Ismay
A graveside memorial service for Florence Ethel Reed Ismay
is scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. in the Cedar Grove Cemetery
in Mancos. Pastor Neely Lewis will officiate the services.
She died on March 4, 2005 in Grand Junction, Colo.
She is survived by her sister, Crissie Smith of Nucla;
numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and great great
nieces and nephews.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is
serving the family. 
Leon Daniel "L.D." Seitz
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Leon Daniel "L.D." Seitz
will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 at the Cortez Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, County Road M Chapel. Burial will follow
at the Goodman Point Cemetery.
Visitation has been set for Monday afternoon from 3 to
5 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
He was born Aug. 31, 1925 in Cortez, the son of Ralph Waldo
and Mattie Lee (Odom) Seitz. He died at his home in Cortez on Friday,
April 29, 2005 at the age of 79.
Born and raised in the Cortez area, he left the area following
work. He was able to return to the area several years ago. He worked
as a lineman with several electric organizations. After his retirement
he operated a security business, which he truly enjoyed. His nature made
him a true western character, he loved the old west and had a fascination
with guns. His nature held a true stubbornness and this turned out to
be a real asset as he fought against the illness that he had. You just
couldn't get him down, said relatives.
Surviving are his children, Ralph "Rex" Seitz
of the Carolinas; Dawna Lynn Warr and husband, David of Yarrington, Nev.;
Sarah "Denise" Barnes of Idaho Falls, Ida.; and Karen Lee Black
and husband, Keith of North Las Vegas, Nev.; 17 grandchildren and numerous
great grandchildren; and numerous cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dova Cleo (Hart)
Seitz; a son, Leon David Seitz in 1999; two brothers, Archie and Willis
Seitz; and a sister, Nina Lea Odom.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Leon Daniel
Seitz with Citizens State Bank of Cortez.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
For further information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Vera E. Hays
Funeral services for Vera E. Hays, a longtime resident
of Cortez are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.
She was born Feb. 26, 1907 in Hood River, Ore., the daughter
of Erton Timothy and Bertha Loretta (Bryant) Folts. She died at Vista
Grande Nursing Home on Saturday, April 30, 2005 at the age of 98.
For futher service information, contact the Ertel Funeral
Home at 565-3468 or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Jerry Michael Barrett
Jerry Barrett, a resident of Cortez, died on April 24, 2005 in Cortez.
He was 64.
Arrangements are pending with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale
and Gerken. For further information, call 564-0667.
Charles David 'Happy' Foote
Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Charles David Foote will
be at 10 a.m., Monday, May 2 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial will
follow at the Nucla Cemetery.
A visitation has been scheduled at 8 a.m. prior to the service Monday
morning.
He was born on Jan. 29, 1919 in Ackman, Colo., the son of Willie Cleaveland
and Myrtle (Pigg) Foote. He died Thursday, April 28, 2005 at the Vista
Grande Nursing Home at the age of 86.
There were 14 children in his family and he was one of nine that served
in the military. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on July 12, 1944
at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He proudly served his country during World
War II. He was a member of the First Calvary Division and was part of
the first group who entered into Tokyo after the surrender. He received
the Bronze Star Medal for his achievement in ground combat. He was honorably
discharged on Feb. 4, 1946 at Fort MacArthur, Calif. He returned to Cortez
and went to work as a line superintendent for Empire Electric for many
years. During his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing as well
as hunting rocks and arrowheads. He was also a member of the Mancos Chamber
of Commerce.
Surviving are his two sons, Charlie Foote, Jr. of Olathe, Colo. and
Ralph Foote of Cortez. He leaves six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren;
and six siblings. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife,
Ruth Eloise (Hall) Foote; his children, Gene Foote and Eileen Foote;
and eight siblings.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Victor Joseph Jacobs
Funeral services for Victor Joseph Jacobs, a longtime resident of Cortez,
will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
with Father Derrek D. Scott officiating.
Visitation and Rosary services will be Monday evening at 7 p.m. at
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
He was born Jan. 7, 1921 in Hays, Kansas, one of 13 children born to
Casper and Magdalena (Urban) Jacobs. He died at Southwest Memorial Hospital
on Thursday, April 28, 2005 at the age of 84.
A graduate from Kansas State University, he served his country during
World War II in the Army. On June 16, 1947, he married Amelia Riedel
in Hays, Kansas. After making a move to the Cortez area in June 1949,
he began a career as an electrical engineer for Empire Electric working
from June 1949 to March 1983.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Amelia Jacobs of Cortez; his children,
Elizabeth Jacobs of Cortez, Joe Jacobs of Boulder, Colo., and Mary Ann
Fake and husband, Doug of Oakland, Calif.; and his grandchildren, Regina
Fake and Veronica Fake. His 12 siblings preceded him in death.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Virginia D. Lancaster
Funeral services for former longtime Cortez resident, Virginia D. Lancaster
will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30 at the Cortez First
United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
For more information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
Bessie McCabe
Bessie Roy McCabe, a resident of Cortez, died on April
28, 2005 at her residence. She was 79.
Cremation will take place, with no services planned at
this time.
She was born to Henry and Barbara (Severns) Eaves on Dec.
5, 1925 in Lovington, N.M.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Van Arsdale and husband,
Gerald of Kirtland, N.M.; three grandchildren, Mike, Todd and Kevin;
and numerous great grandchildren.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is
serving the family.
James Benjamin Presson
Memorial services for longtime Mancos resident, James Benjamin Presson
will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial
will be held privately at the Presson Family Cemetery.
He was born on April 22, 1926 in El Paso, Texas, the son of Harry and
Frances (Carsrud) Presson. He died Thursday, April 14, 2005 at the Valley
Inn Nursing Home at the age of 78.
He was an active man who loved playing his guitar, horseback riding,
hunting and fishing.He enjoyed "putzing" around building and fixing things.
He loved to take the kids camping and showed them hunter safety. He was
also a member of the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are his wife, Eddie Elizabeth Sahlen of Mancos; his children,
Judith Presson of Tacoma, Wash., Michael James Presson of Hesperia, Calif.
and Patricia Diane Presson of Langley, Wash. He leaves four grandchildren,
and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents;
and his first wife, June E. Presson.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jim's memory to the Dolores Fire
Department.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Robert Alfred Adler
Robert Alfred Adler, 91, died at the Colorado State Veteran's Nursing
Home in Walsenburg, Colo., April 24, 2005.
He was born in Somerville, Mass., Sept. 23, 1913 to Alfred A. Adler
and Esther N. Nilsson. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps,
641st Bombardment Squadron, 409th Bombardment Group, WWII. He participated
in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge at Utah
Beach, June 6, 1944. In 2001, he was awarded the French Government Gold
Medal for his bravery in action in the Allied Forces march to free Normandy.
A long time Black Forest, Colo., resident, he lived the later years
of his life in the Cortez area where he was known as "The San Juan Gunsmith."
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Laura Frances
Fraser, in 1974. He is survived by his four children, Patricia Chamberlain
of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Paula Fraser of Seattle, Wash.; Gregory Adler
of Windsor, Colo.; and Robert Adler of Naples, Fla. In addition, he is
survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister,
Hazel Wilson of Lexington, Mass.; his brother, Karl Adler of Bedford,
Mass. and many nieces and nephews.
The family will be receiving visitors at Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501
North Cascade Avenue on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Graveside services
with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Eastonville
Cemetery in Black Forest, Colo. The Rev. Nick Natelli will officiate.
Gary William Schafer
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Gary William Schafer
will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 29 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Lewis Cemetery. Mr. Doug Carver will be officiating.
