Max Elben Bailey

Graveside memorial services for former area resident Max Elben Bailey will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the Cortez Cemetery, where he will be buried at the side of his daughter, Mickey Lynn.

Max was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Desdemona, Texas, to the late Mitch and Minnie Bailey. He grew up in Desdemona and graduated from Desdemona High School in 1941. He then served his country in World War II.

On Jan. 29, 1945, in Waurika, Okla., Max married Mattie Bell Rowlett.

He worked in the oil well drilling industry until his retirement from Mesa Drillers in 1976 because of health reasons.

Max was a member of the South Park Baptist Church, the South Plains Drifters R.V. Club, the Avion Travelcade Club and was a life member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

His wife, Mattie Bell; daughter, Rexina Brown and husband, Gene, of Gillette, Wyo.; grandson, Travis Brown and wife, Cindy; and great-granddaughters: Bailey and Kenedy, of Alva, Okla.; as well as a host of friends survive Max.

Preceding him in death are his parents; and his daughter, Mickey Lynn, in 1963.

Memorial contributions can be made in Max's name to Hospice of Lubbock, Texas, P.O. Box 16900, Lubbock, TX 79490-6800. On-line condolences can be sent to www.franklin-bartley.com or to www.ertelfuneralhome.com.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.      

Thomas Billie

Funeral services for lifelong Cajon Mesa, Utah, resident Thomas Billie will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Evangel Assembly of God Church in Cortez. Pastor Norman Mark will officiate.

Thomas was born Jan. 1, 1915, in Red Mesa, Utah to Billy and Sarah (Monroe) Johnson. He died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003, at his home in Cajon Mesa at the age of 88.

Thomas worked for Superior Oil for 28 years in maintenance and as a roustabout. He served as a tribal councilman and was the Indian commissioner of Utah.

Education was highly important to Thomas, and he pressed the importance of a good education to everyone. He served as the president of the school board at Aneth, where he was able to bring many new ideas to the system.

Thomas was a devoted family man, horseman and rancher who loved his Christian ways.

Surviving Thomas are his children: Rosella Burcher; Marie Phillips and husband, Wilson; Nelson Billie and wife, Violet, all of Cortez; Betty Livingston and husband, Leonard, of Albuquerque; Lorraine George and husband, Myron, of Salem, Ore.; Carolyn Hoskie and husband, Randy, of Santa Fe, N.M.; Norman Billie and wife, Daisy, of Cajon Mesa; Evelyn Billie and Sarah Billie, both of Cortez; and Selena Nataani and husband, Virgil, of Brigham City, Utah. He leaves 34 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Roselyn Rockwell, of Aneth, Utah.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife, Emma Nakai Billie; his children: Dennis, Elsie and Eugene; his brothers: Robert James and John L. Billie; as well as his grandchildren: Cora, Alfred and Jeremy Ramone.

Memorial contributions can be made in Thomas’ name to Hospice of Montezuma.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.    .

Joseph Joe' Dean

Joseph "Joe" Dean was born Sept. 10, 1929, in Texas. He lost his long battle with cancer Oct. 29, 2003, in Roff, Okla. He was 74.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Smith Funeral Home in Ada, Okla.

Surviving Joe is his wife of 53 years, Margaret; four children: Frank; Cheryl; Doug and wife, Kaye, of Cortez; Peggy and husband, Dan, of Ada; eight grandchildren: McCarren (Nick), Whitney, Misty (B.J.), Dustin (Alicia), Kassie, Krystle, Chris and Scott; one great grandchild, PaisLeigh; two brothers: William "Country" and Clinton, and two sisters: Ella and Betty Jo.

Preceding him in death was one infant son.

A memorial fund has been established for the building fund at the Asbury Methodist Church, 508 W. Sixth, Ada, OK 74820. Cards may be sent to P.O. Box 493, Roff, OK 74865.

Adare Laverne 'Mike' Hill

Memorial services for Adare Laverne "Mike" Hill will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Inurnment services will follow at the Cortez Cemetery with Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 providing military services.

Mike, as he was fondly known, was born July 21, 1924, in Wimberley, Texas, to Leander and Virginia (Adare) Hill. He passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003, at the age of 79.

A veteran of World War II, Mike proudly served his country in the Army. He married Mary Ann Allred at Aztec, N.M., Nov. 7, 1950. He operated Cortez Toppers for many years. Mike was a member of the Dolores Volunteer Fire Department and volunteered for the Good Samaritan Center and Meals on Wheels.

Surviving Mike are his beloved wife, Mary Ann Hill of Cortez; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Melodie Hill of Cortez; and grandchildren: Kevin Hill and Virginia Hill. A brother, Woodrow Hill of Cortez; and two sisters: Ruth Sell of Edgewood, N.M., and Helen Vance of Naturita, Colo., also survive Mike.

His parents; three brothers and three sisters; as well as his daughter, Robbin Hill, preceded Mike in death.

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

Liofredo 'Lio' Garcia

Liofredo "Lio" Garcia, 77, of Sunset, Utah, returned to his Father in Heaven Oct. 28, 2003, while surrounded by his family.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Kaysville City Cemetery, in Kaysville, Utah.

Friends and family may call between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., Saturday at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, in Kaysville.

Lio was born Jan. 26, 1926, in Lewis, Colo., a son of Jose Marcos and Jesucita Garcia. He married Joan "Judy" Wall March 28, 1953. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple Nov. 17, 1971.

For three years, Lio proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After 30 years of employment, he retired from Hill Air Force Base. He also worked as a security guard at IRS where he met many wonderful people.

As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had an unwavering testimony and love of Gospel. He especially enjoyed listening to the hymns as they were sung during Sunday service. He was a member of the Sunset 2nd Ward.

Lio's greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than watching them grow and play.

Lio is survived by his wife, Joan "Judy" Garcia; three sons: Charles Garcia and wife, Kaye, of Aurora, Colo.; Dennis Garcia and wife, Jamie, of Layton, Utah; Douglas Garcia and wife, Traci, of Roy, Utah; three daughters: Terri Knight of Salt Lake City; Karen Judson and husband, Ryan, of Pleasant View; Denise Langlois and husband, George, of West Weber, Utah; 30 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Albert Garcia; four sisters: Margie Short, Bertha Lucero, Mary Sanchez and Louise Martinez.

The family thanks Dr. Bruce Burtenshaw, Dr. Jacobson and Dr. Frame for all the loving care they gave to Lio.

Norman Leo Spore

Funeral services for Cortez resident Norman Lee Spore will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Fr. Derrek D. Scott will officiate.

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

Norman was born May 8, 1941, in Montrose, Colo., to Ralph Charles and Edith (Seaman) Spore. He died Monday, Oct. 27, 2003, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 62.

Norman loved hunting, fishing and mechanical work. He had a passion for restoring old cars and tractors.

Surviving Norman are his children: Melinda Martinez and husband, Jeff, of Mancos; Matt Spore of Missoula, Mont.; Shane Spore and wife, Amber, of Cortez; his grandchildren: Tiffany, Tatum and Bradley Martinez; Justin, Jacob and Jesse Spore, and Courtney and Wesley Spore; as well as his partner, Peg Malm of Cortez. He leaves his brother and sisters: Frank Spore of Dolores; Barbara Gustafson and husband, Gene, of Mancos; Dee Fosnot and husband, Clifton, of Cahone; Mary Eble and husband, Bill, of Sedona, Ariz.; and his uncle and aunt, Harley Spore and Geneva Spore, both of Mancos.

Preceding him in death are his son, R. Edward Spore; and his sister, Catherine Vincent.

The family requests contributions be made in memory of Norman Spore with St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Dorothy Mae Meador

Dorothy M. Meador, 80, of Mancos, went home to be with her Heavenly Father Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango. She died of natural causes.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 28, at the Mancos Church of Christ, 601 Railroad Ave. Glen Randol will officiate. Burial will occur at noon today at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.

Mrs. Meador was born April 2, 1923, in Quincy, Ill., the daughter of George and Emma Lanham. She graduated valedictorian of her class in Kinderhook, Ill.

Dorothy married Tony Meador in 1943. To this union, 14 children were born.

Mrs. Meador moved to Colorado in the 1940s. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Mancos. She spent her life as a loving mother and homemaker.

Dorothy Mae Meador is survived by her sons: Bud Meador and wife, Janiece, of Elk City, Kan.; Gary Meador and wife, Cheryl, of Aztec, N.M.; Terry Meador and wife, Sharon, of Lebanon, Mo.; Tim Meador and wife, Vina, of Hesperus; Martin Meador and wife, Sonya, of Hesperus; Duane Meador and wife, Cathy, of Aztec; Tony Meador Jr., of Hesperus; daughters: Sandra Valencia of Hesperus; Emma Denney and husband, Stephen, of Ft. Collins; Vicki Aspromonte and husband, Tony, of Mancos; Jackie Smith and husband, Elroy, of Hesperus; Margie Bear and husband, Jim, of Monte Vista, Colo.; 36 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and many close relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband 1978; an infant son, Anthony Meador, and a daughter, Toni Kay.
Memorial contributions may be made to Patrick W. Luter Cancer Center, 3801 N. Main Ave., Durango, 81301.
Arrangements were made through Hood Mortuary in Durango.

