Graf
Gabriel Martin Gonzalez Gutierrez
Uel Faith Hackett
Lucy N. Harvey
Patricia Sue Higgins
Raymond Noble Hurt
Hallie Ismay
Earl Lee Jaramillo
Bill Dean Johnson
Donald "Don" Lee Johnson
Doyle Dean Johnson
Paul W. Jones
George Anne Klemm
Helen Schlee Knuckles

George M. Koenig
Maureen Ann Krulyac
James Calvin Lea
Delmar C. Lewis
James Richard Lewis
Nora Mae Lisenbury
Freda Blanche Lynn
Joe Manuel Martinez
Bonnie Rae McDonald
Rosellen McGuire
Ernestine Marie Miller
James Douglas Miller
Rose Mitchell
Tachi Morita
Debra Mosher
Margaret Mott
Rose Agnes Nichols
Lorna M. Paquin
Robert Ptolemy
Jarmila "Jackie" Rauschenberg
Anna Maria Reiter
Richard 'Rich' V. Robbins
Everett Brandon Robinett
Vera Marie Rooney
Dorothy Ruth
Shannan Kay Rutledge-Liessman
Tony Shearer
Jimmie Marie Shields
Alberta Cummings Simmons
Walter B. Snyder
Marie Elizabeth Sparks
William Robert Stacer
Stanton Dean Stanley
Margaret Leora Stevenson
Celestino 'Tino' Velasquez, Jr.
Milford Lionel Waite
Mary Margaret Weber
Esther Erma Wehrman
Helen Lucille Van Camp
Bernice Viola Willis
Dallon Zwicker

Clinton Fairchild

Former Cortez resident, Clinton Fairchild, 83, died at his home in Fresno, Ohio, Wednesday, July 10, 2002.

A dinner honoring Clint's memory and legacy of friendship will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 at Miller's Restaurant in Baltic, Ohio. Another dinner for family and friends in Colorado is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, August 29 at the Community Center in Creede.

Born in Colorado in 1919, the son of Arthur and Cora Fairchild, Clinton grew up in Creede. A fly fisherman and hunter, he loved to ski, golf, Rollerblade, and ride his mountain bike. He also loved music and was an accomplished musician. He played the coronet and trumpet and taught himself the clarinet, the accordion and the piano.

Clinton was a Scottish Rite Mason, a Past Master of the Creede Amethyst Lodge and Past Patron of the Creede Eastern Star. He enlisted in the United States Navy on Monday after Sunday's attack on Pearl Harbor.

He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend in a large pioneering family that included his grandmother, Samantha Mikesell who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and went with her husband, Charles Fairchild, to Colorado's San Luis Valley in 1876.

Clint was a master electrician. He was a mathematician, pilot, inventor, a photographer and a great storyteller. He enjoyed tinkering, fixing, and building and he delighted in computer technology.

Retired and a widower, Clint met and married his wife, Virginia Hothem Richardson in 1996. He and Virginia are past presidents of the Star Promenaders Square Dance Club and are members of the United Church of Christ in Dover, Ohio. Clint and Virginia have many friends and family members in Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties as well as those in Colorado.

Clint is survived by his wife Virginia, his three daughters, Janis Fairchild of Denver, Susan Hogge of Mesa, Ariz., Jenifer Kahan of Tannersville, Pa., six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Clint is preceded in death by his son, Robert Dennis Fairchild, his sister Bertha Kolisch and his first wife, Irene Fairchild.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County at 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.

Family members and friends are invited to send messages, memories or photographs to the family for Clinton's Web site at memories@clintonfairchild.com

Stanton Dean Stanley

Funeral services for Cortez resident Stanton Dean Stanley will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2002, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at the Goodman Point Cemetery. Pastor David Dahl will officiate.

Stanton was born on Aug. 1, 1934 in Cortez to Dean Lightburn and Catherine Leora (Chappell) Stanley. He passed away on Friday, July 12, 2002 at the Heart Hospital in Albuquerque, at the age of 67.

Stanton attended school in Cortez during most of his school years but graduated from Torrington, Wyo. He married Donna L. Rosleck who passed away in 1990. Several years later Stanton married Lela L. Kinsell in Las Vegas, Nev. Fishing and hunting were two favorite pastimes of Stanton's.

He also enjoyed snowmobiling and four-wheeling. Farming and driving his tractor were times Stanton took great pleasure in. A United States veteran, he became a member of the Ute Mountain American Legion, and the Elks Lodge.

Stanton is survived by his wife, Lela Stanley of Cortez; his children, Linda (Larry) Grider of Dolores, Margie (Don) Cornett of Cortez, Gary (Georgia) Stanley of Cortez, Grant Stanley of Las Vegas, Nev., Tim Stanley of Cortez; his step-children, Diana (David) Lindsay of Rivera, N.M., Mary Zummach, and Paul Zummach both of Cortez. 12 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren survive Stanton as well. Preceding him in death are his parents; his first wife, Donna; and his sister, Leora Roe.

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

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Billy Ray Gilbert

Graveside services for Billy Ray Gilbert of Dolores will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at the Arriola Cemetery. Pastor Brad Ramsey of the Rock Springs Baptist Church will officiate.

Billy was born in North Carolina on Sept. 30, 1948, to Jesse Calvin and Mary Rebecca (Barbee) Gilbert. He passed away on July 8, 2002 in rural San Miguel County.

On Dec. 27, 1990 here in Cortez, Billy married Loretta Melton. A welder by trade working on refinery pipelines, he dearly loved his work.

His wife, Loretta Gilbert of Dolores; and his son, Calvin Louis Gilbert also of Dolores, survive him.

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

Jarmila "Jackie"  Rauschenberg

Dr. Jarmila "Jackie" H. Houkal Rauschenberg passed away at her home in Cortez on Wednesday, July 10, 2002, at the age of 78. As per her wishes, cremation is to take place and no services will be held.

Jackie was born to Rudolph John and Heidi Houkal Sr. in Chicago, Ill. On May 14, 1924.

She spent many years here in Cortez tutoring and counseling area children. She was an avid reader. Jackie received much joy from gathering together toys and bears and when she had enough of them she would take them to children with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Jackie was a member of St. Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church.

Surviving Jackie are her children, Judith and David Sanchez of Victoria, Texas and Robert David and Sandra Rauschenberg of Winthrop Harbor, Ill.; five grandchildren, Carlton D. Rauschenberg, Lindsay M. Rauschenberg, Abigail L. Rauschenberg, Heidi J. McCain, and Ashley Lee Sanchez; two great grandchildren; and her brother Charles Houkal. Two brothers preceded Jackie in death.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Charles Edward Bauer

Memorial services for Charles Edward Bauer will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75 will be conducting military services.

Chuck was born on Dec. 17, 1933, in Florence, Colo., to Jack and Bertie (Warriner) Bauer. He passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. at the age of 68.

After enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Chuck found himself defending his country during the Korean Conflict. After returning home he became a talented high school math teacher who taught for more than 30 years and who was dedicated to his teaching and his students. His student's sought out his help for more than just math. They could call "Mr. Bauer" at anytime, day or night, and he would help them with their ordeal. This generosity was not limited to just his students, Chuck was known to do anything for anybody at any time.

On Nov. 26, 1953 in Westcliffe, Colo. Chuck married Darlein Seybold. With this union two sons were born. In 1958 the Bauer family moved to Cortez. It was here where Chuck enjoyed country living, and enjoyed taking photos of wildlife. His love for animals included miniature horses and his Maltese dog, who passed away just two weeks ago. He did fabulous work with his scroll saw, making beautiful music boxes and quilt racks.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Darlein Bauer of Cortez; his children, Dr. Gerald (Debbie) Bauer of Littleton, Colo., and Keith Charles (Carol) Bauer of Albuquerque, N.M. Three grandchildren, Lauren Ashley Bauer, Gregory Allen Bauer, and Kristen Elizabeth Bauer; and his brother, J.D. (Debbie) Bauer, are left behind as well. Preceding him in death are his parents.

The Bauer family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Celestino 'Tino' Velasquez, Jr.

Funeral services for lifelong Mancos resident Celestino Velasquez Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 12, at St. Rita’s Mission. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Father Kevin Novack will officiate. Prayer services will be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Tino was born to Celestino Velasquez Sr. and Cleofas (Valerio) Velasquez at McPhee, Colo., on Feb. 22, 1934. He passed away at his home in Mancos on July 9, 2002, at the age of 68.

Tino wed Ida Sena on June 23, 1967, in Aztec, N.M. They shared 35 years of marriage. Tino was employed by the U.S. Forest Service. He helped to cut many of the trails and plant trees in the area forests. He had a deep love for the mountains of the area and enjoyed the time spent in them hunting and fishing. His family, though, was his greatest treasure.

Surviving Tino is his beloved wife, Ida Velasquez of Mancos; his children, Tina Marie Velasquez, Timothy Velasquez and his pride and joy, Celeste Velasquez, all of Mancos; and his three sons from a previous marriage, James C. Velasquez of Gallup, N.M., W. Daniel Velasquez of Thoreau, N.M., and Joseph D. Velasquez of Agoura Hills, Calif.; as well as by six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Tino leaves behind his sisters and brothers, Georgia Romero of Mancos, Bernice Martinez of Sunset, Utah, Mattie (Chris) Quintana of Dolores, Chris Velasquez and Michael Velasquez both of Mancos; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Preceding Tino in death were his parents and three sisters and three brothers.

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

Joe Manuel Martinez

Joe Manuel Martinez, a resident of Towaoc, passed away July 7, 2002, in the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 62.

Funeral services are set for Friday, July 12, at 1 p.m. in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Father Kevin Novack will officiate. Interment will follow in the Towaoc Cemetery.

Mr. Martinez was born to John J. and Nellie (Brudenbrock) Martinez on Feb. 24, 1940, at Ignacio. He attended schools there and moved to our area, where he met and married Nora Mills. They enjoyed their lives together for 25 years. Nora passed away this year.

Mr. Martinez was employed with the Ute Mountain Casino, prior to being employed by Corky’s Plumbing in Cortez. He also worked as a sheepherder, laborer, and farm and ranch hand.