A visitation has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Ertel
Chapel from 3:30 until 5 p.m.
He was born on May 11, 1941 in Denver, Colo., the son of William and
O'Linda (York) Schafer. He died Monday, April 25, 2005 at his home in
Cortez at the age of 63.
He was an Army veteran who served two consecutive terms in Germany,
Israel and Jordan. He moved to the area 25 years ago where he worked
for Nielson's/Skanska as a mechanic for 20 years. He was diagnosed with
congestive heart failure which caused an early retirement. He was recently
diagnosed with cancer.
During his early years he loved racing stock cars. He has a Web site
dedicated to his racing memories, www.coloradoracingmemories.com. He cherished frequent
visits from his grandchildren catering to their every need. He loved
taking regular drives with his wife, Wanda. Most importantly, he loved
living life and caring for his wife, children and grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Wanda Ann Schafer of Cortez; his children,
Marion Barrios, Janeen Wise both of Gaithersburg, Md., Sheley, Darrell "Dennis" Carver,
Carol Gray, Merlyn Carver, Brian Carver, Susan Carver, and Rebecca Kline.
He leaves numerous grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter; his brother,
Harold Schafer and wife, Carolyn of Page, Ariz.; his aunt, Lois Schafer
of Denver; and his lifelong family friend, Darlene Spomer of Lakeside,
Colo. Preceding him in death were his parents; and his son, Anthony Schafer.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Dillard O. Duran
Funeral services for Dillard O. Duran, a longtime resident of Cortez,
will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Pastor Matt Segebart of the Seventh Day Adventist Church will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery with the Ute Mountain American
Legion Post #75 conducting military services.
Visitation has been set for Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ertel
Chapel.
He was born Dec. 4, 1941 at Arriola, Colo., to Edward C. and Alma I.
(Leslie) Duran. He died at his home in Cortez Thursday, April 21, 2005
at the age of 63.
He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970. He held membership
in the American Legion and the VFW. He was a member of the Four Corners
Community Band, playing the tuba.
Surviving are his daughter, Dalena Cross and husband, Joseph, of Lansing,
Mich.; grandsons, David W. Cross and Joseph Levi Cross, both of Lansing,
Mich.; former wife, Vicky S. Duran of Lansing, Mich.; sisters, Vivian
Duran, of Montrose, Colo., Dana Duran, of Brighton, Colo., and Marlene
Duran, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and special friends, Ruth Ann Brown, of Cortez
and Linda Luce, of Mancos.
Three brothers, Eddie Duran, Sidney Duran, and Duane Duran; and one
sister, Donnis Duran preceded him in death, as did his parents.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Randi Raquel Reed
Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Randi Raquel Reed will
be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Cortez Elks Lodge #1789. Interment
will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
Visitation has been set for Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial
Chapel.
She was born in Cortez March 3, 1976, to Brad and Mindy Jean (Hargrove)
Reed. She died at her home Sunday, April 24, 2005 at the age of 29.
A very active young woman, she loved playing softball, golf, bowling,
and throwing darts and horseshoes. She was a member of the Cortez Women's
Golf Association, Rocky Mountain Ringers Horseshoe Club, and American
Legion Dart Club. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary
and the Cortez Elks Lodge.
Surviving are her husband, David Pierce, of Cortez; her children, Ryatt
Lane Pierce and Regan Raquel Pierce, also of Cortez; her mother and stepfather,
Mindy and Jim Rosenbaugh, of Cortez; and her father and stepmother, Brad
and Dawn Reed, of Cortez. Two brothers, Channing Tanner Sparks, of Durango
and Boe Garon Reed, of Cortez; a sister, Fandon Mask, of California;
two stepsisters, Mary Miller, of Glen Rock, Wyo., and Kodi Ward, of Cortez;
and a stepbrother, Kenny Ward, from Rock Springs, Wyo.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Randi Reed Benefits Account
with the Dolores State Bank.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Vernon L. Ridge
Vernon Ridge, a resident of Cortez, died April 21, 2005 at his residence.
He was 84.
Cremation will take place, with a private family gathering to follow
at a later date.
He was born Nov. 5, 1920 to Winfield Sherman and Eva Harrellson Thomas
in Clinton, Okla. When he became an adult, he changed his name from Wilbur
Thomas to Vernon L. Ridge. He was a welder for most of his life, working
at a shipyard and in the oil industry. He married Elevyne Florence Fitton
in Durango. She preceded him in death on Nov. 27, 1951. He enjoyed sunning,
playing cards, resting in his van and telling stories.
He is survived by his daughters, Sharon and husband, Richard, of Cortez;
and Mary and husband, Dave, of Eureka, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 18
great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and a son.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is serving the
family.
Alvina L. Dresch
Graveside services for former Mancos resident Alvina L.
Dresch will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 25 at the Cortez Cemetery.
She was born Feb. 14, 1908 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Christian
and Augusta (Burgstaller) Lutz. She died Monday, April 18, 2005 at the
Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Islip, N.Y. at the age of 97.
She married William James Dresch and resided in Mancos.
She spent her working career as a bookkeeper.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne Dresch; Bill
Dresch and wife, Marialies, all of Long Island, N.Y; Maureen Henneman
and husband, Jim, of Mancos; her grandchildren, David Henneman; William
H. Dresch; Kathryn Henneman and Debra Sue Jacques. She leaves four great-grandchildren;
as well as many nieces and nephews.Preceding her in death were her parents;
and her husband, William James Dresch.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s
Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105
or to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Sayville, N.Y.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further service information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Peggy Ann Roe
Funeral services for lifelong area resident Peggy Ann
Roe will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 25 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Pastor Jonathan Bland of New Hope Christian Ministries will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
She was born Nov. 24, 1932 in Lewis, Colo., to Lee Curtis
and Eva Elizabeth (Stevenson) Duncan She died at Southwest Memorial Hospital
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at the age of 72.
She married Darrell Cornelius Roe July 25, 1953, in Aztec,
N.M. Her husband died Oct. 6, 1967. She worked 25 years for Southwest
Memorial Hospital as a data processor. In her free time she loved to
garden and tend her African violets.
Surviving are her children, Donna Dennison, Debbie Roe
and Grant Roe and wife, Julie, all of Cortez; Becky Williams and husband,
Randy, of Durango; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren;
brother, Bill Duncan of Lewis; sisters, Daisy King and husband, Bill,
of Cortez, and Pat Ashbaugh and husband, Lloyd, of Grants, N.M.; sisters-in-law,
Vada Small and Lois Rutledge and husband, Bill, all of Cortez; and brothers-in-law,
Sid Powell of Cortez and Darwin Roe of Fort Collins, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,
Darrell; brothers, Thomas H. Gilliland, Richard Duncan, and John Duncan;
and sisters, June McCulley and Jeanne Reed.
Memorial contributions can be made with the American Cancer
Society. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Judith Sue Smith
Funeral services for Judith Sue Smith, originally of Cortez, will be
held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
in Cortez. The Rev. Erika Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at
the Cortez Cemetery.
She died April 12, 2005, at the age of 65 in Marin County, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Dean Smith; her father,
George William Smith, Jr.; and her mother, Marjory Coppinger Calhoon
Smith.
She is survived by her son, Michael George Smith, of Sausalito, Calif.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Robert Lee "Bob" Wright Sr.
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Robert Lee "Bob" Wright
Sr. will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 18 at the Lifeway Baptist Church.
Pastor Jimmy Kennedy will officiate. Burial will follow at the Cortez
Cemetery with military services being provided by Ute Mountain American
Legion Post #75.