Elizabeth Leigh ‘Cookie’ Pensoneau
Funeral services for former Towaoc resident Elizabeth Leigh "Cookie" Pensoneau will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Boyd Lopez’s home in Towaoc.

A visitation has been scheduled for today from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel

Elizabeth was born June 19, 1973, in Albuquerque. She died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, at the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kan., at the age of 30.

Locals will remember Elizabeth as a blackjack dealer at the Ute Mountain Casino. Upon moving to Ponca City, Okla., Elizabeth enjoyed being a homemaker to her children and her father. She loved taking her children to Washington Elementary School every morning, and picking them up at 3 p.m. She will be greatly missed by numerous relatives and friends both in Ponca City and in Towaoc.

Elizabeth is survived by her children: Leighton Denetsosie, and Sierra Dawn Denetsosie; her father, Steve Lanier Pensoneau, all of Ponca City; her mother and step-father: Marilyn (Coyote) and Darwin House of Towaoc; her brother, Mark Pensoneau of Ponca City; her sister, Marilynn House of Towaoc; her uncles and aunts: Jonathan Dinae, Jeanette Coyote, Mac Coyote, Montgomery Coyote and Marvin Coyote. Her cousins: Eric, Michael and Teresa Coyote also survive her.

Preceding Elizabeth in death were her husband, Jeffrey Denetsosie Sr.; her brother, William “Sha-Sha” Clyde; and her maternal grandparents: McDougal Sr., and Betty Coyote.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home

Joe Sosten Garcia

Joe Sosten Garcia was born June 10, 1949, in Mancos to Salvador and Clorinda Garcia. He died Oct. 22, 2003, at his home in Los Banos, Calif., at the age of 54.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Los Banos.

Joe worked in San Jose, Calif., as a machinist for Westinghouse most of his career before retiring in 1998. He was also a Vietnam war veteran.

Joe Sosten Garcia is survived by his wife of 35 years, Rayes C. Garcia; his children: Anntrell Garcia of San Jose; Ernest J. Garcia of Los Banos; Leslie Garcia of San Jose; a grandson, Ernest J. Garcia Jr.; three brothers: Joseph B. Garcia of Rio Rancho, N.M.; Joseph Abel Garcia of San Jose; Silviano E. Garcia of Mancos; and a sister, Carmen M. Serna of Dona-Ana, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Albert J. Garcia.     

Chance Matthew Beach

Chance Matthew Beach was born Feb. 26, 1987, in Cortez. He died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003, at the age of 16, after a long battle with cystic fibrosis.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, in the First Wesleyan Church, 502 N. Walnut, in Colorado Springs.

Chance is survived by his father and stepmother, Matt and Traci Beach of Farmington; mother and stepfather, Kim and Chris Beiker of Joplin, Mo.; sister, Serena Beach; brother, Jacob Beach; stepbrother, Tony Beach, of Farmington; grandparents, Jesse and Shirley Beach of Dolores; Bob Newland of Denver; Valerie and Ray Mallet of Rangley, Colo.; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Chance M. Beach, acknowledgment: Matt and Traci Beach, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, P.O. Box 96305, Washington, D.C. 20090-6305, Attn.: Valerie Ward.      

Linda Lee Fox

Linda Fox, a resident of Ignacio, formerly of Cortez, died Oct. 19, 2003, in Cortez. She was 63.

Cremation has taken place, and no public services are planned.

Linda was born to Everett Blair and Martha Elizabeth Kirby Fox Feb. 24, 1940, in Evanston, Ill.

Linda lived in Cortez for 10 years before residing in Bayfield and Ignacio. She was a rancher most of her life and was formerly a bookkeeper, comptroller and worked in the accounting field.

Linda was a member of the Durango Riding Group and the Young Farmers Association. She enjoyed her cattle and horses and her family. She believed in and was very involved in unity.

Linda Lee Fox is survived by her son, Victor Lee Brown and wife, Donna, of Camarillo, Calif.; two daughters: Debra Tran of Granoble, France, and Iona Lee Berkholder and husband, Steven, of Red Lodge, Mont.; a brother, Donald Blair Fox of Cortez; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

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

Leonard A. Hammock

Leonard A. Hammock died at his home in Cortez Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003, at the age of 78. He was born the son of Leonard Delbert Hammock and Lottie Lila Hall Hammock at Cedaredge, Colo., June 21, 1925.

Leonard was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the Navy. He held the position of director for the Board of Cooperative Services. He was a member of the Elks, Turkey Federation and the Masons. Leonard loved hunting, camping and boating at Lake Powell.

A loving and devoted family survives Leonard, including his daughter and son-in-law: LaCora Lenn and Larry Pacheco of Cortez; his granddaughter, LaCora Lea James and husband, Darin, of Farmington; and great-granddaughter, LaCora Liv James of Farmington.

Preceding Leonard in death was his wife, Mary LaCora Hammock, in March 1999.

No services are planned at this time. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in the name of Leonard Hammock with Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez.

Arrangements were made through the Ertel Funeral Home.      

Jack E. Clayton

Memorial services for Jack E. Clayton will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Arriola Bible Church.

Mr. Clayton died Sept. 28, 2003, in Albuquerque at the age of 67.

Frances I. Risenhoover

Memorial services for Frances I. Risenhoover will be held at 4 p.m., today, Nov. 1, in the chapel at Pioneer’s Nursing Center in Rocky Ford, Colo., where she died Oct. 13, 2003, at the age of 94.

Frances was born Dec. 15, 1908, in Wichita, Kan., to Walter F. and Florence A. Hough. She married George W. Risenhoover in Hennessey, Okla., June 30, 1929.

Frances moved to Cahone with her husband and two sons in 1931. The family moved to Rocky Ford in 1963 where the farmed on Patterson Valley Road.

Frances is survived by two sons: Mel Risenhoover and wife, Helen, of La Junta, Colo.; Jack Risenhoover and wife, Jeanette, of Cortez; two daughters: Florence Wilson of Pleasant Hill, Mo.; and Jane Bryan and husband, Jeff, of Pasadena, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Betty Risenhoover of Mesa, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Walter D. and George F., and two daughters: Joan E. and Shirley L.

Griffy Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.            

David Thomas Sayers Sr.

David Sayers, a resident of Redvale, Colo., died Oct. 18, 2003, in the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 62.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Redvale/Coventry Cemetery in Redvale. Pastor Arthur LeMelle officiated.

Mr. Sayers was born to Edward Joseph and Jeanette Pelletier Sayers Oct. 11, 1940, in Fall River, Mass. He graduated from BMC Durfee High School and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He served 12 years in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician on nuclear submarines.

On June 3, 1961, he married Joanne Syriac in Belchertown, Mass. They were blessed with three sons. They moved from California to Redvale in 1976. Mr. Sayers was formerly employed by Vallecitos Nuclear Center as an electronics technician. He worked for G.E. locally, assaying for the G.E. Ore Buying Station. Mr. Sayers entered the real estate business after the uranium market dropped.

He enjoyed collecting guns, especially Smith & Wesson models. He loved horses and was a great conversationalist.

David Thomas Sayers Sr., is survived by his wife of more than 42 years, Joanne Sayers of Redvale; three sons: David Thomas Sayers Jr., and wife, Keli, of Anderson, Mo.; Michael William Sayers and wife Sheila, of Clover, S.C., and William Edward Sayers and wife, Mary, of Lake Wylie, S.C.; a sister, Sandra Boland of Barrington, R.I.; nine grandchildren and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made to his family to offset medical expenses.

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

Brian "Chad" Todd

Brian "Chad" Todd was born to Ken and Jeanne Todd Oct. 9, 1976, in Cortez. He died Oct. 6, 2003, in Old Hickory, Tenn., at the age of 26.

A service to celebrate Chad’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Arriola Community Center. A potluck will follow the service.

Chad leaves behind his parents; his wife, Marnee Todd, and daughter, Dayanerah; as well as two sisters: Sharon Kingery and Natalie Chambers; a brother, Eric Todd; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; a "favorite cousin" and his "other favorite cousin."

The family requests those offering condolences donate to a trust fund for Chad’s daughter and her unborn brother.

Chad, a beloved son, brother, father and husband, will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He is remembered as a kind soul with a love and dedication for music, his family and God.

James Edward D'Entremont

Graveside services for former Cortez resident James Edward D'Entremont were held Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Cortez Cemetery. Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 provided military services.

Jim was born May 12, 1921, in Lynn, Mass., to Joseph J. and Mary (Bourque) D’Entremont. He died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003, at the Kingman Medical Center in Kingman, Ariz., at the age of 82.

Jim served his country proudly as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He was a World War II, Korean Conflict and Vietnam War veteran. On Sept. 22, 1973, Jim married Audry L. Sease.

His wife, Audry L. D’Entremont of Kingman; and his children: Michael Irish and wife, Roberta, of Laurel, Md.; Ernest Irish and wife, Myoung-Ja Kwon, of Hayward, Calif., and Patti Rolfe and husband, Eugene, of Las Vegas, Nev., survive Jim. He leaves three grandchildren: Billy, Michelle, and Buddy; as well as his brother and sisters: Frank D’Entremont of Oregon; Madelyn Soucy of Las Vegas; Florence Lejune of Bayfield, Mass., and Rita D’Entremont, of Fallon, Nev.