Mr. Martinez was a member of the Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio. He enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by a son, Casey Martinez of Ignacio; stepsons, Jeffery Whiteskunk, Ruferd (Joselina) Whiteskunk, Selwyn (Iola) Whiteskunk, and Avery (Beverly) Whiteskunk; stepdaughters, Willa Whiteskunk and Valintina (George) Begay; brothers, Louis, David, Max and John, all of Ignacio, and Bert of Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters, Jane A. (Adolfo Vasquez) Chino of Farmington, N.M., Francis (Frank) Archuleta of Ignacio and Carolyn Martinez of Fresno, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Mr. Martinez was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers, his parents, and his beloved Nora.

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

Geneva Lorraine Cox

Funeral services for lifelong Mancos resident, Geneva Lorraine Cox will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Mancos First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Reverend Ora Dailey will be officiating.

Neva was born on April 26, 1921, in Mancos to Charles B. and Anna Mae (Flesher) Neeley. She passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at her home in Mancos at the age of 81.

On July 15, 1939, in Mancos, Neva married Merle James Cox. She went on to pursue a career with the United States Postal Service. A member of PEO, the Business and Professional Club, as well as the Methodist Church, Neva stayed active in her community.

Her children, Jimmie Mae (Fred) Yap of Pueblo, Colo. and Lyle (Betty) Cox of Mancos; her five grandchildren, Terry (Dana) Cox, Rodney (Ronda) Cox, and Scotty (Chris) Cox all of Mancos, Jay Yap of Chicago, Ill., and Jeff Yap of Pittsburgh, Penn. all survive Neva. Her brother and sister, Raymond Neeley of Farmington, N.M., and Winifred (Elbert) Mallett of Rangely, Colo. also survive her. Preceding Neva in death are her parents; her husband, Merle Cox; two brothers, and three sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Neva's memory to Hospice of Montezuma or to the Mancos Ambulance, P.O. Box 145, Mancos, CO 81328. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Paul W. Jones

Paul W. Jones has lost a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. Paul died at home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 28, 2002. He was 32.

Services were held July 1, at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary in Salt Lake City.

Paul is survived by his mother, Nancy Jones of Cortez; sisters Karyn (Kent) Farley of Spring City, Utah; Kami (Godwin) Oliver of Yellow Jacket; brothers David (Dawn) of Los Alamos, N.M.; Dan (Julie) of Layton, Utah; Mark (Angie) of Salt Lake City; his nieces and nephews; and his grandfather John V. Wasescha of Salt Lake City.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Carl W. Jones and by his grandparents, Walden and Nan Jones, and Pearl Wasescha.

Helen Lucille Van Camp

Services for Helen Lucille Van Camp will be held Saturday, July 13, in Bradenton, Fla. Mrs. Van Camp was born June 17, 1910, in Danville, Ill., and passed away on July 6, 2002, at Lakewood Regional Medical Center in Lakewood, Calif.

She is survived by daughters Sue (Tom) Tompkins of Dolores and Joan (Keith) Hill of Lakewood, Calif.; daughter-in-law Frances of Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren Peter Griebel, Stefan Griebel, Van Woertz, Mary Jo Woertz, Kathy (Tom) Mayer, Debbie Ruiz, and David Van Camp; five step-grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jesse in 1982 and her son Donald Gene in 1996.

Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, 3841 Cedar Lake Road, Suite 204, Minneapolis, MN 55416.

Richard 'Rich' V. Robbins

Funeral services for lifelong Mancos resident, Richard "Rich" Vern Robbins will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 5, at the Mancos Performance Center. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Rich was born on March 28, 1959, to Ralph Edward and Dixie Delora (Dillon) Robbins. He passed away on Monday, July 1, 2002, at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. at the age of 43.

A lifelong member of the Mancos community, Rich graduated from Mancos High School in 1977. He lived the life of a true cowboy and rancher, who loved his family and all of his friends very much. First and foremost he dearly loved his daughter. Rich was a member of the Southwest Livestock Association, and the Mancos Cattleman's Association. A talented man as well, Rich belonged to the Screen Actors Guild.

His parents, Ralph and Dixie Robbins of Mancos; his daughter, Shacee Lane Robbins of Mancos; his special friend, Randee Hoxsie Collins; and his grandmother, Betty Dillon of Mancos, all survive Rich. Two sisters, Deana (Don) Yeomans and Robyn (Dave) Archibeque both of Mancos; and several nieces, Karassa, Brianna, Jori Lyn, Kole, and Autumn are left behind as well. Preceding him in death is his grandfather, Dick Dillon; and his brother, Wesley Lee Robbins in 1981.

Please make memorial contributions in Rich's name at Citizen's State Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Nora Mae Lisenbury

Funeral services for longtime Dolores resident Nora Mae Lisenbury will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery in Dolores. Pastor Larry Chappell will officiate.

Mae was born on Aug. 9, 1927, in McPhee, Colo., to Oliver and Dorothy (Denny) Roatcap. She passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 at her home in Dolores at the age of 74.

On Sept. 17, 1941, in Arizona, Mae married Burl Lisenbury. She enjoyed gardening and farming. Flowers were a love of hers. The Lighthouse Baptist Church was blessed with Mae's ability to teach. She remained an active member there until her passing. Most of all Mae loved her family dearly.

Mae is survived by her mother, Dorothy Roatcap; her sister, Marjie (Reed) Branson of Dolores; and her brother-in-law, Reuben (Eva) Lisenbury of Dolores. She leaves behind three nieces, two nephews, numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as numerous family members and friends.

Preceding her in death are her father; her husband, Burl; and two nephews.

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

 

Frances Elizabeth Fairbanks

Frances Elizabeth Fairbanks was born on March 21, 1907, in Oak Creek, Colo. to William and Ida Burrowes. She passed away on Friday, June 28, 2002, at the Golden Years Retirement Home in Cortez at the age of 95.

Frances worked as a schoolteacher and taught all grades through World War II. Her last teaching position was at a grade school in Tuba City, Ariz. Frances continued to educate herself throughout her lifetime by reading books. Her family recalls that she was always reading. Reading was not her only passio;, she also enjoyed gardening.

Surviving Frances are her children, Vaughn (Shirley) Fairbanks, and Dolores Allen, both of Cortez; and Courtne (Rose) Fairbanks of Ruidoso, N.M.; her brothers and sisters, Bernard Burrowes and Ida Markovich of Craig, Colo;, Johnny Burrowes of Eugene, Ore., and Laura George of Ely, Nev.

Frances leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Fred Charles Fairbanks; two sons, and one daughter.

No services have been scheduled at this time. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

 

George Anne Klemm

George Anne Klemm was born on March 25, 1930, in Phoenix, to George B. and Mary (Carson) Shaffer. She passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2002, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 72.

Anne’s children, Karen Anne Kasler of Naalehu, Hawaii; Gary Edward Kasler of Redlands, Calif.; Diane Christine Blakeley of Cortez; grandsons, Bryan and Brandon Blakeley of Cortez; and her sister, Mary Maddox of Camano Island, Wash. survive her.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Fritz Klemm; and her brother, Edward Maddox.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Marie Elizabeth Sparks

Services for long time resident Marie Elizabeth Sparks will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in Bennington, Idaho.

Marie passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2002, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. She was born June 17, 1941 in Las Vegas, Nev., to William Holdon and Thelma Waters Holdon. She was 61.

Marie is survived by her husband of 41 years, William (Bill) Ray Sparks, of Cortez; sons Douglas and Alaina Sparks of Pocatello, Idaho; Stanley Ray and Sheila Sparks of Cortez; Ronald Ray and Barbara Sparks of Arizona; step-daughters Jolynn (Demi) Bollinger of Oregon, Cindy Knight of Oregon and Robin John of Oregon; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Talya Knight. Flowers and cards can be received at 10958 CR 26 in Cortez.

Rosellen McGuire

Local services for Rosellen McGuire of Cortez will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Dolores Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place, with inurnment planned for a later date in California.

Mrs. McGuire was born to James and Ellen (Stroberg) McVay on Sept. 25, 1925, in Denver. She passed away on June 20, 2002, at Southwest Memorial Hospital, at the age of 76.

She is survived by three daughters, and numerous other family members.

Rosellen McGuire of Cortez passed away on June 20, 2002, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 76. Cremation has taken place, with inurnment planned for a later date in California.

Mrs. McGuire was born to James and Ellen (Stroberg) McVay on Sept. 25, 1925, in Denver.

She lived in Harbor City, Calif., most of her life, but moved to the Cortez area 20 years ago. She married John A. McGuire in 1967.

She was employed as a food-service manager for a California school district, and also for the Dolores schools. She was retired.

She enjoyed creating wonderful stained-glass items for her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling.

She is survived by her daughters, Janett (Tim) Kastrup of Fruita, Colo.; Kathleen (Kenneth) Tarr of Cortez and Susan Barritt of Cortez; brother, Bert (Irene) McVay of Long Beach, Calif.; brother-in-law Charlie Sands of California; grandchildren Wendy Hart-Mills, Arron Kastrup, Jessica Kastrup-Mason, John Kastrup, Kenneth A. Tarr and wife Heather, and Christopher Tarr and fiancee, Lisa Allwine; Heather Barritt; great-grandchildren Kenna and Kyla Tarr, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

Doyle Dean Johnson

Services for Doyle Dean Johnson will be at 1 p.m. today at the Eagle Lodge in Cody, Wyo. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. July 6 at the Calvin Denton Room at Empire Electric, Cortez.

He died June 21, 2002, in Cody, where he and his wife Patricia (Morgan) Johnson lived. He was born on Jan. 18, 1955.

He graduated from high school in Cortez in 1973, and then began his career as a lineman for an electric company.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Glen Johnson of Rifle and Derek (Cindy) Johnson of Golden; stepchildren, Tom, Norma and Nina; mother, Jean Johnson; brothers, Joe (Beth) Johnson and John (Yvette) Johnson; sister, Patricia (Sam) Pinkerton; nieces, Katie, Melissa and Brittnae, and nephews, Jake and Stephen. He was preceded in death by his father, Everett C. Johnson, in 1998. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

 

Constance Esther (Patch) Clarkson 

Services for Constance Esther (Patch) Clarkson of Cortez were held Thursday June 27, at the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Pastor Don Henderson officiated, and interment followed at the Cortez Cemetery.

Mrs. Clarkson was born to Walter W. and Alice (Walker) Patch on July 31, 1914, in Klamath Falls, Ore. She passed away on June 21, 2002, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 87.

Constance graduated from high school in Hollywood, Calif. and continued her education at UCLA. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority., and worked for the Sacramento Bee and other California newspapers.