He was born April 24, 1926 in Atoka, Okla., to Sydney
Leroy "Boss" and Jessie Mae "Dixie" (Bruton) Wright. He died at San Juan
Regional Medical Center Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the age of 78.
He served during World War II in the Marines. On April
4, 1948, he married Asalea McBee in Texas. In 1957, he and his family
moved to Cortez, where he owned and operated Wright Construction. He
held memberships in Elks Lodge #1789, the Masons, Shriners and the American
Legion.
Surviving are his wife, Asalea Wright of Cortez; children,
Bob Wright and wife, Sherri, of Cortez; Boss Wright and wife, Tammy,
of Cortez; and Lisa Wright of Sarasota, Fla. Five grandchildren Kelly,
Robby, Leah, Jeff and Randy; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Aryelle,
Avery, Kyrah and Tagan; a brother, Joe Wright and wife, Kathleen, of
Farmington, N.M.; and a stepsister, Delsia Brown of Mancos also survive
him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Hollis
Wright in 1949.
Memorial contributions can be made at the Citizens State
Bank of Cortez. The family will determine charitable contributions to
be made from this fund.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home.
Emily Rose Laner Nez
Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Emily Rose
Laner Nez will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 18 at The Chapel. Burial
will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
A wake is set for Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. at 1418 Lafayette
Street in Towaoc.
She was born July 15, 1950 in Blanding, Utah, to John
Parker Laner and Katie Deer. She died Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at her
home in Cortez at the age of 54.
She loved to gamble, and enjoyed meeting and greeting
other people. Traveling and seeing new places was a passion. Her grandchildren
were her dearest love.
Surviving are her husband, Andrew Nez, of Cortez; children,
Delaney Starr of Cortez; Melissa Watts and husband, Greg McCook, of Towaoc;
grandchildren, Caleb Starr, Cody Starr, Kaelyn Starr, and Delvin Starr,
Jr.; siblings, Shirley Deer of Towaoc; Wanda Farjado of Tennessee; Ramona
Cantsee of Towaoc; Wahella Begay of Whitemesa, Utah; Joanna Laner; Nola
Price and husband, Lewis; Sandy Laner and husband, Raymon Kuebler Sr.,
all of Towaoc; Clarissa Laner and husband, Kendall Whiskers, of Cortez;
Anabell Laner, of Towaoc; Lori Laner, of Cortez; Byron Laner; Johnny
Laner and wife, Kate Arkansas, all of Towaoc; and Jack Cantsee Sr. and
wife, Mary, of Whitemesa, Utah.Preceding her in death were her parents;
her son, Delvin Starr; and two sisters and two brothers.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home.
Lorene Tobin
Memorial services for Lorene Tobin, a longtime area resident,
will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s
Witnesses. Burial will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.
She was born Oct. 12, 1926 in Denver, Colo., to Sylvestus
Henry and Marguerite "Ruth" (Patterson) Holtzclaw. She died in Phoenix,
Ariz., April 10, 2005.
She spent most of her life in Dolores. She married Charles
Tobin on June 24, 1951. Charles died January 2004 after 52 years of marriage.
For the past 50 years, she faithfully served as one of Jehovah’s
Witnesses in the Cortez Congregation.
Surviving are her three children, Charles Leroy Tobin
and wife, Donna, of Farmington, N.M. and their children, Fawn and Shawna;
Lynda Tobin of Cortez and her daughter, Deanna, of Denver; and Michael
Tobin and wife, Tamra, of Dolores and children, Ty, Thayne and Terrance;
and grandchild Mark Mordecki of Farmington, N.M. and four great grandchildren.
Her siblings, Walt and Flo Holtzclaw of Dallas, Texas; Norma Nelson of
Lemon Grove, Calif.; Margarett Felwock of Las Vegas, Nev.; Dorcas Ray
of Denver, Colo.; Francis (Mrs. Gerald) Litton of Riverside, Calif. and
half sister, Marjory (Mrs. Reef) Egger of Mesa, Ariz.; sister-in-law,
Pauline Baldy of Allyn, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive
her. She was preceded in death by her parents and three half brothers,
Donald, Alvin and James Baldy.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home.
Raymond Leo Murphy
Memorial services for Cortez resident Raymond Leo Murphy will be held
at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Ute Mountain American Legion Post
#75. Both the Ute Mountain Legion Post and Mancos VFW Post will conduct
the services.
He was born June 18, 1921 at Luton, Iowa, to Ruth Bernice (Montgomery)
and Lawrence Patrick Murphy. He died Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the
age of 83.
He joined the United States Navy serving from 1942 to 1946. He married
Donna Marie Morse on Feb. 21, 1947.
He was a charter member of the Robert Irish American Legion Post in
Salix, Iowa, and a member of the Ute Mountain American Legion Post and
the Mancos VFW Post.
He worked as a drilling rig motorman for seven years and spent numerous
years farming. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family.
He also enjoyed gardening and his many friends.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Donna Murphy, of Cortez; daughters,
Patty and husband, Keith Tilton, and Rosalie and husband, George Young;
son, Daniel Murphy and wife, Jill; daughter-law, Sandy Beck; sisters,
Lucy and husband, Glenn Reynolds; Shirley and husband, Bob Cody; and
Beulah Murphy; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and
one sister.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Preston 'Sam' Porter
Preston "Sam" Porter died in his Mancos home Thursday, April 7, 2005.
Born to O.O. and Lora Mae Porter in Brookaton, Texas, May 13, 1944, he
was a rodeo rider, an accomplished welder and painter and worked as a
heavy equipment mechanic for CFI in Pueblo for many years.
He leaves his wife, Loraleigh, of the family home; daughters, Kiristina
and husband, John DeLuzio-Katona, and son, Konner of Denver; La Shawna
Null and children, Scott, Shawn, Savannah and Simon of Ordway; brothers,
Ron Porter and wife, Vicki of Cortez; and Dwayne Porter. He will be missed
by his stepchildren, Steven Peterson of Seattle, Ian Kinkade and wife,
Holly and daughter, Mellodie of Lake Havasu; Alicia Navage and husband,
Chris and daughter, Jordan; and Colin Kinkade, all of Cortez.
An informal memorial service was held at the American Legion. As he
wished, no formal services were held.
Arrangements were made through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
William Howard Runck
William Howard Runck, of Cortez, died April 11, 2005,
at the Vista Grande Nursing Home, at the age of 94.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 15 at
the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. The Masonic Lodge # 133 AF and
AM of Cortez and the Eastern Star, Chapter 87 of Cortez, will officiate
the services. Cremation will take place, with burial at a later date.
A reception will follow the services in the Cortez Masonic Lodge, located
at 304 E. First.
He was born Jan. 13, 1911, to Philip and Anna Runck on
the family farm in Dolores. He attended Union College in Lincoln, Neb.,
where he met and married Lorena Schlegel. They lived at the family farm
until he became an electrician moved his family to Cortez and then later
to Durango.
He married his second wife, Norine Record, June 2, 1946.
The couple opened Montezuma Appliance and operated a retail appliance
and music record store in Cortez.
Surviving are his wife, Norine; four children: Howard;
Merle and wife, Marcia; Rodney and wife, Fay; and Joyce Bates and husband,
Durrel; one stepson, Clark Record; siblings, Roger Runck; Ruth Smoot
and Mildred Beck; as well as six grandchildren; six great grandchildren;
numerous nieces, nephews; grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Shelly.
Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is serving
the family. For more information, call 564-0667.
Charles Melvin Combs Sr.
Funeral services for Dolores resident Charles Melvin Combs Sr. will
be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9 at the Mountain View Baptist Church
located at 16302 Road 30.5 on Summit Ridge. Burial will follow at the
Summit Ridge Cemetery. Pastor Roy Venson will officiate.