Services were conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Georgia H. Donaldson

Georgia Donaldson, a lifelong resident of the Cortez area, died Oct. 12, 2003, in the Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 77.

A memorial service is set for 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17, in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel.

Mrs. Donaldson was born to Ben Felix and Writa Ione (Dobbinn) Stevenson July 1, 1926, in Mancos. She attended Battle Rock School in McElmo Canyon and graduated from high school.

On July 28, 1943, she married Charles Floyd Donaldson in Aztec, N.M. They were blessed with five children. Mr. Donaldson preceded her in death.

Mrs. Donaldson was a homemaker and rancher's wife all her life. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers and camping. She was a great mother and grandmother.

Georgia H. Donaldson is survived by children: Floyd Donaldson and wife, Shirley, of Rozet, Wyo.; Boyd Donaldson and wife, Claudette, of Cortez; Mary Chalene Donaldson of Cortez; Sharon Ward and husband, Joe, of Mancos; a daughter-in-law, Louise Donaldson of Naturita; two brothers: Keane Stevenson and wife, Lorraine, of Dove Creek, and Danny Stevenson of Lewis; two sisters: Kaye McClanason and husband, Bob, of Aztec; 23 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Leroy; and a sister, Betty Weldon.

Memorial contribution may be made in Georgia's name to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Esther Oetter

Esther Oetter, a former resident of Evergreen Park, Ill., died Oct. 14, 2003, in the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos. She was 89.

A memorial service is planned for a later date in the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Durango.

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

Linda Sue Goff

Funeral services for longtime Mancos resident Linda Sue Goff will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos. Pastor Larry Chappell of the Lighthouse Baptist Church will officiate.

A visitation has been scheduled for 3 p.m., Thursday at the Ertel Chapel.

Linda was born June 18, 1951, in Newton, Mass., to Lewis L. "Val" and Dorothy A. (Randall) Willden. She died Monday, Oct. 13, 2003, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 52.

Linda is survived by her husband of 31 years, David E. Goff of Mancos; children: Eddy Goff and wife, Kim; Donald Goff, and Steven Goff and wife, Brandy, all of Mancos. She leaves her grandchildren: Kayla, Taylor and David Goff of Mancos; her parents, Dorothy and Val Willden of Bountiful, Utah; and Charles Goff of Mancos. Also surviving Linda are her siblings: Linda, Bonnie, Beverly, Lavona Jean, Valerie, Buzz, Jerry, Eddie and Tim.

Preceding her in death was daughter Mary Goff; her mother-in-law, Cleola M. Goff; and brothers: Scott and David Willden.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

John Dean McClean Jr.

Graveside services for lifelong Mancos resident John Dean McClean Jr., will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos.

A visitation has been scheduled for Friday evening from 5 to 7 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

John was born March 7, 1927, in Cortez, to John D. and Louise (Linninburg) McClean Sr. He died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at his home in Mancos at the age of 76.

John worked as a sawyer for the match factory in Mancos. He loved to work with his hands, read, and watch Westerns. He also had a passion for his older pickup trucks.

Surviving John is his stepdaughter, Barbara Black of Salt Lake City; three stepgrandchildren; and his sister, Mary Lou Bloodworth and husband, Walter, of Bloomfield, N.M.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Gwendolyn McClean.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Carla Rene Duff

Graveside memorial services for Cortez resident Carla Rene Duff will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Crestview Cemetery in Durango. The Rev. Larry Gallegos of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church will officiate.

Carla was born Jan. 18, 1960, in Plainview, Texas, to Robert W. and Mary J. (Southcott) Duff. She died Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 43.

Carla's daughter, Yolanda R. Lopez of Ignacio; her mother, Mary J. Southcott of New York; her siblings: Dixie Peck and husband, Gene, of Cortez; Cecil Duff; Robert Duff of Texas; Donna Baker; Curtis Duff of Salt Lake City; Walter Duff of New York; Connie Duff of Washington, and Brent Duff of Wyoming; as well as her sister-in-law, Ruth Hover and husband, Glen, of Cortez survive her. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Ernest Lavern Smith

Funeral services for former Cortez resident Ernest Lavern Smith will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Visitation has been scheduled for 7:30 Friday evening at the Ertel Chapel.

Ernie was born Feb. 9, 1912, in Valeda, Kan., to Frank W. and Alice Smith. He died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003, at the Cheyenne Mountain Care Center in Colorado Springs at the age of 91.

Ernie spent much of his adult life as a home builder, carpenter and cabinetmaker in the Cortez and Four Corners area. He has several accomplishments to his credit. In the early 1960s Ernie was a carpenter foreman on the Navajo Dam project in northern New Mexico. In 1973, he was founder and chairman for the Cimarron Hills Fire Protection District in Colorado Springs. The Cimarron Hills Fire Department is still in operation today.

Surviving Ernie is his wife, Verlan Smith; his son, Ernie V. Smith and wife, Vicki, all of Colorado Springs. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are four brothers: Clyde, Bill, Ed and Frank; as well as two sisters: Lila and Millie.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Sharon Lenore Stowe

Funeral services for Sharon Lenore Stowe, 60, of Aztec, N.M., will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the Dove Creek First Baptist Church. The Rev. Sam Thompson will officiate. Graveside services will follow at the Cahone Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. in the Dove Creek First Baptist Church prior to the services.

Sharon was born Aug. 23, 1943, in Dove Creek, the daughter of Lee and Lenore Neely. She died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003, at her home in Aztec after losing her battle with cancer.

Sharon went through the Cahone Elementary School and graduated from Dolores County High School in 1961. She attended Fort Lewis College and Adams State College.

Sharon and Bill Stowe were married in Dove Creek Dec. 28, 1963.

Sharon baby-sat numerous children in Dolores, Hagerman, N.M., and Capitan, N.M. She worked as an instructional assistant with students preschool age to adult with special needs in Capitan and Farmington.

Sharon will be remembered for her kindness, love of children, flowers, vegetable gardens, crafts and her awesome sense of humor. She will be missed by family and friends alike.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Bill Stowe of Aztec; daughters: Shelly Morr and husband, Todd, of Oceanside, Calif.; and Stephanie Headrick and husband, Mark, of Albuquerque; grandchildren: Alexa, Nicholas, and Dante Morr and Sierra and Kelsey Headrick; her mother, Lenore Neely of Cahone; brothers: Jerry Neely of Cortez and Brian Neely of Phoenix; sister, Diane Bishop of Littleton, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her father, Lee Neely, and brother, Bradley Neely, preceded Sharon in death.

The family request donations be made to the San Juan Medical Foundation, P.O. Drawer 110, Farmington, NM 87499.

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

George Braun

George Braun, of Cortez, died Oct. 11, 2003, at his home. He was 45.

A memorial Mass will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 in the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Cortez. The Rev. Fr. Derrek Scott will be the celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the Cortez Cemetery with full military rites performed by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 and the VFW.

Mr. Braun was born to George P. and Georgia Mary Samek Braun Dec. 1, 1957, in Santa Ana, Calif. He graduated from high school in Spokane, Wash. In 1975, he entered the U.S. Army at Spokane served as an infantryman. He was medically discharged in 1976 at Fort Lewis, Wash.

Mr. Braun worked as a mechanic for most of his life. He enjoyed crafts, especially woodworking and drawing cartoons.

Mr. Braun was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

George Kenneth Braun is survived by his mother, Georgia Eubanks of Cortez; brother, Ken Braun and wife, Denise, of Cortez; sisters: Audrey Smith and husband, Larry, of Winton, Calif.; Judy Leavell and husband, Donnie, of Cortez; and Maureen Gomez and husband, Vince, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; nieces and nephews: Anita and Joe Riqeulma of Salida; Jean Smith of Brattlesford, Vt.; Jennifer and Charles Hermans, Michael and Amber Barner, and Ken and Leah Braun, all of Cortez; Andy and Thearesa Braun of Las Vegas; Nathan, Josh, Amanda and Trevor Gomez, all of Cheyenne, Wyo.

He was preceded in death by his father.

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

 
Allen Wellington Higman

Memorial services for lifelong Cortez resident Allen Wellington Higman will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on County Road M.

Allen was born Nov. 6, 1942, in Cortez to Ronald W. and Dorothy Knight (Swenk) Higman. He died Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, at his home in Cortez at the age of 60.

Allen grew up in Cortez and graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School. On April 18, 1964, in Glenwood Springs, Colo., Allen married Gloria Louise Stockfish. He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who loved football and most other sports, as well as fishing and hunting. Above all he adored his grandchildren. A person could always count on Allen to help at anytime.

Allen had fought a long battle with diabetes and had endured a kidney transplant trying to fight the disease.

Surviving Allen are his wife of 39 years, Gloria Higman of Cortez; his son, Ronald Allen Higman and wife, Rhonda, of Cortez; his daughter, Teresa Lynn Blair and husband, Jay, also of Cortez; and eight grandchildren: Rachele Higman, Raychel Higman, Ron Higman Jr., Doug Blair, Trevor Blair, Jared Blair, Trista Blair and Tori Blair. His brother, Herbert Higman and wife, Betty, of Aurora, Colo.; and sister, Carol Tullis and husband, Don, of Cortez also survive Ed.