Constance married William Wright Clarkson on June 2, 1938, in Hollywood at the Westwood Congregational Church. William passed away in Cortez on Sept. 28, 2001.

Constance was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cortez. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge in California, and of the DAR. She enjoyed quilting, writing and being with her family. Her favorite movie was "Napoleon."

She is survived by her son Kenneth (Mary Jane) Wright of Coral Gables, Fla.; daughters Edythe (Monty) Monroe of Cortez and Dorothy (James) Allen of Jacksonville, Fla. five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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

Hallie Ismay

On December 18, 1905, the kind and generous Hallie was born to John and Susan Neely in Ripley, Oklahoma. She was one of 12 children: seven boys and five girls. In 1916 when Hallie was 11 years old she moved with her family to homestead in Cahone, Colo. She attended school in Cahone. She worked at Schaaf’s Store in Yellow Jacket where she met Ray Ismay whom she married on May 9, 1928. Ray always said he "married her because she made such good biscuits." Hallie and Ray made their home in the South Valley of Montezuma County near the foot of the Ute Mountain where she resided the remainder of her life. For many years they raised sheep on their land. They spent summers between two sheep camps on Hermosa Divide. She rode a horse every day between the two camps taking salt, groceries and caring for the herds.

Hallie was a great steward of the land. She was commended by the U.S. Department of Interior for 62 years as unofficial custodian of Yucca House National Monument. Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton recognized and honored Hallie for her conservation of our National Treasures.

Her sister Blanche Barlow of Red Bluff, Calif., along with many nieces, nephews and friends, survives her.

Hallie passed away at the home of her niece, ,Bernice Lewis in Cortez, Colo., on June 24, 2002 at the age of 96. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Montezuma, 1108 Mildred Road, Suite B, Cortez, Colorado.

Tachi Morita

Services will be held at a later date for Tachi Morita of Mancos.

She passed away June 20, 2002, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 76. She was previously from Pagosa Springs.

Arrangements are being made through Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel.

 

Walter Leon Felkins

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Walter Leon Felkins will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at the Cahone Community Church. Interment will follow at the Cahone Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.

Leon was born on Dec. 15, 1914, in Tuttle, Okla. to Henry Jackson and Maude Azillon (Webster) Felkins. He passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 at his home in Cortez. He was 87.

Leon married Maxine Faye Johnson in Monticello, Utah, on Sept. 4, 1937. They resided in the Cortez and Cahone area until Leon's passing. He worked for the Dolores County Commissions Office and as a farmer. A former member of the Elk's Lodge, and the Grange, Leon stayed active in his community. Fishing and Hunting were two of his favorite pastimes.

Surviving Leon is his wife, Maxine Faye Felkins of Mancos; and his children, Shirley Faye (Buck) Twilley of Cahone, Larry Bruce (Joann) Felkins of Hobbs, N.M., Clifton Leon (Jody) Felkins of Artesia, N.M., and Steven Lee (Judy) Felkins of Aztec, N.M. His 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Hazel Hamilton of Topac, Ariz. also survive Leon.

Preceding him in death are his parents, and his siblings, Iva Johnson, Earl Felkins and Clarence Felkins.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Montezuma at First National Bank of Cortez or to the Cahone Community at Vectra Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Bill Dean Johnson

Graveside interment services for lifelong Cortez resident Bill Dean Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Cahone Cemetery.

Bill was born on March 12, 1934, in Ponca City, Okla. to Elgan Emmanuel and Ruby Winona (Reedy) Johnson. He passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at the Groundhog Reservoir at the age of 68.

On Oct. 21, 1952 in Aztec, N.M., Bill married his sweetheart Dolores Marie Maslen. He worked as a long haul truck driver, and indulged in his passions for fishing and camping.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dolores Johnson of Cortez; his son, Dirk Eugene (Barbara Ann) Johnson of Cortez; his grandchildren, Rob Schraft, Kelly Schraft, and David Johnson. He leaves six great-grandchildren, and one brother, Bob Johnson of Dove Creek.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his daughter, Sherri Dawn Johnson; and his granddaughter, Tara Lynn Johnson.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

 

Robert Ptolemy

Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Robert E. Ptolemy will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, at the Cortez First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Bob was born on March 5, 1919, in Silverton, to Robert Webb and Cecelia A. (Bobbe) Ptolemy. He passed away on June 2, 2002, at the Porter Hospice Johnson Center in Littleton. He was 83.

Some of Bob's happiest memories were with a dance band that he and friends formed during high school, called the Star Lighters, that played for many local public dances. Bob was the drummer.

He attended college at Ft. Lewis when it was still located in Hesperus, and then attended the University of Colorado, where he loved being a drummer for the CU marching band. Bob later learned watch-making at Bradley Technical College in Illinois

He joined the Army at the beginning of World War IIand served during the campaign in North Africa and then in Italy.

He, with his crew of technicians, kept the timepieces of the Fifth Army in repair. He was proud of his years in the military.

On June 17, 1951, in Cortez Bob married his sweetheart, Ardeth Carolyn Porter.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Ardy of Cortez; children, Kris (Bob) Huckins of Crested Butte, Steven (Patty) Ptolemy of Rocky Ford, Colo., and David (Regina) Ptolemy of Parker, Colo.; and grandchildren, Dustin and Katie Ptolemy of Rocky Ford and Scott, Eric and Melissa Ptolemy of Parker.

He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Margaret Ptolemy of Durango and Careen Porter of Cortez; brothers-in-law, Richard (Betty) Porter of Longmont, John (Nancy) Porter of Cortez, and Stuart (Sharon) Porter of Yellow Jacket; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Roger.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Cortez Cultural Center or the First United Methodist Church of Cortez.

 

Esther Erma Wehrman

Esther Erma (Knudson) Wehrman, 91, died June 6, 2002, in Mancos.

Memorial services will be June 22 in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Erma was born to Samuel and Nettie (Thompson) Knudson on Oct. 11, 1910, near Dunbar, Iowa. She lived on the family farm until March 12, 1938, when she married Joe Wehrman of rural Newton. The couple made their home in Marshalltown, Iowa, where Joe worked for American Optical.

When Joe started Wehrman Optical in 1955, Erma worked at the fledgling company. Over the years she primarily worked in the home as a housewife, caring for their two children, Terry and Mary Ellen.

Erma enjoyed golf and bridge. She entertained her family, especially her grandchildren, with her vivid stories of growing up. Although she remembered being embarrassed as a child when her parents spoke Norwegian, as an adult she was proud of her Norwegian heritage. She was a member of Eastern Star.

In 1980, they retired in the San Diego area, returning each summer to Marshalltown. In April 1994, they moved to the Mancos area to be near their son, Terry, and his wife, Marjane Ambler. Joe and Erma lived at the Madison House in Cortez and subsequently at The Valley Inn in Mancos where Joe died in August 1994.

Survivors include her son, Terry Joe Wehrman of Mancos; her sister Arlene Goodman of Marshalltown; grandchildren Michelle Lieuallen of Portland, Ore., Shan McLeod of Portland, Ore., Sheri Daley of Red Bluff, Calif., and Scott Wehrman of Farmington, N.M.; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Mary Ellen McLeod; her two brothers, Arthur and Louis; and her sister, Mildred Keen.

Milford Lionel Waite

Graveside services for longtime Mancos resident Milford Lionel Waite will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Milford was born on Sept. 19, 1924, in St. Johns, Ariz., to Albert Solomon and Loretta (Jolley) Waite. He passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 77.

In the mid 1940s Milford married Willie Sue McCray in Winslow, Ariz. He worked as the Roads and Trail Foreman at Mesa Verde National Park for many years. One of Milford's passions was to fly. His family was a cherished part of his life as well.

His wife, Sue McCray of Mancos; and his four children, Sheila Lyn Waite of Colorado Springs, Colo., Trina Lee (Nicky) Lindig of Grand Canyon, Ariz., Suzanne Waite of Mancos, and Mariealena Waite and her fiancé Nick of Phoenix, Ariz. survive Milford. He leaves behind six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Lula Nielsen of Ariz., and Norma Sherwood of N.M. Preceding him in death are his parents; his two brothers, Ray and Leonard Waite; and his son-in-law, Greg Wayt.

Memorial contributions may be made to to the Alzheimer's Association. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

George M. Koenig

Memorial graveside services for George M. Koenig will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Summit Ridge Cemetery of Dolores. Pastor Walter Olsen will officiate.

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

George M. Koenig, a lifelong resident of the Dolores area, passed away on June 14, 2002, at his residence. He was 83.

Mr. Koenig was born to Anton and Stephannie Shaver Koenig on Nov. 25, 1918, in Dolores. He attended school in Dolores and became a locksmith.

He enjoyed helping other people and loved his work. He liked to hunt and fish and was a member of the WRA.

He was married to Thelma Graves, who preced him in death in 1999.

Mr. Koenig is survived by a daughter, Reita Jones of California; a brother, James Koenig of Dolores; sisters, Elsie Eppich of Mancos, and Margrete Britt of Amarillo, Texas; and two grandchildren.

Patricia Sue Higgins

Services for Patricia Sue Higgins of Cortez will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Lighthouse Baptist Church, with Larry Chappell officiating. Cremation will follow.

Visitation is today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel.

Patricia was born in Denver on July 24, 1953, to George Worth and Clare Elizabeth Randall. She passed away on June 14, 2002 at Southwest Memorial Hospital, at the age of 49.

She graduated high school in Mancos, and had worked as a cook at Candy’s Cafe there and at the Echo Basin Ranch. She was currently employed at the Super 8 Motel as a housekeeper.

Patricia enjoyed crocheting, gardening, growing flowers in her ayrd and being with her family.

She married Billy Gerald Higgins in 1996, at Denny Lake, near Cortez.

She is survived by her husband of Dolores; grandmother, Easter Baker of Summit Ridge; sons, Ray and Kenny (Dawn) Bundy, all of Cortez, and Bruce (Tracy) of Durango; daughters, Corena (Eugene) Pixler and Crystal Bundy, both of Cortez; brothers, Doug (Debbie) Baker and Bruce Baker, both of Mancos; grandchildren, Brandy, Garry, Cheynne, Kianna, Ashley and Kyle; uncle, William Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in care of the Community State Bank of Cortez.

Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chael, Hale & Gerken are serving the family.