Visitation has been set for Friday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from
3 to 5 p.m.
He was born Nov. 6, 1935 at Norwood, Colo., to Charles Marion and Orah
Estella (Major) Combs. He died at his home Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at
the age of 69.
On Oct. 20, 1961, he married Anita Blaisdell in Cortez. He worked a
number of years as a hard rock miner in the uranium mines. He enjoyed
hunting, fishing, guns, computers and music and was a member of the Mountain
View Baptist Church.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Anita Combs, of Dolores; his children,
Charline Cummins and husband, Dan, of Price, Utah and Charles M. Combs
Jr. and wife, Lisa, of Carlin, Nev.; five grandchildren; and one great
grandchild; sisters, Christine Houser and husband, Dee, of East Carbon,
Utah and Billie Enberg and husband, Don, of Delta, Colo.; and numerous
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Hixon.
Memorial contributions can be made at the Dolores State Bank.
Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Gerald Grover George
Funeral services for Cortez resident Gerald Grover George will be held
at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Duckwater Tribal Gymnasium in Duckwater,
Nev. Burial will follow at the Duckwater Cemetery. Pastor Marvin Mings
will officiate.
He was born March 15, 1950, in Schurz, Nev., to Willie George and Beulah
Bullcreek. He died Thursday, March 31, 2005, in Towaoc at the age of
55.
He was a member of the BIA firefighting team stationed at Towaoc. He
is survived by his stepdaughter, Jennifer Oberg of Novato, Calif.; his
grandchildren, Alexander and Katherine Oberg; his half-sister and brother,
Sharon and Drew Sackett; and his cousins, Wanda J. Quasula of Peach Springs,
Ariz., and Linda Hooper of Duckwater, Nev.
Local services and arrangements are being handled through the Ertel
Funeral Home. For further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Evelyn Juanita Green
Funeral services for lifelong Dolores resident Evelyn Juanita Green
will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 8 at the Dolores Southern Baptist
Church.Burial will follow at the Summit Ridge Cemetery.
Visitation has been set for today at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from
3 to 5 p.m.
She was born Aug. 13, 1923, at Dolores, to Leonard and Grace (Marshall)
Robinson. She died at her home Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at the age of
80.
In September 1953, she married George E. Green at Chama, N.M. She was
a member of the Garden Club and the Dolores Southern Baptist Church.
She loved baking pies, crocheting and quilting, as well as mushroom hunting.
She drew great pleasure being with her grandchildren and visiting with
people. She loved bird watching.
Surviving are her husband, George Green, of Dolores; and children,
Shirley Juarez of Dolores; Don Johnson and wife, Linda, of Dolores; Ron
Green and wife, Marsha, of Lewis; Mary Foster and husband, Dusty, of
Dolores; and Wally Green of Dolores. Seven grandchildren and three great
grandchildren; and a sister, Molly Miller of San Diego, Calif. also survive.
Memorial contributions can be made with the Dolores Southern Baptist
Church. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For
further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary
section.
Edith C. Hinton
Graveside services for longtime Farmington resident Edith C. Hinton
will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2005 at the Cortez Cemetery.
She died Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at the age of 93. She resided at the
Life Care Center in Farmington. She was born in Ione, Wash., on Jan.
3, 1912, and married Raymond Howard Hinton in Cortez on Nov. 12, 1931.
He died in 1976. She lived in the Farmington area for the past 42 years
and was a member of First Baptist Church.
She is by her sons; Howard Hinton and wife, Wanda, of Beaumont, Calif.;
Norman Hinton and wife, Ouida; and daughter, Karen Broten and husband,
Scott, all of Farmington; and her sister, Ruth Tate, of Farmington; 12
grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Eddie Brown and Clara
Mae Dennison Brown; her daughter, Dorothy Ileen Greenlee; and infant
daughters, Shirley Edith and Mona Glee; as well as her grandsons, Michael
Norman Hinton and Steven Kent High; and her sisters, Irene Carver, Ella
Hinton, Blanche Hendrickson; and brother, Elmer Brown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest
New Mexico Hospice or the Activity Fund at the Life Care Center of Farmington.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ertel Funeral Home.
Tracy Gene Lopez
Funeral services for Towaoc resident Tracy Gene Lopez
will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, April 11 at the Boyd Lopez residence located
on U.S. Highway 491. Burial will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery.
A wake will be held Sunday at the Boyd Lopez residence
beginning at 6 p.m.
He was born January 31, 1969 at Cortez, to Bill and Mary
Louise (Tabbee) Lopez . He died at San Juan Regional Center in Farmington
Tuesday, April 5, 2005. He was 36 years old.
He was a talented craftsman and enjoyed his time spent
outdoors. He was currently a chef student.
Surviving are his children, Shasha Lopez; Reece Lopez
and Isaias Jaramillo; and his brothers and sisters, Shelly Lopez; Prisllena
Lopez; Boyd Lopez; Berlinda Cotonuts; Bailey Cotonuts; Mindy Cotonuts;
Glen Cotonuts; Patty Lopez; Pricellia Blackhawk; Vernon Lopez; Buddy
Lopez; Julian Lopez; Victor Orange and Lavern Lopez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Lopez and
Mary Louise Lopez; and two brothers, Franklin Lopez and Raymus Lopez.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Michael Dennis Mays
Dennis Mays, a resident of Dolores, died April 1, 2005, at his residence.
He was 55.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service to take place at a later
date in Bakersfield, Calif.
He was born Oct. 26, 1949, in Porterville, Calif., to Ben J. and Velta
Lee (Hood) Mays. He was a high school graduate and continued his education
in the U.S. Army in computer sciences. He was a Vietnam War veteran.
He lived most of his life in Bakersfield, coming to Dolores in January
of this year.
He was a member of the Lost Dutchman's Association, Gold Panning Amateurs
Association and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gold prospecting.
He is survived by his children, Erik Anthony Mays and Melissa Renee
Gabalin, both of Bakersfield; a sister, Vivian Cox of Clovis, Calif.;
close friends, Randy Sublett of Bakersfield and Mitch and Bobbie Payne
of Dolores.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cortez Four Corners, Hale and Gerken is serving the family.
Thomas Sakizzie
Funeral services for Montezuma Creek, Utah, resident Thomas Sakizzie
will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Montezuma Creek Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial will follow at the Sakizzie
family cemetery.
A visitation has been scheduled for Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the
Ertel Memorial Chapel.
He was born Feb. 15, 1912. He died at Southwest Memorial Hospital Wednesday,
April 6, 2005, at the age of 93.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, call Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468 or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
John Howard Searle
A memorial service will be held for John Howard Searle at 2 p.m. Saturday,
April 9, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Cortez. Family and friends
are invited to attend a reception in the Parish Hall following the services.
Mr. Searle, of Great Falls, Mont., died suddenly Thursday, Feb. 24,
2005, at the age of 48.He was born Aug. 3, 1956, in Colorado Springs.
He was the son of longtime Cortez residents Charles and Elizabeth Searle.
Surviving are his loving parents, Charles and Elizabeth Searle of Cortez;
his brothers Charlie Searle and wife, Julie, of Denver; and Tom Searle
and wife, Cathy, of New River, Ariz.; and his sister, Ann Philpott and
husband, Cam, of Denver.He is also survived by five nieces and nephews,
several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association,
600 Central Avenue, Suite 219, Great Falls, MT 59401.Donors can designate
the funds to be used for "Community Health and Education."
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Leonard Clair Switzer
Leonard Switzer, a longtime resident of Cortez, died April
5, 2005 at Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 73.