Memorial contributions can be made in Allen’s name at Vectra Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

 
John Wayne Ramsdell

Graveside services for Cortez resident John Wayne Ramsdell will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Cortez Cemetery. The Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 will conduct military graveside services.

John was born Sept. 14, 1946, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Lyle Wayne and Luella Rose (Rowlson) Ramsdell. He died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at his home in Cortez at the age of 57.

John entered the Army in January 1966 at Fort Wayne located in Detroit. He defended his country proudly, serving three tours during Vietnam. In May 1975, John was honorably discharged. He developed lung cancer because of agent orange exposure in Vietnam.

Surviving John are his wife, Sylvia Ann Ramsdell of Cortez; his children: Brian Ramsdell of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Amy Ramsdell of Weidman, Mich.; and Lesile (Dawn) Broad of Melbourne, Fla.; and his grandchildren: Derek, Deborah Ann, Joshua and Ashley. He leaves his brother, Gary Eyre and wife, Robin, of Climax, Mich.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Cathey DeMars of Cortez; Horace E. Davis of Farmington; Janet Gilliam and husband, John, of Gillette, Wyo.; Rossye Jeffress and husband, Wink, of Oak Town, Ind.; Eva Maestas and husband Rudy, and Billie Losing, all of Cortez; Rich Davis and wife, Cindy, of Bloomfield, N.M., and Howard Davis and wife, Jeanie, of Corsicana, Texas; and Mrs. Kathryn Gibson of Climax, who was a very special person in John’s life; as well as numerous other family and friends.

Memorial contributions can be made in the name of John Ramsdell to the St. Mary’s Hospital Oncology Center or to the American Cancer Society both in Grand Junction.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Lillian Cathorine Adams Neff  

The funeral for longtime Cortez resident Lillian Cathorine Adams Neff will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Brother Don Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Lillian was born Jan. 19, 1911, in Oklahoma to J.W. and Elizabeth Catherine Adams. She passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 92.

Lillian is survived by her devoted husband, Everett M. Neff of Cortez; her stepchildren: Norma Campbell and husband, Bob, of Tucson, Ariz.; Richard Neff and wife, Norene, of Mexican Hat, Utah, and Donald Neff and wife, Natalie, of Salt Lake City; her nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; as well as her nieces and nephew, Karen Jordan and husband, Mike, and Susan Adams, all of Colorado Springs, and Gary Adams of North Carolina.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lillian’s name to the local Alzheimer’s Association.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Marguerite Marge' Bauer

Marguerite "Marge" Bauer, of Cortez, was born May 13, 1922, in Crosbyton, Texas. She died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, at Vista Mesa Assisted Living Residence in Cortez. She was 81.

A memorial service will be held 9 a.m., Friday, Oct. 10, at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos.

Marge was the only child of Samuel and Marguerite (Heiselman) Caldwell. She was the wife of Ralph Bauer of Mancos, where Marge and Ralph made their home and raised a family.

Following Ralph's death in 1984, Marge moved to Cortez.

Marge worked for the Mesa Verde Company for many years. She enjoyed reading, sewing, fishing, camping, bowling and had become an avid Bronco fan.

Marge is survived by two sons: Charles Bauer of Evergreen., and Mike Bauer of Cortez; four grandchildren: Roslyn, attending the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver; Jared of Evergreen; Brienne of Salt Lake City, and Casey, attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Ralph Leroy Deal

Ralph Leroy Deal was born Oct. 5, 1919, in Tacoma, Wash., to Ralph Elmer and Bertha Harriet (Hatch) Deal. He died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 84.

A memorial service is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, in Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Don Wilson will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Cortez Cemetery columbarium at a later date.

When Ralph was just a baby, the family moved from Washington to Colorado, where they made their home on his mother's homestead near the Lone Cone.

The children went to school in the summer because of bad winter weather. When Ralph reached the seventh grade, the family moved near Norwood where Ralph finished his schooling, graduating from Norwood High School in 1937. Later that year, the family moved to their farm near Dolores.

On Nov. 4, 1940, in Cortez, Ralph married Mary Ann Trull on her 16th birthday. They shared nearly 63 years of marriage.

Ralph pursued many vocations during his life, including farming, logging and hauling coal. He worked as a custodian and a gardener, as well. His last job was as caretaker of the Cortez Cemetery. He also served on the Dolores Town Board.

Ralph was a loving husband, dad and adoring grandpa and great-grandpa. He was extremely honest and principled, and those who knew him will miss him greatly.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, of Cortez; his children: Robert L. Deal and wife, Milanna, of Grand Junction; Mary A. Ireton and husband, Cecil, of Douglas, Wyo.; Jim Deal and wife, Shirlene, of Farmington; eight grandchildren: Ruth Ann Deal, Christina Journey, Beth Nelson, Byron Nelson, Jurgen Deal, Sylvia Deal, Jamie Deal and James K. Deal; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters; Mable McKinney, Rena Imm and Ruth Shearer, all of the Cortez area; a sister-in-law, Josephine Deal of Mancos; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Jacob Deal and Norman Deal.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Attn.: Elaine Stumpo, 701 Camino Del Rio, Suite 115A, Durango, 81301.

A memorial service for Ralph L. Deal will be held October 11 at 2 p.m. in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Don Wilson will officiate.

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

Ruth E. Chappell

Ruth E. Chappell, 95, a resident of Vernon, Vt., since August 1993, died Sunday evening, Sept. 28, 2003, at Vernon Green Nursing Home following a period of declining health.

Mrs. Chappell was born in Peyton, Colo., Oct. 1, 1907, the daughter of Ralph and Louvera (Brinley) Osborn.

She was raised and educated in Colorado Springs and was a graduate of Colorado Springs High School, Class of 1926. She attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs, later transferring to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she graduated in 1931 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics.

Mrs. Chappell taught home economics for several years at Crested Butte High School. She later was employed as a lab technician for Mesa Verde National Park, working in the archaeology department, and was involved in the excavation of Native American cliff dwellings, a project coordinated by the National Geographic and Parks Department.

With her husband, she had an extensive collection of artifacts and Indian pottery. The collection is currently housed in the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores.

She enjoyed handwork, crocheting, embroidery, canning and reading.

Mrs. Chappell was a member of the First Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, and was a longtime member of the Crested Butte Lodge of Rebekahs, where she held office in all the chairs of the lodge.

On July 23, 1932, in Colorado Springs, she was married to Clifford C. Chappell. Her husband of 50 years died Aug. 14, 1982.

Survivors include one daughter, Sylvia LaCombe of Bellows Falls, Vt.; two grandsons; two great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Cortez Cemetery. The Rev. Lynn Evans of the Cortez First United Methodist Church will officiate.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Mary Suzanne French Freeman

Mary Suzanne French Freeman was born May 30, 1909, in Olathe, Colo. She died Oct. 2, 2003, in Oakland, Calif., at the age of 94.

Family and close friends will gather for a memorial service Oct. 26 in Oakland.

Mary lived for several years in the 1930s in Mancos, where her husband, Adam Freeman, was born and taught high school.

She is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Adam Freeman; her daughters: Joann Sutro of Oakland, and Joyce Nuckles of San Clemente, Calif.; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Adam J. and Suzanne F. Freeman Engineering Scholarship Fund at Colorado State University in Boulder.  

Andrea Marie Dayzie

Memorial services for Andrea Marie Dayzie will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Oct. 4 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Everyone is invited to join the family for lunch after the service at the Dayzie home, 21878 County Road G, in Cortez.

Andrea was born Dec. 5, 1972, in Alamosa, Colo., to Samuel Walter and Rosemary (Wilson) Dayzie. She passed away Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003, at her home in Denver at the age of 30.

Andrea attended schools in Tuba City, Ariz., and Cortez, graduating from high school in 1991. She later attended Al Collins Graphic Design School in Tempe, Ariz., and Fort Lewis College in Durango. She was a talented artist and worked in the graphic design field.

She was very proud of her Native American and Irish-German heritage. Her free spirit and zest for living life to its fullest will always be remembered. She loved hard-rock concerts, animals and nature. She had a unique flair for fashion — platform heels, leather jackets and boots, unusual purses, tattoos and her trendy hairdos.

Andrea had a generous spirit and a cute little laugh, and she gave us so much joy in her short life. Many have danced this dance called life ... but none with her gentle grace. Andrea will be missed, but she will always remain in our hearts.

Surviving Andrea are her parents Sam and Rosemary Dayzie of Cortez; her brother, Todd Garcia and Tanya Holliday of Minot, N.D.; her paternal aunts and uncles: Dorothee Dayzie, Irene and Ned Benally, James Dayzie, Berna and Randy Engler, and Gene and Vickie Dayzie; her maternal aunts and uncles: Lee Wilson, Marsha and Tim Gallagher, John and Candy Wilson, and Brenda Wilson. Other family survivors include numerous great-aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews. Others who will miss Andrea include Steve Thompson, and special pets, Morgan the dog, Lola the cat, and Chaco the tarantula.