 

James Richard Lewis

James Richard Lewis, a resident of Cortez, passed away on June 15, 2002, at his residence. He was 66.

A memorial service is set for Tuesday, June 18, at 9 a.m. in the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Pastor Larry Chappell will officiate. Cremation will precede the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Montezuma, Inc., 1108 N. Mildred Road, Cortez 81321, or the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 11502 Highway 145, Cortez 81321.

Mr. Lewis was born to William A. and M. Marie Minch Lewis on March 14, 1936, at Gas City, Ind. He received his high-school diploma and also training in heavy equipment. He served his country in the Army.

In June 1957 he married Evelyn Muriel Moore at Wabash, Ind. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Lewis has lived in the Cortez area since 1982.

He was retired from Dowell Oil Co. as a supervisor of drillings. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and reading.

He is survived by a brother, Ramond (Marilyn) Lewis of Marion, Ind.; a sister, Joan (Ken) Scott of Gas City, Ind., and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack and William Jr. and sisters, Nancy Kay Moore, Leslie Charlene Lewis, and Melva Lewis.

 

Richard Giesler

Funeral services for Richard Giesler will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Mo. Interment will follow at the Oak Forest Cemetery in Highgate, Mo.

Richard was born on Nov. 20, 1932 in University City, Mo. to Virgil and Laura Ruth (Lacy) Giesler. He passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 69.

Richard is survived by his children, Dick (Anita) Giesler, Mickey Giesler, and Dennis and Kim Giesler all of Cortez, and Rowena Giesler of Mt. Pleasant, Tex.; his grandchildren, Sabrina & Kelli Giesler, Jentri and Jarin Giesler, and Joseph and Shawna Redmon; and his brother and sister, Brian (Doris) Giesler of Sun City West, Ariz., and Bonnie (Ray) Powell of Lee Summit, Mo.

Preceding him in death are his parents, and his wife, Dorothy T. (Thomas) Giesler.

Local arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Harry Davis, Jr.

Mr. Harry Davis, Jr., a resident of Cortez, passed away on June 10, 2002, at his residence. He was 67.

Arrangements are pending with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale & Gerken.

Helen Schlee Knuckles

Funeral services for lifelong area resident, Helen Schlee Knuckles will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 14 at the Dove Creek First Baptist Church with Pastor Don Daniels officiating. Interment will follow at the Peel Cemetery. Visitation has been set for Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Helen was born on June 20, 1930 to William W. "Little Bill" Goforth and Juanita Naomi (Sutton) Goforth. She passed away at her home in Egnar on Tuesday, June 11 at the age of 71.

On Dec. 22, 1947 in Aztec, N.M. Helen became the bride of Noyel Glenn Knuckles. Together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage before Glenn’s passing in April 1999.

Helen enjoyed a very active life as a member of the First Baptist Church, Dolores Order of Eastern Star and serving as a member of the Egnar School Board. Very talented in all crafts and sewing, Helen especially loved crocheting, needlepoint and sand painting. She also read a great deal, but her most treasured time was that spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving Helen and her children, Carol and Albert Fury and Loyd and Deann Knuckles all of Dove Creek; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her sister, Grace (George) Dement of Redford, Mo.; and her sister-in-law, Joyce Goforth of Grand Junction, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; stepson, Billy Knuckles; two granddaughters, Clarin and Jill Knuckles; and two brothers, Kenneth Goforth and Clyde Goforth.

Memorial contributions can be made in Helen Knuckles name with the Dove Creek Ambulance Fund. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Dallon Zwicker  

Private family services for lifelong Cortez resident, Dallon Zwicker were held on Sunday, June 9 at the Zwicker family cemetery.

Dallon was born on May 18, 1974 in Honaunau, Hawaii to Sheldon and Naomi Hunani (Manoa) Zwicker. He passed away on June 8, 2002 at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. at the age of 28.

Dallon is survived by his parents, Sheldon and Naomi Zwicker of Cortez; his wife, Rebecca (Moore) Zwicker of Cortez; his five year old son, Tyson Zwicker, and two year old son, Tallon Zwicker both of Cortez. He leaves behind seven brothers and sisters, Alika Allencastre of Washington, Keoki Zwicker of Cortez, Sampson Zwicker of Cortez, Joanie Allencastre of Cortez, Melissa Neel of Dolores, Elsie Zwicker of Cortez, and Deborah Zwicker of Cortez.

Assistance to the family was provided by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dallon Zwicker’s name at the Dolores State Bank.

Delmar C. Lewis

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Delmar C. Lewis will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Delmar was born on Dec. 22, 1911, in Jonesboro, Ind. to Daniel Solomon and Uva Mae (Jones) Lewis. He passed away on June 9, 2002, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 90.

On Aug. 10, 1931, in Olpe, Kan., Delmar married Leona Wecker. Delmar worked in the oil fields in Kansas before moving to Waterflow, N.M., in 1948. He worked different jobs before going to for the Shiprock Helium Plant in Shiprock, N.M., and later Navajo Helium Plant in Arizona.

After retirement, Delmar and Leona spent much of their time camping, fishing and hunting with Delmar spending idle time doing gardening and woodworking in his shop. Delmar and Leona celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in August 2001.

He is survived by his wife, Leona Lewis of Cortez; his children, Carol Wethington of Cortez, Bernita Bradshaw of Portales, N.M., Leland (Phyllis) Lewis of Iowa City, Iowa, and Diane (Steve) Miller of Grand Prairie, Texas. He leaves 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters and a brother.

 

William Robert Stacer

Memorial services for William R. Stacer will be held at 2 p.m. June 22, in the Summit Ridge Cemetery, Dolores.

Mr. Stacer was born to Ora and Myrtle Maxey Stacer on March 9, 1920, in Spottsville, Ky. He passed away on June 7, 2002 at his residence.

He had moved to Mancos from Madisonville, Ky., 30 years ago. He married Lela Irene Valentine on Aug. 11, 1972, in Cortez.

Mr. Stacer served in the army during World War II, in Africa. He was a retired chef, and had been employed at the Pony Express, Ramada Inn and Ute Cafe, where he baked pies after his retirement. He enjoyed cooking and spent his free time fishing.

He considered his stepchildren his own, and loved them very much.

Mr. Stacer is survived by his wife of Mancos; stepsons David Yelinek Jr. and Michael Yelinek, both of Mancos, and Daniel Yelinek of Farmington, N.M.; stepdaughter Vivian (Hal) Winters of Farmington; grandchildren Amber Yelinek, Rodney Ketelhutt and Tracy Ketelhutt; three great-grandchildren, Nathan Yelinek, Ryann and Ariel Ketelhutt, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken are serving the family.

Memorial contributions may be mde to Hospice of Montezuma, 1108 N. Mildred Road, Cortez, CO 81321.

Tillman Box

Services for Tillman Box of Towaoc are pending with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Mr. Box passed away June 8, 2002, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 44.

For further service information, phone Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken at 564-0667.

 

Anna Maria Reiter

Memorial services for Anna Maria Reiter will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1700 E. Empire.

Anna Maria Reiter was born in Bad Tolz, Upper Bavaria, Germany, on Aug. 5, 1910. She passed away in Cortez on June 9, 2002. At Anna Maria’s insistence, private family interment services were held at the Summit Ridge Cemetery in Dolores on June 10.

She is survived by her son, Fritz (Muriel) Sluyter of Dolores; grandchildren: Eirin (Dennis) Cooley of Spanish Fork, Utah; Karin (Don) Ritchey of Chatanooga, Tenn.; Torben (Gail) Sluyter of Marana, Ariz.; Sven (Leticia) Sluyter of Puyllaup, Wash.; Candace (Alvin) Salima and Heather (Aaron) Hunt, both of Orem, Utah; Steven Sluyter of Huntington Beach, Calif.; Cheryl Sluyter of Dolores; Yuma (Diane) Niesen of Covina, Calif.; Wenonoa (James) Tweedale of Fredericksburg, Va.; Michael (Helen) Niesen, south of Tucson, Ariz.; Christopher (Carla) Niesen of Mesa, Ariz.; Sarina (Mons) Larson of Safford, Ariz.; Ingrid Niesen of Salt Lake City; step-grandsons, Jay (Samantha) Case of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Cash (Tara) Case of Dallas.

She has 38 great-grandchildren, including Shannon Sluyter of Denver, and three great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and her sister, all of Germany, and her daughter, Sonja T. Niesen, formerly of Cortez

Jimmie Marie Shields

Funeral services for Cortez resident Jimmie Marie Shields will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 10, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Pastor Larry Chappell of the Lighthouse Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at the Goodman Point Cemetery.

Jimmie was born to Leonard and Grace (Marshall) Robinson on Nov. 2, 1927 in Dolores, Colo. Mrs. Shields passed away on Thursday, June 6, at her home in Cortez.

Jimmie wed Luther Shields on her 18th birthday on Nov. 2, 1927, in Aztec, N.M. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage. Jimmie was a member of the Montelores Baptist Church and took pride in being married to the pastor. She also drew enjoyment from playing the fiddle and attending Jazzercise.

Surviving Jimmie is her beloved husband, Luther, of Cortez; her daughter, Cindy (Jerry) Jackson of Cortez; grandchildren, Julie (Ted) Nesmith. Brett Jackson, and Kenlynn Shields; great grandchildren, Kristen, Matthew, and Steven; her daughter-in-law, Linda Shields of Phoenix, Ariz.; and two sisters, Evelyn Green of Dolores, and Molly Miller of San Diego, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Shields in 1988, and her brother, Cy Robinson in 2000.

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

Melvin J. Cayatineto

Services for Towaoc resident Melvin J. Cayatineto will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in Crown Point, N.M. Burial will follow in Crown Point.

Mr. Cayatineto was born on June 14, 1961, in Crown Point, to James Bob Cayatineto Sr. and Marjorie Yazzie Cayatineto. He passed away on June 1, 2002, in Towaoc.

Mr. Cayatineto spent his childhood in Crown Point, and worked as a ranch hand.

He is survived by his mother, of Crown Point; son Jarmaine Cayatineto; daughters Melvina, Melantha and Lynelle Cayatineto; brother Alvin Cayatineto of Towaoc; sisters Jeanette Cayatineto and Charlotte Cayatineto, also of Towaoc; sister Genevieve Cayatineto of Crown Point and Bernice Cayatineto of Gallup, N.M.; his significant other, Kayla Hatch, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Cayatineto is preceded in death by his father, and by his brother, James B. Cayatineto Jr.