A memorial service is planned for today, April 9 at 1
p.m. in the Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 Rodeo Arena (east side).
Full military rites will be performed by the American Legion and the
VFW.
Mr. Switzer was born in Blue Water, N.M., to Hubert and
Gertie (Hoisington) Switzer March 30, 1932. He was the first of four
children. He graduated from high school in Cortez and joined the U.S.
Air Force in 1951. He served his country during the Korean War for four
years before being honorably discharged. He married Twila Bridgewater
and to this union, four children were born: Cris, Betty, Steve and Lesa.
He is survived by his four children; nine grandchildren;
eight great grandchildren; three brothers: Ed, Wes and Jerry Switzer;
many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters;
his stepmother; and two grandchildren.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is
serving the family. The Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 and the
VFW is in charge of the services.
Paul Edward Allmeyer
Paul Allmeyer died April 2, 2005 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in
Mancos at the age of 89. He was born in St. Louis, Mo. to Paul and Emma
(Beyer) Allmeyer on March 16, 1916.
He will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in St. Louis,
Mo. where he will be buried. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be
made to the Chapel Fund at the Valley Inn Nursing Home, 211 Third Ave.,
Mancos, CO 81328. Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken
is serving the family. Call 564-0667 for further information.
Kenneth Wayne Baxstrom
Memorial services for Cortez resident Kenneth Wayne Baxstrom will be
held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 6 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Military
services will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75.
He was born June 4, 1937 in Trail Canyon, Colo., to Howard L. and Blanche
P. (Ashbaugh) Baxstrom. He died Friday, April 1, 2005, at Southwest Memorial
Hospital. He was 67 years old.
He was in the Indian arts trading business which he deeply loved. He
was a Native American anthropologist, graduating from Fort Lewis College "cum
laude." His great-grandfather, Peter Baxstrom owned a stone quarry. He
was also a rock hound and loved traveling.
Surviving are his son, Richard Baxstrom and wife, Mamiko Hada, of Baltimore,
Md.; and his siblings, Harold Baxstrom and wife, Judy, of Durango; Helen
Holliday of Eager, Ariz.; Mary Scott and husband, Tex, of Durango; Gene
Baxstrom and wife, Dana, and Robert Baxstrom and wife, Sharon, all of
Dolores.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Samuel George Bland
Graveside burial services for lifelong Cortez resident Samuel George
Bland will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7 at the Cortez Cemetery.
The Rev. Jonathan Bland will officiate.
He was born March 27, 1937 in rural Bayfield, Colo., to Jack David
and Ann (Cooper) Bland. He died Sunday, April 3, 2005 at his home in
Cortez at the age of 68.
He was a Navy veteran who defended his country during the Korean conflict
and the Vietnam War. He maintained his membership with the Ute Mountain
American Legion Post #75. Reading was a passion of his. In his past years,
hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes.
Surviving are his mother, Ann Bland, of Cortez; his children, Lynda
Gosnell and husband, Bob, of Cortez; Cathy Frederick and husband, Steve,
of Mesa, Ariz.; and Carmen Serrano of Tucson, Ariz. He leaves six grandchildren,
and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his father,
Jack Bland; and his brother and sister, David Bland and Carol Bland Whitson.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Theodore Boekhout
Theodore Boekhout, a resident of Nucla, died April 3, 2005 at his residence.
He was 71.
Arrangements are pending with Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale
and Gerken.
Call 564-0667 for further information.
Gerold George
Funeral services for Gerold George, a member of the BIA firefighting
team stationed at Towoac, are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.
He was born March 15, 1950. He died in Towaoc March 29, 2005 at the
age of 55.
For further information, contact the Ertel Funeral Home at 565-3468
or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Mary Magdeline Hite
Funeral services for Cortez resident Mary Magdeline Hite will be held
at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with
Father Derrek D. Scott officiating. Burial services will be held Friday
at 10 a.m. at the Hayden Cemetery in Hayden, Colo.
Rosary services and visitation will be held Wednesday at the church
beginning at 7 p.m.
She was born Nov. 22, 1904 in Hayden, Colo., to George W. and Julia
Annie (Wedell) Hite. She died Monday, April 4, 2005 at the Valley Inn
Nursing Home in Mancos. She was 100 years old.
Before moving to Cortez, she served on the Hospital District Board
in Oak Creek, Colo. She also served as president of her local senior
citizens organizationand was a member of the Pioneers of America. She
loved to travel.
Surviving are her three nieces, Virginia M. Coppinger of Dolores; Marjorie
Coppinger of Cortez; and MaryLou Hines of Casper, Wyo.; and her nephew,
William R. Hite of Henderson, Nev.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Travis Edwin Dewayne Hughes
Memorial services for longtime Cortez resident Travis Edwin Dewayne
Hughes will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 at the Ertel Memorial
Chapel. Military services will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American
Legion Post #75. A visitation has been scheduled for Tuesday at the Ertel
Chapel from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
He was born Aug. 30, 1972, at Topeka, Kan., to Virgil Edward and Judy
Arlene (Loe) Hughes. He died Friday, April 1, 2005 in rural Montezuma
County at the age of 32.
He was an Army veteran who served as a helicopter crew chief, combat
flight medic and a Drug Interdiction Team member in Kansas. Upon honorably
discharging in September 1995, he entered the life of sales. Above all
he cherished and loved the time he spent with his children.
Surviving are his children, Taylor Mitchel Muse and Kelsey Lynne Hughes
both of Clovis, N.M.; his parents, Virgil Edward Hughes of Larkspur,
Colo., and Judy Arlene Ward of Topeka, Kan.; his brother, Brad Edward
William Hughes and wife, Mary, of Topeka, Kan.; his stepsister, Leann
Chandler of Larkspur, Colo.; and his nephew, Lane Edward James Hughes
of Topeka. Preceding him in death were his stepmother, Beverly Jean Hughes;
his stepfather, Matthew H. Ward; and his grandparents, Vivian B. Loe,
George E. Hughes, Liberty Hughes, and Kenneth Kern.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Alyne Eakins
Memorial services for Alyne Eakins, a longtime resident of Cortez,
will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 1 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
A reception will follow at the Cortez Elks Lodge.
She was born Oct. 19, 1924 in Celina, Texas, to Roy Edgar and Alla
Tommie (Raper) Rucker. She died at Southwest Memorial Hospital Saturday,
March 26, 2005, at the age of 80.
Mrs. Eakins was a real estate agent for a number of years and was currently
working for Century 21. She would tell you that she loved her line of
work. She was a true professional and her work was her hobby.
Surviving are her daughter, Belinda L. Hawkey of Cortez; her granddaughter,
Jill Kristin Hawkey of Durango; great grandson, Kale Steffenson of Beulah,
N.D.; and her sister, Louise Duncan of Dallas, Texas.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Murray Delton Eakins in April
2003.
Memorial contributions can be made with the Dolores State Bank. Services
are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further information,
log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
Victor Gallegos
Memorial services for lifelong Cortez resident Victor Gallegos will
be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
Father Derrick D. Scott will officiate.
A prayer vigil has been scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.
He was born Feb. 6, 1934 in Cebolla, N.M., to Adolpho and Eufemia (Gurule)
Gallegos. He died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at his residence in Cortez
at the age of 71.
In 1972, he married Roberta Sanchez in Denver, Colo. He worked as a
house painter for Mike's Painting and Drywall for many years. He loved
fishing, hunting and woodworking.