Preceding her in death are her grandparents: Leland and Norma Wilson, and Tom and Bertha Dayzie; and aunts: Dorinda and Pearlene Dayzie.

Memorial contributions can be made in Andrea’s memory to For Pets’ Sake Humane Society, P.O. Box 1705, Cortez 81321.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Margaret Susanne "Sue" Havran

Margaret Susanne "Sue" Havran of Longmont, Colo., died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at The Peaks Care Center in Longmont because of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She was 75.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today, Oct. 4, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Longmont. Rev. Max Bailey will officiate. Interment will follow in the church’s columbarium.

Sue was born April 14, 1928, in Lewistown, Mont., to Dr. George Hageman and Ena Sara Morrison Hageman. She moved to Longmont with her family at the age of 2 and graduated from Longmont High School in 1946.

Sue graduated from the University of Colorado School of Nursing in June 1952. She then married Norland Havran Dec. 14, 1952, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Longmont. The couple made their home in Cortez, where she worked as a registered nurse and started her family. Returning to Longmont in 1961, Sue was a homemaker and a caring mother. Later in life, she spent four years as a professional home health care worker.

Sue was an active, lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Along with assisting with the monthly newsletter and treasury, Sue spent more than 20 years on the Altar Guild. She enjoyed golfing, bowling and traveling across the country. Sue was also a member of PEO Chapter FD for more than 50 years.

Survivors include her husband, Norland "Norm" Havran of Longmont; a son: George Havran and his wife, Deb, of Loveland, Colo.; two daughters: Linda Patryas and her husband, David, of Longmont, and Kay Matson and her husband, Mark, of Henderson, Nev.; a sister: Patricia Laybourn of Escondido, Calif.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 789 Sherman St., Suite 500, Denver, 80203.

Arrangements are being handled through Howe Mortuary, Longmont.

Jerrie Lynn Dolen

Jerrie Lynn Dolen, a resident of Austin, Texas, (formerly of Durango), died unexpectedly at her home Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003. She was 49.

Ms. Dolen will be cremated. A memorial service is planned for a later date and will be announced.

Ms. Dolen was born June 4, 1954, in Colorado City, Texas, the daughter of Marilyn Mace and Isaac Stuart Dolen Jr. She grew up in Durango, graduating from Durango High School in 1972. She attended Texas Tech University and the University of Houston, graduating with a degree in art history in 1976.

Ms. Dolen was an accomplished goldsmith and jewelry designer, having owned two galleries, one in Sante Fe, and one in Couer ‘d Alene, Idaho. She later earned her certification as a real estate appraiser in West Palm Beach, Fla. Travel to foreign lands was a passion of hers.

Jerrie enjoyed spoiling her niece to the extreme. Theirs was a very close relationship and she will be greatly missed. One of Jerrie’s greatest joys was surprising grandmother with cookies and other tasty treats and their telephone conversations were so long her ears would go to sleep.

Ms. Dolen is survived by her grandmother, Beatrice L. Gilmore of Mancos; three sisters: Karen J. Marcea of Mancos, Anita A. Dolen of Green Mountain Falls and Molly’o Dolen Hoover of Bayfield; a niece, Shannon A. Bagwell of Cypress, Texas; a nephew, Tony Dolen of Green Mountain Falls; nieces: Trish and Michelle Bliss of Green Mountain Falls and her special friend, Renee Dolen.

Jack Eugene Clayton

Jack Eugene Clayton passed away Sept. 28, 2003, in Albuquerque after enduring many health problems and recent heart surgery. He was 67.

Interment services are planned in Saluda, S.C., at a later date.

Jack was born March 29, 1936, to George Lester and Orvetta (West) Clayton in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Jack is survived by his mother, Orvetta Clayton of Cortez; his brother, Joe Clayton and wife, Gaye Lynn, of Dolores; sisters: Katherine "Tina" Larson and husband, John, of Tarzana, Calif., and Elizabeth "Eizzy" Leech of Cortez; his caregiver, Scott Oliver, of Cortez; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1961 and his wife, Willette (Renew) Clayton in 1995.

Pat Osburn

Former Cortez resident Pat Osburn died recently in Indiana following a lengthy illness.

After retiring from nursing, Pat was active with the ladies golf association and worked at the golf pro shop.

Pat is survived by her husband, Ray, and two sons, all of Indiana.

Condolences may be directed to Ray Osburn, P.O. Box 215, Oaktown, IN 47561.

Carol Sue Hightower

Carol Hightower, a resident of Naturita, died Sept. 27, 2003, in the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. She was 61.

A funeral service was held yesterday in the Pentecostal Church in Naturita. Pastor Dan Williams will officiated. Interment followed in the Nucla Cemetery.

Mrs. Hightower was born to Harold L. and Lois A. Spalding Langford Sept. 17, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Okla. She and her family moved to Cañon City, Colo., where she started school. They then moved to the Nucla-Naturita area and there she graduated from Nucla High School.

Mrs. Hightower married David Hightower June 15, 1962, in Grand Junction. They were blessed with a daughter. Mr. Hightower preceded Mrs. Hightower in death Dec. 15, 2001, after more than 39 years of marriage.

Mrs. Hightower was a homemaker most of her life. She worked as a relief driver the U.S. Postal Service on the Paradox route. She enjoyed arrowhead hunting, softball, bowling, camping, fishing and being with her family and friends, especially her new granddaughter.

Carol Sue Hightower is survived by her daughter, Shelly Karo and husband, Leif, of Nucla; her mother, Lois Alma Langford of Naturita; a sister, Lois Ann Gribble of Clifton, Colo., and her dearly loved granddaughter, Shelby Noel Karo.

She was preceded in death by her father; her husband, and her brother, Thomas Langford.

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

Gene Sanders

William Eugene "Gene" Sanders, a resident of Cortez, was born Jan. 27, 1931, in Greenville, S.C. He died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, in the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 72.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Faith Bible Church, 146 S. Maple, in Cortez. Pastor David Seaford will officiate. Interment will follow in the Cortez Cemetery.

A visitation will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel.

As a teenager, Gene accepted Christ as his Savior. He attended Bob Jones University for one year then transferred to Columbia Bible College in 1950. There he met Dorothy Gibbs and in the spring of 1954, they became engaged.

After graduation from CBE in 1954, Gene went to Faith Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Dorothy went into nurses’ training in Birmingham, Ala.

Gene and Dorothy were married Sept. 3, 1957, in Birmingham. They moved to St. Louis where Gene finished his seminary training at Covenant Seminary while Dot worked as a nurse.

The couple applied to SIM and were accepted and appointed to Eritrea, East Africa. In 1960, they set sail on a Norwegian freighter for the coast of Massawa, Eritrea. They proceeded by train and Volkswagen van to Nacfa, Eritrea, where they served the Lord for eight years.

Because of rebel activity, Gene and Dorothy were transferred to Ethiopia. After a communist takeover of the Ethiopian government in 1975, they were not allowed to continue their ministry there.

In 1976, they applied to American Missionary Fellowship and were appointed to the Four Corners area. Gene and Dot taught vacation Bible school, Bible clubs and bible studies. Gene also visited individuals in the nursing homes and in the jail.

Because of Alzheimer’s disease, Gene has been a resident of the Vista Grande Nursing home for the past four years.

Gene Sanders is survived by his wife; his children: David, Virginia and Samuel; four grandchildren, and his brothers: Frank, Donnie and Eddie Sanders.

Memorial contributions may be made to the George Middleton Missions, in care of Faith Bible Church or to Dorothy Sanders, 11 W. 13th St., Cortez, 81321.

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

George Edwin Hershberger

Funeral services for longtime Mancos resident George Edwin Hershberger will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Mancos First United Methodist Church. Rev. Bud Rousset will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

George was born in Breckenridge, Mo., on Feb. 27, 1918, the son of Ruben and Vada (Johnson) Hershberger. He passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, at the age of 85.

Raised in Breckenridge, George was a member of the Class of 1935. He attended his 65th reunion several years ago. He graduated from Denver University with a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel management and then spent his working career managing hotels.

George was a World War II veteran, serving his country in the Navy.

In 1953, George moved his family to the Mancos Valley where he remained until his death.

Surviving George are Thyra Hershberger of Mancos; his children, Eddie Hershberger and wife, Diana, of Mancos; Jimmy Hershberger and wife, Kallie, of Mancos; Jean Anne Alexander and husband, Brent, of Mancos, and Nancy Olbert and husband, Earl, of Tennessee; grandchildren: Michael Hershberger and wife, Lee Ann, of Cortez; Amy Hershberger of Mancos; Ben Hershberger of Mancos; Brandy Goff and husband, Steven, of Mancos; Keith Alexander of Mancos, and Jennifer Bragdon and husband, Jimmy, of Memphis; three step-grandchildren: Justin, Jenna and Dillon Horrocks; and two great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Ryker Hershberger.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Hazel Olson; and his uncle, Vic Johnson and his wife, Xena.

The family has requested donations at the Mancos Valley Bank to benefit Hospice of Montezuma.

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

Birdie Katherine Deal

Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident Birdie Katherine Deal will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Cortez Cemetery.