Brew, Lee and Larkin of Farmington, N.M., handled the arrangements.

Vera Marie Rooney

Graveside services for Cortez resident Vera Marie Rooney will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 6 at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy will officiate.

Vera was born on June 21, 1911, in Kutch, Colo,. to Rollo Guy and Ollie (Ross) Catlin. She passed away on Monday, June 3, 2002, at the Mesa View Retirement Center at the age of 90.

Vera finished 18 years of education and continued a career as an elementary school teacher. An artist at heart, Vera loved to paint.

Vera's daughter, Linda and her husband Chuck Davis of Cortez; and her three grandchildren, James R. Henry of Cortez, Michael C. Henry of Philadelphia, Penn., and Brandon L. Davis of Wheatridge, Colo., survive her. Preceding her in death are her parents, and her husband, Morris Rooney.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Laura Lynn Brown

Private family memorial services for longtime Towaoc resident Laura Lynn Brown will be held Thursday, June 6.

Laura was born on Nov. 8, 1953, in Chicago, Ill., to Norman L. and Gwendolyn (Johnson) Brown. She passed away on Monday, June 3, 2002 at the San Juan Regional Center in Farmington, N.M. at the age of 48.

Laura served on the Southwest Health System Hospital Board, and was very involved in community dances. She worked hard within her community as an administrator for the W.I.C. program and with the senior citizens’ programs.

Her children, Oraleigh Hammond, and Thayer J. Hammond, both of Towaoc, Colo., and her stepfather, Jack Schiller, survive her. Laura’s parents preceded her in death.

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

Margaret Mott

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Margaret Julia Mott will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. A prayer vigil will be held at the church Friday at 7 p.m. Father Kevin Novack will officiate.

Margaret was born on Feb. 15, 1927, in Doyleville, Colo. to Felix and Graciana (Salas) Quintana. She passed away on Monday, June 3, 2002 at her home in Cortez at the age of 75.

Margaret wed Wintworth Adolph Mott on Nov. 7, 1945, in Roosevelt, Utah. She enjoyed many things, but the outdoors she loved dearly. Fishing, hunting, and camping were all favorite pastimes of Margaret's. Crossword puzzles and Spanish music were also things she took pleasure in.

Margaret is survived by her seven children, Ernie Joe (Lee) Mott Sr. of Bloomfield, N.M., Ralph Eugene (Jo) Mott of Cortez, Carma Lee (Mike) Richins of Durango, Darrell Dee (Ida) Mott of Summit Ridge, Colo., Kathy Lynn Ronquillo, and Tina Faye (Frank) Rodriguez of Cortez, and Joe Nay (Emilly) Estrada of San Bernardino, Calif.

She leaves 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; her sister, Elnora (Evan) Peterson of Myton, Utah; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Wintworth A. Mott; two brothers, Charlie and Joe; and her five sisters, Loucille, Teeveeda, Mary, Molly, and Lucy.

Memorial contributions can be made in Margaret's name at Citizen's State Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Earl Lee Jaramillo

Funeral services for Earl Lee Jaramillo will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. A prayer vigil has been scheduled for Thursday the church beginning at 7 p.m. Father Thomas Munson will be officiating.

Earl was born on June 24, 1944, in McPhee, Colo. to Jose Epeminio and Crucita (Trujillo) Jaramillo. He passed away on Saturday, June 1, at his home in Cortez at the age of 57.

Earl served his country by enlisting into the Army where he fought during the Vietnam War. On Aug. 27, 1965, in Farmington, N.M., Earl married Mary C. Samora. Earl was a member of the American Legion, and loved to coach Little League baseball. Hunting and fishing were hobbies Earl loved.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary "Cordie" Jaramillo of Cortez; two sons, Jerome (Cheree) Jaramillo, and Michael (Stacey) Jaramillo; two daughters, Madeline (Chris) Clay, and Lena (Shelby) Buffington. He leaves eight grandchildren, Brittney, Brooke, Brianne, Kristie, Cameron Jaramillo, Dayton, Tyler Wilson and Kailee Buffington; his brothers, Ben, David, Johnnie, and Manuel Jaramillo; his sisters, Pressie Brewer, Crucy A. Wilson, Jane Lobato, and Patty Samora; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in Earl's name at the Dolores State Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Mary Margaret Weber

Services are pending for Mary Margaret Weber with the Ertel Funeral Home. Mrs. Weber passed away on May 30 at the Vista Mesa Retirement Center at the age of 89. For further service information, contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.

Gabriel Martin Gonzalez Gutierrez

Funeral services for Cortez resident Gabriel Martin Gonzalez Gutierrez will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, at the Ertel Funeral Home. A Mass will take place Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church in Cortez, with the Rev. Joseph L. Gallegos presiding. Burial will be held at the Panteon Civil Iztapalapa in Mexico City.

Gabriel was born on Dec. 1, 1962, in Mexico City, Mexico, to Gerard and Luz Raquel (Gutierrez) Gonzalez. He passed away on May 31 at the age of 39 due to an automobile accident in Cortez.

Surviving Gabriel are his wife, Marina Jimenez of Cortez, and a host of family and friends.

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

Freda Blanche Lynn

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Freda Blanche Lynn will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ertel Chapel.

Freda was born on Nov. 20, 1934 in Englewood, Kan., to Fredrick Soloman and Mary Henrietta (Klotz) Ward. She passed away at her home on June 1 at the age of 67.

On June 9, 1969, Freda married LeRoy Lynn in Kingsville, Texas. She delighted in baking and cooking. Taking care of her family was something she loved dearly.

Freda is survived by her husband, LeRoy Lynn of Cortez; her children, Marva R. Wade of Grand Junction, Colo., Darya J. Rice of Farmington, N.M., Debra L. (Kenneth) Chadd of Dove Creek, Colo., and Shana R. Brown of Las Cruces, N.M. She leaves 16 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; her siblings, Myron "Sonny" Ward of Cortez, Ellen Sherrill, Lois Jackson, Dorothy "Dee" White all of Jetmore, Kan., Vona Bedell of Folette, Texas, and Lucy Green of Tacoma, Wash.; and a half-sister, Hannah Curtis. Preceding her in death were her parents and her daughter, Betta Rockwell.

Memorial contributions can be made in Freda's name at the First National Bank of Cortez. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

 

Jewell Truman "Sonny" Bennett

Funeral services for Jewell Truman "Sonny" Bennett will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 3 at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. Interment will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m.

Sonny was born in Centerville, Ark. on Aug. 18, 1926 to Grundy A. and Dora E (Dowdy) Bennett. He passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Durango on Thursday, May 30, 2002 at the age 75.

During World War II, Sonny served in the Navy assigned to submarines. For forty years Sonny was employed by Cortez Diesel as a diesel mechanic and shop foreman. With his expertise in mechanics he also taught auto mechanics at the vo-tech school.

On March 22, 1974 in Aztec, N.M. Sonny married Johanna "Ann" Dykgraaf. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints on Oct. 15, 1995 and on May 10, 1997 Sonny and Ann were married at the Salt Lake City Temple. His dedication to his church was deep.

Among Sonny’s other interests were with the senior citizens of this area. He delivered meals to the seniors and he and Ann traveled to many destinations with other traveling seniors. Sonny held membership in the Elks Lodge, American Legion and VFW.

Surviving Sonny are his wife of 28 years, Ann Bennett of Cortez; children, Barbara Ann (Mike) Imm of Cortez, Jannie Marie Miera of Arkansas, Jay Thomas (Anna) Bennett of Rock Springs, Wyo., and Cyndie Lou (David) Hockaday of Arkansas; and stepchildren, James (Sherry) Haller and Pieter (Terry) Haller both of Monticello, Utah. 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and his sister, Gladys Rogers of Fresno, Calif. also survives him.

A grandson, Casey Frans preceded Sonny in death.

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

Maureen Ann Krulyac

Maureen Ann Krulyac passed away May 27, 2002 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. She was born Feb. 10, 1943 in Kansas City, Mo., to Robert and Mary (Scanlon) Wilson.

She graduated from Cortez High School in 1961, and had just attended her 40th class reunion this past year.

Maureen was a very outgoing "people" person. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. She was a caring person and spent her working life as a home healthcare provider.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and church was a big part of her life, with most of her social life centering on St. Peter’s.

She is survived by her brother, Ed Wilson of California and preceded in death by both parents and her daughter, Michelle Krulyac.

Cremation has taken place. Maureen will be inurned in Raton, N.M., near her daughter.

Uel Faith Hackett

Funeral services for Uel Faith Hackett, a longtime Cortez resident, will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Arriola Cemetery. Mr. Doug Carver will be officiating. A visitation has been scheduled for Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Ertel Chapel.

Uel was born on April 11, 1925, in Luray, Russell County, Kan., to John Donald and Lula Electa (Taylor) Carver. She passed away on May 31 at her home in Cortez at the age of 77.

Uel enjoyed gardening, and loved watching birds, especially her chickens.

She is survived by her children, Joe Dean (Mary) McDonald of Cortez, Rick McDonald of Lewis, Colo., Tim Todd (Heather) McDonald and Larry Wayne McDonald of Dolores, Johnny Curnal McDonald and Jimmy (Doris) Lemuel of Cortez, Dennis Arnold (Karen) Hackett of Dolores, and Henry Thomas (Coral Ann) Hackett of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 55 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Lorna Moora of Cortez, Daniel Carver of Lebanon, Colo., John Carver Jr. and Mildajo Sitton of Cortez, and Sarah Fish of California, all survive Uel.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Wayne Arnold Hackett; and her children Joylene Becher, Debra Lynn McDonald, and Roland Vincent McDonald; and siblings Dale, Patsy Sue, Bonnie, Judy, Tom and Leone.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.


Donald "Don" Lee Johnson

Memorial services for Donald "Don" Lee Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Don was born to Robert Lee and Margaret Janett (Fecht) Johnson on July 6, 1950 at Holdrege, Neb. He passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at his home in the Disappointment Valley area.

A student of Indian culture, Don enjoyed designing Indian jewelry and exploring archeological sites. He also loved the mountains and time spent hunting.

Surviving Don are his parents, Robert and Margaret Johnson of Wheatridge, Colo.; his daughter, Jennifer Ann (Michael) Rice also of Wheatridge; and three brothers, Ronald Lynn Johnson, Michael (Belva) Johnson, and Craig Johnson, all of Wheatridge.