Surviving are his wife, Roberta Gallegos of Cortez; his children, Tricia
Lemke and husband, Steve, of Omaha, Neb.; Sonja Alvarez and husband,
Vinnie, of Cortez; Sonny Rodriguez and wife, Cindy, of Grand Junction,
Colo.; Julia Mirabel and husband, Vince, of Arizona; and Victoria Rodriguez
of Grand Junction; two grandchildren; and siblings, Carmelita Archibeque
and husband, Mike; and Adonais "Ed" Gallegos, all of Cortez.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Delphina Gallegos;
and his brothers, Pete, Gilbert and Domingo Gallegos.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Montezuma.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Robert H. 'Bob' Goode
Robert H. "Bob" Goode of Montrose died March 20, 2005 at St. Mary's
Hospital and Medical Center in Grand Junction. A celebration of his life
will be held Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m. in the Lion's Club Park in Montrose.
He is survived by his four children, Kayla Goode; J.W. Goode, both
of Montrose; Shane Goode; and Kandi Goode, both of Farmington, N.M.;
and friend, Dorothy Goff of Montrose.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory
of Montrose.
Dean Edgar Saylor
Dean Edgar Saylor was born Oct. 3, 1947 in Bakersfield, Calif., to
Clyde Edgar and AnnaDean (Decker) Saylor. He died Monday, March 28, 2005
at his residence in Egnar at the age of 57.
He was a chemical engineer and served on a chemical emergency team
for several years. He moved to the Dove Creek/Egnar area sometime ago
and felt that this was where he belonged. He loved the Dove Creek area.
Surviving are his parents; Clyde Saylor of Bakersfield, Calif., and
AnnaDean Saylor of Taft, Calif.; his children, Michael Saylor of Stockton,
Calif., and Lisa Saylor of Henderson, Nev. He leaves one granddaughter,
Regan Saylor; and his siblings, Dale Saylor of Taft, Calif.; Susan Myers
of Sacramento, Calif.; and Sally Saylor of Taft, Calif.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are being
handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further information, log
on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
Felton V. Watkins
Funeral services for Felton V. Watkins, longtime area resident, will
be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial
will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Jeff Foster of the Cortez Church
of Christ will officiate.
Visitation has been set for Friday at the Ertel Chapel from 3 to 5
p.m.
Mr. Watkins was born at Boyd, Okla. on April 1, 1914, to Andrew Clarence "A.C." and
Fannie Jane (Holiday) Watkins. He died at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand
Junction, Colorado Tuesday, March 29, 2005. He was 90 years old.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Opal (Wheat) Watkins of Cortez; his
children, Barbara Lee Citak and husband, Jack, of Las Vegas, Nev. and
Harold Dean Polf of Las Vegas, Nev.; nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren,
and three great great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Geneva Watkins and
Mary Watkins both of Dove Creek; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, L.G. Polf; and his
nine sisters and brothers, Bessie and Myrna Watkins as infants, Tola
Trollinger, Earl Watkins, Rosa Cory, Lois Sword, Oscar Watkins, Virgil
Watkins, and Ernest Watkins.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Margaret Ann Bianchi
Margaret Ann Bianchi, 63, died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at her home in
Mancos. A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at 10
a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church. A rosary will be held at St. Rita Catholic
Church on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Cremation will take place at Hood Mortuary
Crematory in Durango.
Helen Faye Risenhoover
Funeral services for Helen Faye Risenhoover, longtime Egnar resident,
will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at the Cahone Community Church.
Burial follows at the Cahone Cemetery. Pastor Matt Segebartt will officiate.
Visitation is Wednesday from noon until service time at the Cahone
Community Church.
She was born Jan. 12, 1913 at Agra, Okla., to Orville and Nora (Neely)
Smith She died at Vista Grande Nursing Home Sunday, March 27, 2005 at
the age of 92.
She married Lewis Jasper Risenhoover June 29, 1929 in Chandler, Okla.
The couple moved to Colorado in 1930. She loved to travel and enjoyed
a large vegetable garden.
Surviving are her children, Darrell Risenhoover and wife, Laura, of
Tucson, Ariz.; Alice Wright of Clifton, Colo.; Rachel Geisinger and husband,
Clifford, of Egnar; Margaret Heaps and husband, Charlie, of Smyrna, Tenn.;
and Carol Hicks and husband, Jim, of Denver, Colo.; many grandchildren,
great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and three daughters-in-law,
Diane Risenhoover of Cortez, Ruthie Renne of Cortez, and Wanda Turner
of Sedona, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Risenhoover; two sons,
Delbert and Donald Risenhoover; and a brother, Glen Smith.
Memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Risenhoover's name to the
Rehabilitation Unit at the Vista Grande Nursing Home. Services are under
the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Mildred Odell Spencer
Funeral services for Mancos resident Mildred Odell Spencer will be
held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial
will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Pastor David Ramsey will officiate.
She was born Sept. 30, 1911, in Archibald, La., to George and Ethel
(Tomlinson) Clampitt. She died Friday, March 25, 2005 at the Valley Inn
Nursing Home at the age of 93.
She married Olen Amos Spencer on Jan. 29, 1933 in Mancos. She was a
dedicated homemaker to her husband and four children. She was a member
of the Southwest Cowbelles, and Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed gardening;
especially gladiolas.
Surviving are her children, Glen Spencer and wife, Eva, of Bloomfield,
N.M., and Alice Riggins and husband, Cal, of Idaho. She leaves eight
grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren behind as well.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Olen Amos Spencer;
her son, James Spencer; her daughter, Carolyn Johnston; and one brother.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Sue Kaiser
Sue Kaiser died Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the age of 67. She was
born Dec. 31, 1937, to Olen Bud and Audrey Birdie (Cannon) Rusing at
Bogey Point, Okla. She married Charlie Fredrick Kaiser June 3, 1959 in
Aztec, N.M.
She lived in Cortez since 1971. She enjoyed sewing, crochet and horses.
Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Charlie Kaiser of Cortez; her
children, Audrey Collom; Terry Zahorka and husband, Ron; and Chuck Kaiser
and wife, Lynn; as well as her eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Collins and Johnnie Stanley;
brother, Phillip Rushing and wife, Marlis; special friends, Ronnie and
Bob Schwiebenz and daughter, Heather; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives
and other friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Olen and Birdie Rushing; a
brother, Don Allen; and infant twin brothers.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are being made through
the Ertel Funeral Home.
Nancy Marie Griffin
Nancy Marie Griffin was born Sept. 5, 1944 in Denver, Colo., to Clarence
Clifford and Margaret Carolyn (Wanasek) Griffin. She died at Southwest
Memorial Hospital Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the age of 60.
On Sept.4, 1979, she married William Ellisworth Griffin in Cortez.
She loved to read and enjoyed riding in the mountains with her husband.
Surviving are her husband, Bill Griffin, of Cortez; two daughters,
April McClure of Fort Collins, Colo. and Rhonda McClure of Nampa, Ida.;
and three stepsons, Billy Dean Griffin and wife, Darlene, of Cortez;
Bud Griffin of Lewis, Colo.; and Danny Griffin and wife, Kathy, of Cortez;
sisters, Maxine Clark of Fort Collins, Colo.; Anita Taussig of Fort Collins,
Colo.; and Debbie Foster of Kremmling, Colo.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are through the
Ertel Funeral Home.
Juanita Rose "Tuttie" Dinae
Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Juanita Rose "Tuttie" Dinae
will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Burial will at the Cortez Cemetery. Brother Don Smith will officiate.
A wake will be held Wednesday from 8 p.m. until midnight at the Dinae
residence at 905 Brookside Drive in Cortez.