Birdie was born April 26, 1916, in Norwood, Colo., to Roger Lewis and Katherine P. (Merriman) Williams. She passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home. Birdie was 87.

Surviving Birdie are her children: Bonnie Jean Deal and Katherine Ann Lard, both of Cortez, and Joseph James Deal of Denver; her 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, James Henry Deal; her daughter and son, Mary Ellen Akins and David Deal; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Birdie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Colorado Region of Rocky Mountain Chapter, 701 Camino Del Rio, Durango 81301.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Jessie Juanita Fury

Funeral services for longtime Dove Creek resident Jessie Juanita Fury will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at St. Jude Catholic Church. Father Sylvester Schoening will officiate. Interment will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery.

Rosary services will be held Thursday evening at St. Jude Catholic Church beginning at 7.

Jessie was born the daughter of Mark and Winnie M. (Swallow) Neighbor on Dec. 7, 1913. She passed away at the Vista Grande Nursing Home Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at the age of 89.

A woman of many skills, Jessie was a talented musician. She had the ability to play many musical instruments and could play by ear. She enjoyed keeping her hands busy embroidering and crocheting. Her family declares her to be an outstanding cook, able to like no one else." When it came to branding time, Jessie was in charge of the branding irons and did all of the branding. She was also a member of the Alter Society of St. Jude Catholic Church.

Surviving Jessie are her beloved children: Isaac Fury and wife, Dianna, of Cortez; Betty Badding and husband, Francis, of Dove Creek; Mary Lou Matz of Centralia, Wash., and John Lincoln Fury of Dove Creek. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceding Jessie in death were her husband, Joe Fury; her son, Paul Gene Fury; two sisters: Ora Holmes and Myrne Blurton; and two brothers: Charles Neighbor and Leonard Neighbor.

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

Thelma Hartle Garwood

uneral services for former Cortez resident Thelma Hartle Garwood will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Empire Street Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Thelma was born Oct. 25, 1917, to Arthur Ozro and Ollie Belle (Snider) Hartle in Granite, Colo. She passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at her daughter’s home in Jerome, Idaho. Thelma would have celebrated her 86th birthday next month.

Shortly before Thelma’s birth, her parents relocated to Colorado from Cape Girardeau, Mo. Thelma was the youngest of four children.

In July 1933, Thelma married Archie Clinton Garwood. The couple resided in the area for many years, farming at Pleasant View. They became parents of two daughters, Barbara and Marjorie.

During World War II, the family moved to San Diego where they worked in an aircraft factory for two years to help the war effort; at the same time earning enough money to buy a new tractor for their farm. Archie worked in the engineering department and Thelma was a "Rosie the Riveter." They were in San Diego when Pearl Harbor was attacked. This was extremely terrifying for them because at that time, many believed San Diego was the next target.

In addition to their farm in Pleasant View, the couple developed an irrigated farm in Nevada and lived in both states for several years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Garwood lived in St. George, Utah, for 20 years. She then moved to Jerome to reside with her daughter, Marjorie, where she was lovingly cared for until her death.

Thelma is survived by her daughters: Barbara Kirk and husband, Dean, of Cortez; and Marjorie Wright and husband, Jay, of Jerome; 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; two brothers: Harry and Lester Hartle; one sister, Hazel McCall; and two great-grandsons: Joshua Baker and Garrett Wright.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Edria F. Murray

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Edria F. Murray will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy of the Lifeway Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at the Lebanon Cemetery.

Visitation has been set for Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Ertel Chapel.

Edria was born at Lebanon on April 13, 1918, the daughter of Daniel Edward and Govea Lowe (Padgett) Nichols. She passed away at the Valley Inn Nursing Home Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at the age of 85.

She enjoyed her time spent with Senior Citizens and was a member of the Lakeview Grange.

Surviving Edria are her brother, Lawrence Nichols of Cortez; and her sister, Norma Englehart of Albuquerque; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Fritz Murray in 1985.

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

Duane Laner

Duane Laner, a longtime resident of Towaoc, passed away on Sept. 20, 2003, at his residence. He was 35.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 25, in The Chapel, on Highway 491 south of Cortez. Rev. Wallace Ahkeah will officiate. Interment will follow in the Towaoc cemetery.

Mr. Laner was born to Raymus Paul Laner Sr., and Sara Scott on Jan. 5, 1968, in Cortez. He attended schools in Cortez and graduated from high school here.

Mr. Laner was a carpenter and formerly employed with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park in Towaoc. He studied heavy equipment operations in Kicking Horse, Mont.

He was married to Gwendolyn Wing, who preceded him in death.

Mr. Laner enjoyed fishing, walking and drawing. He loved music and really enjoyed cooking for his friends.

Duane Lindsay Laner is survived by his mother and stepfather, Sarah Scott Hayes and Rickey Hayes; a brother, Raymus Paul Laner Jr.; sisters: Cheryl Laner, Nancy Clark Duncan, Troy Johnson, Eugena Johnson and Tina Harrison.

His grandparents are John P. Laner and Katie Deer.

He was preceded in death by his father, his wife, and his grandmother, Mary Scott.

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

Gelene Lavonne McDonald

Gelene Lavonne McDonald, 78, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2003, of congestive heart failure in Durango.

Mrs. McDonald was born in Weatherby, Mo., Dec. 10, 1924, to Clarke and Essie (Noll) Dunham. She was educated in the Santa Rosa and Maysville, Mo., schools and graduated from Maysville High School at age 16 in 1941.

She left home and found a job in Kansas City, Mo., and later Falls City, Neb., where she worked during World War II.

She met her husband, Richard F. McDonald, at a USO war bonds fund-raising dance in Falls City in 1945. The couple was married after a whirlwind courtship on Jan. 19, 1946, in Pana, Ill.

With the savings from her jobs, Mrs. McDonald purchased a used Army Jeep and a 20-foot long Airstream trailer. The couple and their two young children lived in this trailer for four years while her husband attended Colorado A & M (CSU) in Ft. Collins.

A homemaker, Mrs. McDonald also lived in Denver, Dove Creek, Monte Vista and Golden. She has been a resident of Durango since 1967 where her husband was the regional supervisor for the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Mrs. McDonald’s interests included ancient, Biblical and American history, world geography, gardening, astronomy, philosophy, conservation and the environment, and global and local current events and politics. An activist, she wrote many letters and attended La Plata County Commissioners meetings as an advocate for county planning and zoning and decisions and laws advocating the preservation of wildlife habitats and corridors and open space.

Mrs. McDonald was a member of the Sarah Platt Decker chapter of the NSDAR. Her essay on the Lewis woodpecker and Clark’s nutcracker was the 2003 Colorado winner in the NSDAR national essay contest commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition. She was affiliated with the Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church where she served as the pianist for more than 20 years and was active in a women’s Bible study group.

Mrs. McDonald is survived by her children: Scott Lee McDonald of Durango; Peggy A. Ford and Sally R. Lorenz of Greeley; a daughter-in-law, Paula Eppich (McDonald) Moody of Windsor, Colo.; her grandchildren: Adam Ford of Grand Junction; Bobbie J. McDonald of Aurora: a step-granddaughter, Austin Gordon of Durango, and two great-grandchildren: Jeffrey and Natalie Ford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ronald Dunham; her husband, and a son, Robert Starr McDonald.

Her children and grandchildren will host an informal tribute for their beloved mother at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church, 1024 County Rd. 230, Durango.

Henry Spruell

Henry Spruell was born April 16, 1935, in Gymon, Okla., to Harry and Pauline (Peeler) Spruell. He passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003, at Banner Gardens Hospice in Mesa, Ariz. He was 68.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 22, in the Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, in Mesa. A visitation will be held at 9 a.m. in the chapel.

Hank grew up in Cortez. He retired after working as a commercial painter for years.

Henry Spruell is survived by his daughters: Donna Bailey and Vanessa Chapman; stepchildren: Nancy Dailey and Bob Monson; and four grandchildren: Rewa Bailey, Micah Bailey, Jennifer Dailey and Sharlee Chapman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bette Spruell; son, Dana Spruell; grandson, Shawn Bailey; brothers: James and Johnny Spruell; and sister, Zola Rice.

Memorial contributions may be made in Henry Spruell's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006.

Joseph Martin Juarez

Joseph Juarez, a resident of Dolores, passed away Sept. 18, 2003, at his residence. He was 72.

Per Mr. Juarez's request, no services are planned.

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

Frank Karl Woyewodzic

A prayer vigil for Cortez resident and former Trinidad, Colo., resident Frank Karl Woyewodzic will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Father Thomas Munson will officiate.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Trinidad. Brother Harry Gonzales will officiate. Interment will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.

Frank was born Jan. 26, 1910, in Laliki Tatra Mountains, Poland, to Jozef and Anna (Wojtas) Wojewodzic. He passed away Thursday, Sept. 18, 2003, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 93.

In 1931, Frank was drafted to play professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He later became a member of the Consolidated Association of Railroad Employees. For 48 years Frank worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. He was also an avid fisherman and loved to garden flowers.