Services will be conduction by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Rose Agnes Nichols

Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident, Rose Agnes Nichols. will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 3 at the Cortez Cemetery.

Rose was born in Burlington, Kan. on June 14, 1916 to Nicholas E. and Pearl (Lafferty) Wiskur. She passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Thursday, May 30, 2002 at the age of 85.

Surviving Rose are two granddaughters, Darmell Nichols of Aztec, N.M. and Monti Renner of Sharon Springs, Kans.; and her brother, Neal Wiskur.

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

 

Marjorie E. Bowden

Graveside services for former Dolores resident, Marjorie E. Bowden, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Visitation is Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. ,

Marjorie was born in Hastings, Colo., on Nov. 14, 1920 to Jose and Margaret (Ferrick) Nelson. She passed away in Aurora, Colo. on Friday, May 24, 2002 at the age of 81.

Surviving Marjorie are her children, Joe (Elaine) Bowden, Virgil Bowden and Betty Kitlica; grandchildren, Traci (Sean) Petersen, Shelley (Jay) Wiese, Vikki Baker, Bryce Bowden, Danita Kitlica, and Karen Kitlica; and great-grandchildren, Kyle Barnson, Austin Marie Barnson, Spencer Baker, Cedric Bowden-Wiese, and Ilsa Bowden-Wiese.

She also leaves behind her sister, Betty Sesock and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marjorie’s husband, Bill L. Bowden preceded her in death.

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

 

Walter F. Dils

Funeral services for Walter F. Dils, 68 of Cortez will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30 at the Cortez First Southern Baptist Church. Burial will be held at Mountainair, N.M. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy will officiate.

Walter was born July 10, 1933, in Mountainair to Harry H. and Ruth C. (Speckman) Dils. He passed away at his home in Cortez on Tuesday, May 28, 2002.

Surviving Walter are his wife, Barbara L. (Caster) Dils of Cortez; children, Teresa Lynn (Glenn) Myers and Walter Brian (Leslie) Dils all of Aztec, N.M.; nine grandchildren; one brother, Charley (Joyce) Dils of Dolores; and four sisters, Harriett Dowdy of Albuquerque, N.M., Carolyn (Bill) Wells) of Claunch, N.M., Martha Dowdy of Albuquerque, N.M., and Dorothy (Glen) Hendreck of Fredricksburg, Texas

Three daughters, Louise Kay Dils, Deborah Ann Dils, and Sandra Jo Dils preceded him in death.

Ernestine Marie Miller 

Ernestine Marie Miller was born in Ferrelsburg, W.Va., on July 8, 1924, the daughter of Walter and Lucy Bertha (Hadley) Farmer. She passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez on Tuesday, May 28, 2002. She was 77.

Surviving Ernestine are two daughters, L. Earleen Meier of San Diego, Calif. and Angelina (Larry) Masales of Cortez; two sons, Joseph Gary Garibaldi of Bremerton, Wash. and Victor E. Garibaldi of Grand Junction, Colo.; and 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her brothers and sisters, Beatrice Walker of Ojai, Calif., Gladys Kirk, Bill Dingess, Eugene Dingess, and Ruth Dalton all of Logan, W.Va. also survive Ernestine.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.


Bernice Viola Willis

Funeral services for former longtime Cortez resident, Bernice Viola Willis, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Bernice was born to John C. and Myrtle Jane (Levitt) Strader in Burbank, Okla., on Feb. 23, 1917. She passed away in Goddard, Kans., on Tuesday, May 28, 2002. She was 85.

Surviving Bernice are her two sons, Jack L. Willis of Wichita, Kans., and Robert Willis of Loyal, Kans.; four grandchildren, Michelle D. Belisle of Wichita, Kans., Michael L. Willis of Augusta, Kans., Jennifer A. Willis and Tracie L. Willis ,both of Loyal, Kans.; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon J. Belisle, Jessica L. Belisle, and Reese M. Willis. A brother, John C. Strader of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a sister, Gladys Black of Seminole, Okla. also survive Bernice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack B. Willis, in 1986, and brothers Archie and Abe Strader.

Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home.

 

Lorna M. Paquin

Graveside services for Lorna Mildred Paquin, a lifelong resident of Mancos, will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30 at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Reverend Bud Rousset will officiate.

Lorna was born in Cortez on June 23, 1912, to Alfred and Minnie (Clements) Kermode. She passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Monday, May 27, 2002, at the age of 89.

Lorna spent many years farming, was a hard worker, enjoyed working, and loved the time spent in the mountains. She was a lifelong member of the Southwest Cowbells and a member of the Eastern Star.

Surviving Lorna are her children, Lorna L. Finnegan of Montrose, Colo., John L. (Ellen) Paquin of Mancos, and Yvonne G. (Leon) Gilliland of Yellow Jacket, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Norman Kermode of Cortez. Preceding Lorna in death was her first husband, Louis R. Paquin; her second husband, Gorham Steerman; and seven brothers and sisters.

Memorials can be made at Vectra Bank to benefit Hospice of Montezuma. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Doy Bob Graf

Funeral services for Doy Bob Graf, longtime Mancos resident, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the Mancos Performance Center, with Mr. Shelby Smith officiating. Interment will follow at the Webber Cemetery.

Doy was born in Clovis, N.M., on July 28, 1952 to William Robert and Lena Bea (Mize) Graf. He passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., on Saturday, May 25, 2002. He was 49.

On Aug. 15, 1977, Doy married Mary Ann Green in Durango. Doy loved animals and children. He enjoyed farming and owned his own farm raising hay and cows. He dearly loved Southwest Colorado especially the Mancos Valley. Doy was a member of Highway Church of Christ. He will be missed greatly by his friends and family.

Surviving Doy are his wife of 24 years, Mary Ann Graf of Mancos; his two sons, Dyrl Graf of Cortez and Dustun Graf of Mancos; his parents, Robert and Bea Graf, also of Mancos; and his three brothers, Gary (Sheila) Graf of Lewis, Larry Del (Sandy) Graf of Clovis, N.M., and Dee (Kathy) Graf of Mancos.

Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home

David Newton Adair

Funeral services for former Cortez resident David Newton Adair will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Elder Cleveland Bass of the Cortez Primitive Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday at the Ertel Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m.

David was born in War, W.Va., on March 7, 1917, to Noah and Mary Adair. He passed away in Grand Junction, Colo. on Saturday, May 25, 2002 at the age of 85.

David served his country during World War II in the United States Air Force. After his discharge for the military, David wed Ocie Lena Webb on Sept. 5, 1948 in Bradshaw, W.Va. David worked as foreman for a coal mine. During his time in Cortez, David served as minister at the Primitive Baptist Church. David and Ocie moved to Grand Junction in the late 1980 where Ocie passed away in 1993. Together the couple shared 46 years of marriage.

Surviving David are his children, Randy Adair of Erie, Colo., Linda Lucero of Grand Junction, Colo., Irene Hughes of Marvel, Colo., Mary Doris of Baltimore, Md., Sylvia of Virginia, Charlotte of West Virginia, and Everett of California; and his two sisters, Mindy of Farmington, N.M. and Ester of Yukon, W.Va.

Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home

Sue Dee Elliott

Memorial services for Sue Dee Elliott of Cortez will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at the First Assembly of God Church. The Rev. Don Henderson will officiate.

Sue was born Jan. 27, 1910, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. She passed away on May 18, 2002, at the Mancos Valley Inn.

She was a homemaker, and worked as a bookkeeper for her husband at Navajo Butane. Additionally, she worked at the Gambles Store and at Havran Dry Cleaners in the late 1940s and early ’50s.

Sue enjoyed oil painting, crocheting, collecting glass hats and souvenir spoons. She also liked to travel and enjoyed all church activities. She especially treasured her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Lois Elliott Crites of Cortez; son Marvin (Eldena) Elliott of Cortez; five grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and her sister, Vermel Miller, Nev.

Her husband, Elmer Leonard (Fat) Elliott, preceded her in death.

James Douglas Miller

Graveside services for James Douglas Miller will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at the Salt Lake City Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jim was born in Salt Lake City on Oct. 6, 1914, to James Kirk and Annabell (Traynor) Miller. He passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Friday, May 24, 2002, having recently relocating to this area with his wife, Luella. Jim was 87 years old.

Surviving Jim is his beloved wife, Luella Rose (Johnson) Miller of Mancos, and his sister, Annabell Witt of Salt Lake City, Utah. Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home.

 

Margaret Leora Stevenson

Funeral services for lifelong Mancos resident Margaret Leora Stevenson will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ertel Chapel.

Margaret was born in Nebraska on May 14, 1921, to Ora and Mildred Harriet (Smith) Phillips. She passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home on Friday, May 24, 2002, at the age of 81.

Surviving Margaret are her children, Irene Pacheco of Canton, Texas and David (Linda) Show of Mancos; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Faye DeVore of Mancos and LaVella Stuckey of Idaho; and two brothers, Jim Phillips of Oregon and Dick Phillips of Boise, Ida.

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

Charles Shields Binkly

Charles Shields Binkly of Colorado Springs, Colo., died May 23, 2002, at his home. He was 76.

He was born Aug. 15, 1925, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Lemuel and Hazel Binkly.

His fine bass voice earned him a scholarship to Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., where he performed with the choir in Carnegie Hall and under such famous conductors as Arturo Toscanini.

After a year of college, he left to serve three years in the infantry in World War II, fighting in Italy.

On March 15, 1952, he married Donna Volpp in Council Bluffs. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Colorado Springs, where he became a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office.

He retired in 1984 to spend time with his family and friends. He loved Colorado and was a frequent visitor to Cortez, which he admired for its beautiful parks and friendly people.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna; his daughters and sons-in-law, Gail Binkly and David Long of Cortez, and Rhonda and Mike Hall of Colorado Springs; and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Lemuel Jr. Binkly and James Binkly.

Funeral services will be Monday in Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial contributions to For Pets' Sake Humane Society, or just adopting a stray pet.

Shannan Kay Rutledge-Liessman

Memorial services for former Cortez resident Shannan Kay Rutledge-Liessmann will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 24, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Shannan was born on Oct. 5, 1953, in Cortez, to Bill and Lois (Roe) Rutledge. She passed away on Saturday, May 18, at her home in Aztec, N.M., at the age of 48.