She was born Feb. 29, 1964 in Farmington, N.M., to Sam D. and Fern
(Lang) Foster. She died Friday, March 25, 2005 at San Juan Regional Hospital
in Farmington at the age of 41.
She was a trained cosmetologist who loved to travel and watch and coach
her children in sports. She also enjoyed yard sales and flea markets
with her husband.
Surviving are her husband, Jonathan Dinae, of Cortez; her children,
Nicole, Traci, Cody, Jowan "Bop" and Jalen "J.J." Dinae, all of Cortez.
She leaves her siblings, Gilbert Foster and wife, Roseanne, of Shiprock,
N.M.; Norma Dupree and husband, Fred, of Rapid City, S.D.; Percy Wing
and husband, Orrin, of Cortez; B.J. Frost and husband, Harvey, of Towaoc;
Corrina Willie and husband, Melvin, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Darlene Whiteman
and husband, Darwin, of Towaoc; and Philbert Foster and wife, Fritz,
of Showlow, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother,
Delbert Foster.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Julius Waymund Bond
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Julius Waymund Bond will
be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial
will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Ron Horne will officiate.
Visitation is Wednesday at the Ertel Chapel from 3 to 5 p.m.
He was born April 15, 1917 at Fort Cobb, Okla., to John William and
Georgia Missouri (Saddler) Bond. He died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at his
home at the age of 87.
On June 17, 1936 in Chickasha, Okla., he married Minnie Gertrude Sample.
In 1959 he moved his family to the Cortez area. He worked as a derrick
foreman for Superior Oil Company for 33 1/2 years.
Surviving are his wife, Minnie Bond, of Cortez; children, Aretta Gooch
and husband, Tommy, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Jo Ann Miller of Carlsbad,
N.M.; Reta McNeill and companion, Don Fox, of Cortez; John W. Bond and
wife, Deanna, of Cortez; J. Howard Bond and wife, Kaye, of Perry, Okla.;
and Gail Bond and companion, Gary Gellatly, of Cortez; and his sister,
Armetta Knowles of North Hollywood, Calif.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Berniece Lewis
Berniece Lewis, a lifelong area resident, died March 26, 2005 at Southwest
Memorial Hospital. She was 77.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 30 at
Life Way Baptist Church in Cortez. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy and Pastor Neely
Lewis, her son, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Cahone Cemetery.
A dinner is planned at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, following
the burial.
She was born Aug. 8, 1927 in Cahone, Colo., to Den and Blanche White
Neely. She married Clem C. Lewis in Aztec, N.M., Oct. 17, 1944. She became
ill with polio as a child and needed the use of a wheelchair, but she
was a wonderful person to her many friends.
She was a member of the Montelores Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Clem Lewis, of Cortez; children, Jeanine
Trone; Gary Lewis and wife, Mary; Bernie Lewis and wife, Joetta; and
Neely Lewis, all of Cortez; a brother, Raymond Neely and wife, Alene,
also of Cortez; 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one great
great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Claudie and
Lee Neely and a sister, Lorene Risenhoover.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Montelores Baptist Church,
PO Box 2, Lewis, CO 81327.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is serving the
family.
George William French Jr.
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident George William
French Jr. will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, March 26 at the Ertel Memorial
Chapel. Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
He was born July 26, 1921 in Portland, Texas, to George
W. and Dollye (Trice) French. He died Thursday, March 24, 2005, at Southwest
Memorial Hospital at the age of 83.
In 1941, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in San Antonio,
Texas. He served two tours in World War II. He was a pipefitter by trade,
and stayed in that profession during his working years. On Dec. 31, 1944
in Oklahoma City, Okla., he married Doris R. Brixey. He enjoyed riding
horses, going to the mountains and camping. He adored and loved his family.
Surviving are his wife, Doris R. French, of Cortez; his
children, Vicki L. Linderholm and husband, Ed, and Steven L. French all
of Lakewood, Colo. He leaves three grandchildren, Kristy and Wendy Linderholm
of Los Angeles, Calif., and Holly Linderholm of Boulder, Colo.; siblings,
Dorothy Harris of Lake Charles, La., Ella Kellogg, Nonie Singleton and
Leonard "Buz" French, all of Portland, Texas. Preceding him in death
were his parents.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com
Patricia Jean Hart Ludeman
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Patricia Jean "Patsi" Hart
Ludeman will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Cortez First
United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The
Rev. Lynn Evans will officiate.
She was born April 22, 1941 in Gunnison, Colo., to Edward A. and Nellie
C. (Miller) Short. She died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at the Southwest
Memorial Hospital at the age of 63.
She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the state and national
level, Girls State, Cortez Emblem Club, Republican Women, Central Committee
for Republicans, Red Hat Society, president of the Ladies Golf Association
and president of the N.W. Division of Ladies Auxiliary. She owned Hart's
Specialty Shop, as well as Patsi Hart's Tax Office.
She also was known for being a wonderful baker, who supplied her lemon
and coconut pies for Elks' bingo every Thursday night.
Surviving are her husband, Joe Ludeman of Cortez; twin sisters, JoAn
Fortney and June Lehe both of Grand Junction; brother and two sisters,
James Short and wife, Cheryl, of League City, Texas; Alice and husband,
Felton, of Magnolia, Texas; and Donna Heyman and husband, Roscoe, of
Menard, Texas. Preceding her in death were her parents.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Fisher House in Denver, Colo.
located at the old Fitz Simmons Military Base.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For more
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com.
Billy Byron Tate
Memorial services for lifelong Cortez resident Billy Byron Tate will
be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 28 in the Indoor Arena at his residence,
located at 16900 C.R. 20, in Cortez.
He was born July 9, 1964 in Cortez, to Byron F. and Judy Carolyn (Nielson)
Tate. He died Sunday, March 20, 2005 in rural Cortez at the age of 40.
He was a local horse trainer and stable owner for many years.
Surviving are his wife, Jody Tate of Cortez; his children, Ashley Brianne
Tate of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Chance William Tate of Cortez; his stepdaughter,
Shaylin Todeschi of Cortez; and grandson, Kage Chance Tate of Sierra
Vista, Ariz.
He is survived by his maternal grandparents, Bill and Gean Nielson
of Dolores; his paternal grandmother, Arveda Bruce of Cortez; his sister,
Carolyn Chandler and husband, Foy, of Arriola; and his two nieces, Brittney
and Brandi Chandler, both of Arriola.
Memorial contributions can be made at either branch of the Dolores
State Bank.
Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For
further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome. com.
Lorna Lu Williams
A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of lifelong Cahone resident
Lorna Lu Williams at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Fellowship Baptist
Church in Cahone.
She was born April 14, 1934 in Cahone, to Milton and Gertrude Lemoyne
(Howard) Hughes. She died Sunday, March 20, 2005 at the Southwest Memorial
Hospital at the age of 70.
She was a member of the Civitans and the Dolores County Search and
Rescue. She worked as a cashier for the Dove Creek Superette Grocery
Store. She enjoyed tole painting and beadwork. She was an avid "rock-hound" who
enjoyed collecting rocks.
Surviving are her daughters, Lemoyne Bradfield and husband, Charles,
of Mesa, Ariz.; Cherrie Garchar and husband, Dwayne, of Dove Creek; and
Connie Cannon and husband, Dennis, of Rico; 11 grandchildren, and 18
great-grandchildren; siblings, Edna Myrle Spillar of San Antonio, Texas;
June Posey and husband, Jim, of Dove Creek; Ann Weese of Dove Creek;
Sue Johnson and husband, John, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Jimmy Hughes and
wife, Janet, of Clyde, N.Y.; and Howard Hughes and wife, Rose, of Arriola.