Frank is survived by his three nephews: Robert Woyewodzic and wife, JoAnn, of Lewis; John Thomas of Van Nuys, Calif., and Ed Woyewodzic of Richardson, Texas; his great-niece, Robin Duran and husband, Mark; great-nephews: Kelly and Chris Woyewodzic, and Chad and Steven Woyewodzic; and his great-great-niece, Samantha Duran. He leaves his sister, Emily Thomas of Van Nuys; and numerous cousins in the Denver area.

Preceding Frank in death were his parents; and his brothers, Walter Valdous Wojewodzic, Louis Wojewodzic and Edwin Jozef Woyewodzic.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

John C. Willis

John C. Willis was born Dec. 19, 1935, in Cortez to John C. and Iva (Marr) Willis. He passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction Sunday, Sept. 14, 2003, with his loving wife, Yvonne, of 28 years by his side.

Private family services will be held.

John graduated high school in Cortez and spent time in Oatman and Kingman, Ariz. He was a retired underground miner.

John is survived by his wife, Yvonne, of Grand Junction; sons: John Clyde Willis, Donald Willis and Raymond Willis, all of Cortez; daughters: Stephanie Abbath of Montrose, and Stacy Waalkens of Kingman; brother, Roy Willis of Beatty, Nev.; sister, Carol Miller of Cortez; four grandchildren; great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, James M. Willis.

Arrangements are being handled through Callahan Edfast Mortuary.
 

Carl Eugene "Gene" Maslen

Services for former longtime Cortez resident Carl Eugene "Gene" Maslen are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.

Gene was born Nov. 7, 1933, to Claud Ernest and Ruthie Jewel (Stanford) Maslen. He passed away Monday, Sept. 15, 2003, at the Glencroft Care Center in Glendale, Ariz., at the age of 69.

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

John Monroe Patten

A celebration of life will be held for John Monroe Patten at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the family home located at 14908 Road 35.3 near Summit Lake.

John was born Aug. 31, 1937, in Bonsall, Calif. to John Monroe and Evelyn (Freeman) Patten. He passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003, at his home on Summit Ridge at the age of 66.

A resident of this area for the last five years, John loved to hunt, fish and spend his time in the woods. He was a complete outdoorsman and held membership with the NRA.

Surviving John are his beloved wife, Jeannie Patten of Summit Ridge; his children: John M. Patten III and wife, Tammy, of Oceanside, Calif.; Chris Ray Patten of Valley Center, Calif., and Vicki D. Gagich of Grand Prairie, Texas; grandchildren: Rebekah M. Hernandez, Justin M. Patten, Gabriel J. Patten, Carrie A. Diehl and Nicholas P. Gagich; and great-grandchildren: Dylan Diehl and Mikal Hernandez. His brother, Barney Patten of Fallbrook, Calif.; and sister, Marguerite Church of Vistan, Calif., also survive John.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Graveside interment services for former longtime Cortez resident Carl Eugene "Gene" Maslen will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Cahone Cemetery. Following the services a dinner will be held for family and friends at the Eloise James Home, County Road N, Cahone

Gene was born Nov. 7, 1933, in Cortez to and Claud Ernest and Ruthie Jewel (Stanford) Maslen. He passed away Monday, Sept. 15, 2003, at the Glencroft Care Center in Glendale, Ariz., at the age of 69.

Gene served his country in the Army from 1954 to 1956. From his first marriage, Gene was blessed with three daughters: Jeana, Pennie and Deana. His second marriage gave him his son, Jesse.

During his lifetime, Gene worked for the Bureau on Indian Affairs, drove a truck, farmed and as he liked to tell it, goofed off for 10 years. In 1995, Gene moved to Laverne, Okla., where he managed a motel. In November 2002, Gene moved back to Cortez and when his health began to fail, moved to Glendale in April of this year.

Gene was a hard working man. He loved the mountains of this area and the greater outdoors and his horses. Before he passed away, Gene accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Surviving Gene are his father, Claud Maslen of Cortez; his daughters: Jeana Peabody and husband, Larry, of Bakersfield, Calif.; Pennie Macdowell of Phoenix, and Deana Maslen of Farmington; his son, Jesse Maslen of Cortez; and eight grandchildren. Three sisters: Dolores Johnson of Cortez; Eloise James of Cahone, and Donna Palmer of San Carlos Lake, Ariz., also survive Gene.

Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Gene Maslen with RTA Hospice, 1102 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006.

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

Frances May Becher

Frances May Becher was born May 9, 1917, in Denver to Walfrid Gustav and Adela (Johanson) Carlson. She passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez at the age of 86.

Frances always knew how to have a good time. She enjoyed visiting with others, playing cards, gambling, fishing and camping.

Her daughter and son, Helen Willett and husband, Jack, of Dolores, and Jim J. Becher and wife, Deniece, of Cortez survive Frances. She leaves eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, James H. Becher; three sisters: Elsie Coppinger, Mildred Bentley and Christy Largent; and two brothers: Curtis and Harry Carlson.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

William Orval Blackburn

William Orval Blackburn was born July 20, 1924, in Montrose, to Chester and Iva (Snokes) Blackburn. He passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003, at his home in Cortez at the age of 79.

Bill and Florence were married in Dove Creek Jan. 25, 1986, sharing 17 years of marriage. He was a lover of the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Woodworking was another favorite pastime for Bill.

Surviving Bill are his wife, Florence (Vannorsdel) Blackburn of Cortez; his children: Uarda Kriner and husband, Rich, of California; Bill C. Blackburn and wife, Abby, of Dove Creek, and Penny McLain and husband, Donald, of Cortez; his step-daughters: Pat Wong and husband, Fred, of California; Judy Middlebrook of Amarillo, Texas; Linda Gilmore and husband, Don, and Debbie Tiff and husband, Steve, all of Loveland, Colo. He leaves seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Frank J. Lambo

Frank J. Lambo, 81, who invaded Normandy with the U.S. Army during World War II, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center after a fall at his home in Durango.

A memorial Mass was celebrated yesterday at St. Columba. Cremation took place after the Mass at Hood Mortuary Crematory.

Mr. Lambo was born April 10, 1922, in Orange, N.J., the son of Philicia (Galarelli) Lambo and Carmine Lambo. At the age of 16, he moved from New Jersey to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He married Ruth E. Brown in Moab, Utah, in 1941. They have four daughters and one son.

After the war, the Lambos lived in New Jersey, Salt Lake City and Durango for the first time before settling in Dove Creek. Mr. Lambo owned and operated DeLuxe Cleaners in Dove Creek for many years.

In 1958, they moved to Farmington and Mr. Lambo began his career as an insurance agent. In 1967, the family returned to Durango where Mr. Lambo worked for Prudential Insurance. He retired in 1985.

During his years in Colorado, Mr. Lambo was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Club and the Dove Creek School Board. He delivered Meals on Wheels and led a Boy Scout troop for years. He was also a member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango.

Mr. Lambo is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Durango; his daughters: Rita McDonnell of Dove Creek; Vicky Lambo of Denver; Betty Trembly of Cortez and Anna Pedersen of Durango; his son, Doug Lambo of Lubbock, Texas; his grandchildren: Lara Pelton and David Pelton, Weston Hartshorn, Mary Trembly and Roger Trembly, Aaron Pederson, Jess Pederson and Keleen Pederson and Kaitlin Lambo, Cameron Lambo and Conner Lambo; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Columba's building fund.

Hazel C. Cole

Hazel C. Cole, a resident of Cortez, passed away Sept. 9, 2003, at her residence. She was 86.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 12, in the Faith Bible Church, 146 S. Maple, in Cortez. Pastor Dave Seaford will officiate. Interment will take place Monday, Sept. 15, in the Cottonwood Cemetery in Cottonwood, Ariz.

Hazel was born to Norvie V. and Bonnie DeWeese Dean on June 2, 1917, in Phoenix. She attended Phoenix schools and graduated from Phoenix High School.

Her teen years were spent in and around Phoenix and in 1944, she moved to Cottonwood. While there she met and married William A. Cole on Feb. 23, 1945. To this union, one son was born, Keith Albert Cole. During her married life, Mrs. Cole lived in Cottonwood; Springville, Ariz., and Cortez.

Hazel Christine Cole is survived by her husband of more than 58 years, William Cole of Cortez; a son, Keith Albert Cole of Cedar Hill, N.M.; and a grandson, Thad Cole, of Cortez.

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

 Darilynn Bybee Murray

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Darilynn Bybee Murray will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Empire Street. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Visitation has been set for Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Darilynn was born July 26, 1934, in Bell, Calif., to Clarence Derral and Minnie Watt (Nalder) Bybee. She passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at her home in Cortez at the age of 69.

On June 1, 1957, in Manti, Utah, Darilynn married Donald Dave Murray. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. She continued her teaching career for many years at the Lakeview Elementary School, where she loved giving her students hugs and kisses.

Darilynn belonged to the National Teachers Association, and to the Kiara Club of BYU. She was also a member of the Cortez Choralaires. She shared her love of music with not only the Choralaires but within her church community as well.

Darilynn was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was always a warming presence to new and old church members, truly helping many feel at home. Her love for her family and church family was extended through the generations she touched. She loved her grandchildren deeply and gave that same love to all children. Darilynn also loved to read, shop and buy Indian jewelry. She will be missed by so many.