Following her graduation from high school, Shannan moved to Grand Junction along with her family, where she continued to reside until 1989, when she relocated to Reno, Nev., and lived there for the next six years. In 1995, Shannan returned to Cortez to be closer to her family and remained there until her marriage to Mike Liessmann. They resided together in Aztec, N.M.

Shannan returned to school at San Juan Vo-Tech and Pueblo Community College in Cortez in 1997, and she graduated with a degree in electronics. Her quest for knowledge was continual. Shannan was very charismatic, had a great sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. A memorable practical joke occurred after her father was critically injured during a horseback ride. During his recovery, Shannan presented him with a stick horse, which she considered appropriate for the occasion.

Shannan was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours fishing, camping, horseback riding and taking nature hikes. She was intrigued by wildlife and would spend time observing and feeding many animals in their natural habitats. She enjoyed caring for her three dogs and three cats and most especially her cherished little Yorkie dog Tazz (Tasmanian Devil), who had been with her for about 13 years. Shannan made an impression on everyone she encountered and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Liessman, of Aztec, N.M.; her parents, Bill and Lois Rutledge, of Cortez; her sister Kerry and her husband Rick Marquez of Grand Junction; her beloved daughter Megan and her husband Jeromy Kaus, and beloved stepson, Chance Harrison, of Cortez, and many friends and relatives.

Contributions may be made to the Shannan Rutledge-Liessmann Memorial Fund at Vectra Bank of Colorado, for the planting of a tree in her memory at the new recreation center. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Anna Marie Boettiger

Memorial celebrations for Anna Marie Boettiger will be held at 7 p.m. June 24, at New Hope Ministries. Pastor Jonathon Bland, her grandson, will officiate. Refreshments will follow.

Anna Marie passed away May 21, 2002, in the Pine Street Care Center. She was 97. She was born on May 22, 1904, in Germany.

She married Walter Guido Boettiger on Aug. 15, 1933, in New York City. They raised their family in New Jersey. Mr. Boettiger passed away in 1948. Mrs. Boettiger previously lived in Texas and moved to Cortez in 1999 from California.

She was a homemaker all her life. She was a member of the Asssembly of God while living in Ojai, Calif. When her health permitted, she enjoyed attending the New Hope Ministries here in Cortez.

Mrs. Boettiger was a volunteer for many organizations, one of which was "Meals on Wheels" for senior citizens while living in California. She enjoyed gardening and the many good friendships in life.

Mrs. Boettiger was the last surviving sibling in her family. She was well loved by all whot knew her. The family is very grateful to the caregivers at the Pine Street Care Center for the wonderful tender loving care given to her in the 2 1/2 years that she resided there.

Anna Marie Boettiger is survived by her children: John Boettiger Curtis and his wife, Laura, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Ellie Ward and her husband, Sonny, of Cortez; and Richard Boettiger and his wife, Sheryl, of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

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

Mildred R. Corbett Compton

Memorial services for Cortez resident Mildred R. Corbett Compton will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Pastor Larry Chappell will be officiating.

Mildred was born on Aug. 7, 1923, in Birmingham, Ala. to John and Eva (Gullidge) Ramsey. She passed away on Sunday, May 19, at her home in Cortez at the age of 78.

After graduating from Lamson Business College in Tucson, Ariz., Mildred continued a career as a bookkeeper. She was an active member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Having a green thumb, Mildred loved to garden, and enjoyed canning and making preserves.

Her children, James R. (Grace) Corbett Jr. of Page, Ariz., Richard E. (Connie) Corbett of Tucson, Ariz., and Deborah E. Havran of Cortez survive Mildred. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her parents, and her husband, James R. Corbett Sr., who passed away in 1992.

Contributions can be made in Mildred's memory to the Lighthouse Baptist Church Mission's Fund. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Tony S. Dornik

Graveside services for Mancos resident Tony S. Dornik were held Wednesday, May 22, at the Pinal Cemetery in Globe, Ariz.

Tony was born on Nov. 23, 1907, in Oberhausen, Germany, to John and Katie (Lopka) Dornik. He passed away on Saturday, May 18, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 94.

He is survived by his children, Katie (Forrest) Waggoner of Mancos, Jessie (Gene) Harper of Sun Valley, Ariz., Stanley (Leota) Dornik of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; his sister and brother, Mary Talbott of Miami, Ariz., and Frank Dornik of La Habra, Calif. He leaves 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his parents; his first wife, Musa Mae Grosh and his second wife, Gertrude Humphries.

Bonnie Rae McDonald

Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident Bonnie Rae McDonald will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at the Cortez Cemetery. Elder Dean Kirk will be officiating.

Bonnie was born on Dec. 7, 1929, in Grady County, Okla,. to Raymond and Zell Christine (Edgar) Nevius. She passed away on Saturday, May 18 at the Mesa General Hospital in Mesa, Ariz., at the age of 72.

Bonnie was an active member of the LDS church who liked to garden and loved to collect collectibles.

She is survived by her children, Terri (Myrle) Higgins of Peoria, Ariz., and Steve & Judy McDonald of Cortez. She leaves eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carol (Mike) Mikkelson of Cortez.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Dorothy Ruth

Dorothy Ruth, formerly of Cortez, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. She was 84.

Dorothy was born on July 23, 1917, in Chatfield, N.M., to Franck A. Dudek and Lydia Williams Dudek, the second of three children. She graduated from Chatfield High School in 1934, valedictorian of her class. She then attended Minneapolis Business College.

After college she worked for the Minnesota Secretary of State as a personal secretary. Dorothy joined the WACs in 1942 and served throughout the war. She worked at Colorado Milling and Elevator.

Dorothy married Harley H. Ruth in 1951. They moved to Durango in 1956. They were partners in Bud and Johnny’s General Tire. They moved to Cortez in 1959, and started Johnny’s General Tire Co. Dorothy worked as office manager until she retired. Her husband, Harley, passed away on April 1, 1980. There were no children.

Dorothy sold her home in Cortez in 1996, and moved to a retirement home in Grand Junction where she lived until her death.

Dorothy is survived by her sister, Jean Goldsmith of Chatfield, and her brother, Alton "Bud" Dudek of Durango, plus nieces and nephews.

She is being cremated, and will be buried at Fort Logan Military Cemetary with her husband. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Bruce Claussen

William Bruce Claussen was born on Nov. 23, 1934, in Paradise, Kans. to Christian Roy and Evadine Anna (Reiff) Claussen. He passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2002 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 67.

Bruce was a talented artist and cartoonist who loved to draw. Fishing and enjoying the outdoors were his favorite pastimes.

Surviving Bruce are his children, Lori R. (Brad) Smith of Dolores, and Brad William (Linda) Claussen of Silt, Colo. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Danielle, Amanda, and Cameron Smith as well as Wil and Lydia Claussen. His sister-in-law, Martha Claussen of Denver, Colo.; and his two nieces, Carrie and Christy Claussen also survive Bruce. Preceding him in death are his parents.

A memorial service will be held in Kremmling, Colo., at a later date. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.


Lois Oleta Deaton

Lois Oleta Deaton, a longtime area resident, passed away on May 13, 2002 at the June Bertram Assisted Living Home in Dolores. She was 91.

Cremation has taken place, with services planned for a later date.

Mrs. Deaton was born to David and Bertha (Brown) Nash on March 13, 1911, in Oklahoma. She married Donald Deaton, who precedes her in death.

She is survived by her sons, Bill of Central, N.M. and Don of Porterville, Calif.; five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

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

Tony Shearer

Our dear old friend Tony Shearer passed on May 10, 2002 in Los Alamos, N.M., where he had been visiting family. He was 75.

Surviving him are his children, Deana, Gina, Tony, Anita, Jeannie and Calib. There will be a farewell party at Koko’s Friendly Pub Saturday, May 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be one free shot of Irish whisky for all who attend.

James Calvin Lea

Funeral service for longtime Mancos resident, James Calvin Lea will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Bayfield Cemetery. The Rev. Ora Dailey will be officiating.

Jim was born on Jan. 18, 1922 in LaVeda, Colo. to Luther Calvin and Flora L. (Elly) Lea. He passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2002 at his home in Mancos at the age of 80.

Serving his country in the Air Force during World War II, Jim later became a very active member of the VFW. On Aug. 19, 1946 in Gypsum, Kan. He married his sweetheart, Edna Rose Swisher. They were married for 54 years until Edna's passing on Sept. 9, 2000. During his life in Mancos, Jim volunteered for and retired from the Mancos Fire Department.

His children, Cathy Topper and Carol A. (Orly) Lucero; his grandchildren, Larry (Connie) Lea, and Felice Lucero; his great-grandchildren, Waylon Bennett and Tabatha (Kenny) Sackett; and his great-great grandchildren, Alysa Sackett, and Drew Sackett, all of Cortez survive him.

Jim also leaves his sister, Opal Ellsbury of Farmington, N.M.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his beloved wife, Edna Rose Lea; his two brothers Leo and Walter Lea; and his infant son, Larry Allen Lea.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim's name at the Mancos Valley Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.


Felita A. Dutchie

Services for Felita A. Dutchie will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 13 at San Juan Mortuary in Blanding, Utah.

Felita was born Sept. 13, 1967, in Monticello, Utah. She passed away in Grand Junction, Colo. at St. Mary’s Hospital on May 8, 2002, at the age of only 34.

She is survived by her brothers, Sterling Dutchie of White Mesa, Utah; Sylvester W. Dutchie of Salt Lake City and Paul W. Dutchie of Towaoc; sister Pauline L. Dutchie of Towaoc; grandmother Lola Mike of White Mesa; friend Kern Washington of Towaoc; nephews Jerome R. Istenes of Towaoc; Paul Dutchie III of Ignacio, Colo.; Ephraim W. Dutchie of White Mesa; Benjamen Dutchie of Draper, Utah; nieces Danielle L. Istenes of Cortez and Seiena Angel Dutchie of Towaoc; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Her life and personality will never be forgotten.

 

Raymond Noble Hurt

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Raymond Noble Hurt will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 13 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Ron Horne will officiate. Visitation is Monday from 8 a.m. until time of service.

Noble was born on Dec. 7, 1914 in Tribune, Kans. to Charles Wesley and Minnie Lou (Hurt) Hurt. He passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2002 at his home in Cortez at the age of 87.