Surviving Darilynn are her husband of 46 years, Don Murray of Cortez; her children: Donella Willis and husband, Clyde, of Cortez; Darren Dave Murray; Damon Derral Murray and wife, Adriana, all of Spanish Fork, Utah; Derral James Murray and wife, Tammy, of Forest Grove, Ore.; and Daneane Murray Jones and husband, Cameron, of Dolores. She leaves 18 grandchildren; and her two brothers: Barth Bybee and wife, Nadia, of Long Beach, Calif.; and Klair Bybee of Hollywood, Calif.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Memorial contributions can be made in Darilynn’s name with First National Bank.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Lydia Tso Eddie

Funeral services for Montezuma Creek resident Lydia Tso Eddie will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Lydia was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Aneth, Utah, to Sayini Tso and Biitaanii Yaazhi Bitsi. She passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 67.

She is survived by her husband, James Eddie of Montezuma Creek, Utah; her children: Michael Eddie of Aneth; Frieda Charley of Grants, N.M.; Jerome Eddie of Aneth; Anthony Eddie of Kirtland, N.M.; Jason Eddie of Farmington; McCartney Eddie of Red Valley, Ariz.; Ernel Eddie of Aneth; Messiah Eddie of Aneth; Thurston Eddie, Elnora Mustache of Horse Canyon, Utah, and Marlin Eddie of Aneth; her 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Margaret Weston, Lewis Tso and Louise Jones, all of Aneth.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and her infant baby girl.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Gerald Dean Ketchum

Towaoc resident Gerald Dean Ketchum died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at San Juan Hospital in Monticello, Utah. He was 45 years old.Funeral services for Mr. Ketchum will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in Towaoc at the family home at 235 Dry Creek Road. Interment is to follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Mr. Ketchum was born the son of Alex Ketchum Sr. and Clarabelle Dutchie in Cortez on Nov. 5, 1957.

On Dec. 5, 1981 Mr. Ketchum married Sonya Hamlin in Towaoc. He was a member of the Native American Church and sang all the traditional Native American songs for the Bear Dance, Sundance and Pow Wow. He was also a Pow Wow Fancy Dancer and a Sun Dancer. He was Bear Dance Chief for the White Mesa Bear Dance.

Surviving Mr. Ketchum are his wife, Sonya Ketchum of Towaoc; son Gerald Crazy Horse Ketchum also of Towaoc; brothers and sisters, Nathan Dutchie, Alvora Ketchum, Melvin Ketchum and wife, Valencia, all of Towaoc, Shirley Denetsosie of White Mesa, Utah, Darryl Ketchum, Frankie Ketchum both of Towaoc, Gilbert Dutchie and wife, Joyce of Ignacio, Colo., and Tallas Cantsee and wife, Rita of Towaoc; and his aunt, Ruby Moreno of Towaoc.

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

Lou Jarmon

Louis "Lou" Leland Jarmon of Port Lavaca, Texas, died at his home in Alamo Beach, Texas, on Sept. 1, 2003, from a lengthy illness. He was 70.

Mr. Jarmon was born July 3, 1933, in Wilmington, Del., to Louis T. and Ima Lockerman Jarmon.

He married Ruth Joy Ratliff on Dec. 26, 1951, in Chesterfield, S.C. They made their home in Graham, N.C., where Mr. Jarmon worked for Western Electric. They moved several times until 1973, when they moved the family to Cortez, Colo.

Mr. Jarmon started Jarmon Irrigation in 1975. He retired from the business in 1995, and his three sons took over. He had a ranch south of Cortez, sold it and bought a ranch in Cahone. In 1995, he bought a ranch in Dove Creek. Mr. Jarmon loved horses and cows and had many of both. In 1996, he purchased property in Port Lavaca and made that his new home. He loved to swim, fish, boat and spend time at Sunday Beach.

Survivors include three sons, Steven and wife, Margie, David and wife, Edith, Mel and wife, Brenda, all of Cortez; four grandsons, one great-grandson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife, Ruth, and one son, Jeffrey.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Primitive Baptist Church in Cortez. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mr. Jarmon to the Dolores Public Library, P.O. Box 858, Dolores, CO 81323. 

Reta Frances Gray  

Longtime Cortez resident Reta Frances Gray died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at Madison House in Cortez, She was 97.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment followed at the Lebanon Cemetery. Pastor Don Henderson officiated.

Mrs. Gray was born on June 11, 1906, in Marble, Mo., to William Van and Sadie (Dunn) Sturgis.

She married Herbert Gray on June 22, 1929. To this union three children were born, Pauline, Mary and LeeRoy. She dearly loved her family and church. Reta was a homemaker who also taught Sunday school for more than 50 years. Some of Mrs. Gray’s favorite pastimes were sewing and gardening.

She is survived by her children, Pauline Berchiolly, Mary McConnell and husband, Emmett, all of Red Bluff, Calif., and LeeRoy Gray and wife, Connie, of Cortez. She leaves 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren; as well as her two sisters, Velita Trupening and Juanita Barnhart. Preceding her in death were her husband, Herbert Gray, one sister, one brother and one great-grandson.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Gray’s memory to Madison House. Services were under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Edna E. Hargrove Dotts

Edna E. Hargrove Dotts, age 86, died at Crosslands Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Sandy, Utah, on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, after a long illness. She died one week after her husband of 65 years, Irwin L. Dotts.

Edna E. Hargrove was born Dec. 15, 1916, in Dove Creek, Dolores County, Colo., to the late Noble P. and Florence A. (Timmons) Hargrove. She spent all of her early life in Colorado and graduated from Durango High School in 1934 with awards in music for saxophone and piano.

She was united in marriage to Irwin L. Dotts on Sept. 21, 1938, in Rico, Colo. The two would sometimes play with a local band, with her on the sax or piano and him on the drums, for town dances in Rico. They continued to live there until 1949 when they moved to Carlsbad, N.M.

Mrs. Dotts was the pillar of her family, being both a good wife and an exceptional and loving mother. She loved music and children. While living in Carlsbad, she volunteered her time to play piano for a local kindergarten.

After moving to Grants, N.M., in 1957 and then to Las Vegas, Nev., in 1964, Mrs. Dotts went to work doing what she always loved, teaching music to children. She began working at Seton Academy, a private pre-school in Las Vegas, in 1965. She worked there for 34 years until she was disabled by a stroke in August 1999.

Mrs. Dotts was well respected by her co-workers and loved by the children that she loved so much. She marveled on the occasion when the children of the children she had taught came to Seton Academy. She will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Dotts is survived by her daughter and her husband, Margie and Dan Hayes of Sandy, Utah; her son and his wife, Rick and Bobbi Dotts of Naugatuck, Conn.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law and his wife, Jim and Nancy Dotts of Gunnison, Colo.; one sister-in-law, Audrey Dotts of Cortez, Colo.; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Robert "Bob" Dotts of Las Vegas, Nev.; two sisters, Ruby (Leslie) Winkfield and Thelma (Murrey) Baer of Dolores, Colo.; two brothers, Noble Bert Hargrove and John W. Hargrove of Cortez.

Memorial services for Mr. and Mrs. Dotts will be held at graveside, followed by burial in Rico Cemetery south of Rico at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to: National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Englewood, CO 80112; to make a donation by phone, call 1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537); or on the Internet at http://www.stroke.org .

William Riley Brown

William Riley Brown died Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos. He was 98.

Mr. Brown was born June 4, 1905, in Monument, Colo. to Sam and Rhoda (Moore) Brown.

He lived in Monument until he was 13 then lived in various other places in Colorado throughout his life. At one time, he worked for the circus providing horses for their shows. He worked in the road construction industry for most of his life and at one time helped to build Camp Hale. Mr. Brown was known to be quite the storyteller. He could go on for hours talking about old-time cars and trucks.

Survivors include his two children, James Brown and Lila A. Brown; his granddaughter, Jami D. Brown, all of Cortez; and his sister, Lisa Johnson of Oregon.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Dorothy L. (March) Brown, whom he married on Feb. 19, 1930, in West Creek, Colo.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Ronald L. Bruns

Longtime Cortez resident Ronald Lee Bruns died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at the Calico Peak trailhead in Dolores. He was 54.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 4, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Cremation will follow. Pastor Neely Lewis will be officiating.

Mr. Bruns was born Nov. 7, 1948. in Rushville, Neb., to Wayne D. and Phyllis M. (Parks) Bruns.

He enjoyed fishing and woodworking and restoring his Studabaker.

Mr. Bruns is survived by his wife, Judi Bruns of Cortez; his mother, Phyllis M. Bruns of Rushville, Neb.; his children, Mindi Lin Irvin and husband, Mark of Grand Junction, Colo., Scott Andrew Bruns of Mesa, Ariz., Kacy Marie Bruns of Cortez; his grandmother, Opal Parks of Rushville, Neb.; grandchildren, Brandon, Ellie, Darienne, Andrew Irvin and Andrew and Brandon Sidwa; brother Loren Bruns and wife, Shiela; and sister, Marilynn Schumacher and husband, Jerry. Preceding him in death is his father, Wayne Bruns.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Brun’s name at Citizens State Bank. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.