Noble married Nellie Irene who passed away in 1990. He later married Thyra Diane Dawson in Las Vegas, Nev. Noble was a member of the Cortez Senior Citizens organization. He loved music and enjoyed making yard ornaments.

His wife, Diane Hurt of Cortez; his children, Naomi (Duane) Christiansen, and Betty Endres both of Cortez; and his stepchildren, Robert (Juliana) Sackett of Pleasanton, Calif., Melody (Greg) Neely of Ft. Collins, Colo., Debbie McDowell (Billy Carver), and David (Natalie) Sackett, both of Cortez, survive him. He leaves 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, 10 step-grandchildren, and his niece Elvera Haines of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his first wife, Nellie Hurt; his son, Delmer Coy; his sister, Ruby Harmon; and two grandchildren.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.


Rose Mitchell

Funeral services for lifelong Aneth, Utah, resident, Rose Mitchell will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

According to government records, Rose was born on July 4, 1904 in Sweetwater, Ariz. She passed away on Monday, May 6, 2002, at the Vista Grande Nursing home in Cortez at the age of 97. However, her family believes that she was actually born in 1896, and at her passing would have been well over 100 years old.

Through four generations of family, Rose has had 190 grandchildren. She helped work with the traditional ceremonies, and could always get things done in a hurry. Weaving, horses, livestock, sheep herding and working her farm were all pastimes Rose enjoyed.

Surviving Rose are her children, Louise Lansing, Raymond Mitchell, Lula Lee, and Ritchie Mitchell all of Aneth, Utah.

Preceding her in death are her parents and her husband, Lewis Mitchell.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Bonnie Engledow

Graveside services for Bonnie Engledow will be at 10 am. Saturday May 11, at Pine River Cemetery. Pastor Fred Sutton will officiate.

Bonnie was born March 28, 1935, in Bayfield, Colo. She passed away Sunday, May 5, 2002, at her home there.

She was a graduate of Bayfield High School at received a registered nurse degree from Good Samaritan Hospital of Phoenix. She worked as a nurse in the Denver and Pueblo area for many years. She returned to Bayfield in 1993, working as a nurse there until becoming ill. Bonnie was an active supporter of organ donation.

She is survived by her children Terry Engledow of Denver, Sharon Engledow of Mississippi, Karen Organ of San Diego, Nancy Howard of Bayfield; siblings, Cora Lendreth of Bayfield, Martin Landreth of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lois McInnes of Cortez; 10 grand children and four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Bobbie Newman of Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 375 Park Ave., Durango, CO 81301 or Patrick Luter Cancer Foundation, 3801 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301.

Walter B. Snyder 

Funeral services for longtime Ucolo resident, Walter Bertrand Snyder will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 at the Dove Creek United Methodist Church. Reverend Jerry Boles will officiate. Interment will follow at the Monticello Cemetery.

Walter was born the son of John Downey and Anna G. (Johnston) Snyder. on Feb. 24, 1916, in Hutchinson, Kans. He passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2002, at his home in Ucolo at the age of 86.

On March 6, 1942, Walt took Audrey Ovella Elrod to be his wife. Recently Walt and Ovella celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Walt spent many years raising cattle and farming.

Surviving Walt is his beloved wife, Ovella Snyder of Ucolo, Utah; his children, Nancy (Earle) Spry of Colorado Springs, Colo., Sydney (Phyllis) Snyder of Cortez, Phyllis (Gary) Crowley of Eastland, Utah, and Fred (Jeannine) Snyder of Monticello, Utah; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and his daughter-in-law, Kathy Snyder of Bird City, Kans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Snyder; a daughter, Karen Snyder; son, John Snyder; grandson, Brian Snyder; and brothers and sisters, Charles Snyder, Bessie Romer, Bertha Wonder, Roy Snyder and John Snyder.

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

Alberta Cummings Aulston Simmons 

Memorial services for former Cortez resident, Alberta Cummings Aulston Simmons will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10, at the First Southern Baptist Church. Pastor Jimmie Kennedy will officiate.

Alberta was born at Yellow Jacket, Colo., on Nov. 18, 1917, to Floyd and Mary (Stevenson) Cummings. She passed away on May 3, 2002 in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 84.

Surviving Alberta are her husband, Bryan Simmons; children, Juanita and Renay Neely of Cahone, Jean and Jack Elder of Rangely, Colo., and Neoma Bertrand, Jim Aulston, and Betty and Glen Wells all of Cortez; stepchildren, Casey Simmons of Albuquerque, N.M. and Judy Simmons of Durango; as well as 13 grandchildren.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Nellie Jerry Billie

Graveside services for lifelong Aneth, Utah resident, Nellie Jerry Billie will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 6 at the Cortez Cemetery. Wesley Jones of the Native American Church will be officiating. Visitation is Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Nellie was born on Nov. 22, 1942 in Hatch, Utah, to Cyrus Jerry Begay and Madeline Jones. She passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M. at the age of 59.

Nellie is survived by her husband, Cecil Billie; her children, Fergus Jerome Jackson of District Heights, Md., Madeline Louise Williams of Washington, D.C., Collin Louis Jackson of Kronach, Germany; her grandchildren, DeAlonzio "DJ" Jackson, Alexis Nancee Jackson, Madison Sophia Williams, and Patrick Collin Jackson. Her brothers and sisters, Irene Benn, Kay Begay, Bonnie Dickson, and Veva Jones all of Aneth, Utah, Happy Jerry Begay of Inscription House, Ariz., Racheal Jones of Montezuma Creek, Utah, Terrance J. Begay of Aneth, Utah, Ella Armstrong of Farmington, N.M., and Lynn J. Begay of Cahone Mesa, Utah.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.


Paul E. Fry

Paul E. Fry, 73, of Deer Trail, Colo., and former Cortez resident, passed away April 30, 2002, at his home following a short illness.

Memorial services will be at noon Saturday, May 4, at Martin Mortuary Chapel, Grand Junction, Colo.

Paul was raised in Flora, Clay County, Ill. on the family farm of William Robertson and Seenah Estelle Huff. He attended schools in Flora. There, he married Phyllis J. Coggin on Dec. 24, 1947. To this union, three children were born.

Paul’s work took them to Abilene, Texas, Cortez, Moab and Vernal, Utah, Grand Junction and Deer Trail. Paul was very talented in mechanics and enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, country music and his animals.

He is survived by his wife; daughters Paula Maley of Grand Junction; Pam King of Aurora, Colo.; one granddaughter, a brother and two sisters.

His youngest daughter Patricia Ann Fry and grandson Michael Wayne Fry preceded him in death.

Since cancer was one of the many battles Paul won in his life, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Mesa County Unit, P.O. Box 3115, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

 

Lucy N. Harvey

Services are pending for Lucy N. Harvey with the Ertel Funeral Home. Lucy was born on Nov. 15, 1912, and passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2002 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos. For more service information please contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468.

Debra Mosher

Funeral services for Debrah Noyes Mosher, a resident of Palisade, Colo., and formerly of Cortez, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel with Pastor Gary Buss officiating. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. A potluck dinner will be held at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center after the services for friends and family.

Debrah was born in Cortez on July 19, 1972, the daughter of Mary Ann (Couch) and Dale Oliver Noyes. She passed away at her home in Palisade on Thursday, May 2, 2002, at the age of 29.

Surviving Debrah are her husband, Michael Mosher of Palisade; her parents, Dale and Mary Ann Noyes of Cortez; three brothers, Ronnie (Karon) Noyes and Darren (Eileen) Noyes all of Cortez, and Gary Noyes of Aurora, Colo.; and two sisters, Lynn (Shane) Hurst of Mancos, and Sheri (Rick Kirks) Noyes of Cortez.

Her grandparents, Marvin and Louella Noyes of Dolores; nieces and nephews, Gary Shane Hurst, Kamber Hurst, Niki Hurst, Levi Noyes, Shavargus Noyes, Dannika Noyes, Journey Noyes, Swayde Noyes, Wiley Kirks, Weslie Kirks, and Taylor Archuleta Noyes; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive Debrah.

Memorial contributions can be made with Vectra Bank C/O Sheri Noyes, Drawer BB Cortez, CO 81321.

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

Everett Brandon Robinett

Memorial services for lifelong Dove Creek resident, Everett Brandon Robinett will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Brandon was born on Aug. 5, 1978, in Monticello, Utah to Rhoda Ann (Risenhoover) and Everett Duane Robinett. He passed away on Monday, April 29, 2002 at his home in Dove Creek at the age of 23.

The Colorado Avalanche were Brandon's favorite hockey team; he loved hockey. Fishing, rock climbing and hunting were also favorite pastimes of Brandon's.

He is survived by his mother and step-\ father, Rhoda and Cliff Bryan of Cortez; his father, Everett Duane Robinett of Dove Creek; his brothers and sisters, Stevie (Sean) Schaffer of Cortez, Joshua Seymour of Mancos, Darrel Robinett and Clayton Robinett both of Cortez, Christopher Bryan of Mancos, and Jackson Bryan and Kaitlyn Bryan, both of Cortez.

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

Clarence Sleepy Ben

Funeral services for lifelong Cahone Mesa, Utah, resident, Clarence Sleepy Ben will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 3 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel with burial following at the Cortez Cemetery.

Clarence was born at Cahone Mesa on Feb. 19, 1946, to Leroy and Lucy (Ben) Sleepy. He passed away at University Medical Center in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, April 30, 2002. He was 56 years old.

Clarence had a very strong faith. He was a member of the Native American Church and enjoyed attending at types of Ceremonials and he was a very good singer and enjoyed doing beadwork. He took pleasure in traveling the big outdoors, horseback riding and hunting and camping. Clarence was an avid sports speculator.

Surviving Clarence is his wife, Rena (Harvey) Ben of Cahone Mesa; his son, Alvin T. (Sylvia) Ben of Aneth, Utah; daughter, Guyrene J. Ben of Aurora, Colo.; grandchildren, Jessica Ben and Douglas Ben; and his parents, Leroy and Lucy Sleepy of Hatch. He also leaves behind his former wife, Irene M. Ben of Aneth, Utah; six sisters, Hazel Blackhorse of Farmington, N.M., Daisy Thomas of Farmington, Ella Begay of Aneth, Bernice Eddie and Alberta Sleepy both of Hatch, Utah, and Sandra Bennallie of Montezuma Creek, Utah; and two brothers, Virgil Sleepy of Hatch, and Colonel Sleepy of Farmington.

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

 

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