Her husband, Henry Thomas Williams and her parents preceded her in
death.
Memorial contributions can be made to either the Dolores County Search
and Rescue or to the Dove Creek Ambulance Fund.
Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For
further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com.
Sylvia "Jeanne" Cox
Funeral services for former Cortez resident Sylvia "Jeanne" Cox
will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24 at the Cortez Church of Christ.
Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
She was born Feb. 29, 1924 in Florence, Colo., to Stephen
and Nancy (McLoney) Berardi. She died Friday, March 18, 2005 at her home
in Boerne, Texas, at the age of 81.
She was a school teacher and a mother of two. She is survived
by her children, Jody Kuykendall of Boerne, Texas, and Tom Cox of Cortez.
She leaves two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and her sister,
Norma of Snowflake, Ariz.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and her husband,
Thomas Eugene Cox.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Montezuma
at P.O. Drawer 740, Cortez, CO 81321; or the American Cancer Society.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Carolyn Adelaide Dickinson Gurd
Funeral services for Cortez resident Carolyn Adelaide
Dickinson Gurd will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 at the Ertel
Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Don
Thompson of the Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate.
She was born Feb. 13, 1909 in New York City, N.Y., to
William Brant and Adelaide Elizabeth (Prahl) Dickinson. She died at Vista
Grande Nursing Home Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the age of 96.
On June 14, 1931, in Long Island, N.Y., she married LeRoy
Babcock Gurd. With this union three sons were born. She spent her career
as a kindergarten teacher. She was involved in "The Circle" in Georgia
for a time, and she enjoyed food.
Surviving are her sons, Richard D. Gurd of Cortez, and
Robert W. Gurd of Warner Robins, Ga. She leaves four grandchildren; and
her nephew Edward England, of Lancaster, Pa.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband,
LeRoy Gurd; her son, LeRoy B. Gurd; and her siblings.
Memorial contributions can be made at Citizens State Bank.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Howard Leuders Hight
Funeral services for lifelong Towaoc resident Howard Leuders Hight
will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Towaoc Cemetery.
A visitation has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Ertel
Chapel from 3 to 5 p.m.
He was born Oct. 3, 1939, to Jack and Melissa (Leuders) Hight. He died
Monday, March 14, 2005 at his home in Towaoc at the age of 65.
He loved to hunt, fish and visit with family and friends. He truly
enjoyed going and listening to powwow songs. He spent his working career
with the Towaoc Police Department as a police officer.
Surviving are his siblings, Jane Hight Lehi and husband, Howard Sr.;
Donnie Hight; Jennie Kuebler; and Celia Cuthair and husband, Ira, all
of Towaoc. He leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Robert E. "Bob" Luthi
Robert E. "Bob" Luthi of Nevada City, Calif., formerly of Cortez, died
March 15, 2005 in Colfax, Calif., at the age of 67. He was born Oct.
7, 1937 in Bayfield, to Emil and Eliza Luthi. He died after a lengthy,
courageous fight with cancer.
Surviving are his son Rob Luthi and Elaine Bernie of Colfax, Calif.;
his daughter Sherri Knight and husband, Andrew, of Sacramento, Calif.;
his grandchildren, Alex, Tressa, Jeanette, Aaron and Kyla; his siblings,
Myron Luthi; David Luthi and wife, Paula; Mary Imel and husband, Dan;
and Lucille Waterman and husband, Arie, all of Cortez. Many other close
relatives and friends also mourn his passing.
Preceding him in death were his loving wife Carrol in 2003, and his
parents.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in California. Memorial
contributions can be made to help purchase a bench in Carrol and Robert
Luthi's name to be placed at Greyhound Rock Beach. Send memorial contributions
to: Sherri Knight, 9125 Kendrick Way, Orangevale, CA 95662.
Robert E. "Bob" Luthi
Sue McNeill
Funeral services for lifelong Cortez resident Sue McNeill will be held
at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Burial will
follow at the Cortez Cemetery.
Visitation has been set for Monday afternoon at the Ertel Chapel from
4 to 6 p.m.
She was born June 29, 1923, in Cortez, to James Addison and Elizabeth
Ann (Scott) Wheeler. She died at Golden Years Retirement Home Thursday,
March 10, 2005, at the age of 81.
On Dec. 4, 1944, she married Dave Monroe McNeill in Aztec, N.M. The
couple resided in Cortez operating Wheeler's Market located at the corner
of Beech and Main Street. She operated her own beauty shop for a number
of years. She loved playing cards and enjoyed going to the casino. She
also enjoyed time spent knitting.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Don Tozer
of Cortez; grandchildren, Heather Tozer and Hardy Tozer both of Cortez;
and sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Bill Stroud.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 38 years, Dave McNeill in
1983; two sisters, Helen Blackmer and Elizabeth "Punky" Williamson; and
brother, James Wheeler.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Lilly Dean Nelson
Lilly Dean Nelson, 95, of Payson, Utah, died March 6, 2005, at the
home of her daughter. She was born in Mancos Aug. 17, 1909, to Henry
Royal Dean and Deloras Bruun.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 10, 2005, at noon in
the Payson, Utah, 14th Ward Chapel, 110 South 300 West, where friends
may call from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery
in Mancos Friday, March 11, 2005 at 2 p.m.
She married Harold O. Nelson ("H") Nov. 7, 1931. They lived all of
their married life in Mesa Verde National Park and in Mancos. She worked
as a postal clerk. After the death of her husband, she moved to Payson
in 1975 to be near her daughters. She was a faithful member of The Church
of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints. She loved sewing, creative cooking,
playing board games, singing, playing the piano, crossword puzzles, her
roses, neighbors, home teaching, and family, especially grandchildren.
She is survived by two daughters, Michelle DeLeeuw and husband, Gary,
of Greenwich, Utah, and Louana Bailey and husband, Cary, of Payson, Utah;
13 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; daughter, Jerry Lynn;
and brothers, Adrian; Lynn; Bobby Roy and sisters, Coralie Rider; Emma
Guillet; Vivian Bone and Kate Hanner.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.
Christopher Michael Rush
Christopher Michael Rush, a recent resident of Cortez and formerly
of Prescott, Ariz., died on March 5, 2005 in the Southwest Memorial Hospital.
He was 18.
A funeral service will take place Thursday, March 10 at 2 p.m. in the
New Hope Christian Ministries Church, located at 11088 U.S. Highway 491,
in Cortez. Pastor Johnathan Bland will officiate. A visitation will be
held at the New Hope Christian Ministries Church Thursday from 1 p.m.
until time of services. A funeral service and burial is planned for a
later date in Prescott.
He was born to John E. and Marcella D. Du Boas Rush Dec. 23, 1986 in
Phoenix, Ariz. He lived in Prescott most of his life, until moving to
Cortez one year ago. He enjoyed attending church with his family, and
read the Bible daily to his mother. He enjoyed playing the guitar, especially
with his father; many types of music; playing basketball; skateboarding;
riding his Haro bike; rapping and just "clowning around."
He is survived by his parents, John Rush of Prescott and Marcella Rush
of Cortez; his brothers, Joshua Rush; Jeric Rush; and Nathan Rush, all
of Prescott; his paternal grandmother, Martha Lee Rush of Cincinnati,
Ohio; his maternal grandmother, Libby Baker of Cortez; and aunts, uncles
and cousins.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is serving the
family locally. Hampton Funeral Home of Prescott is in charge of arrangements
in Arizona. Call (888) 778-4401 for further information.
Cecil Albert Rice
Cecil Albert Rice, a longtime resident of Nucla, died Feb. 19, 2005
at his residence. He was 78.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. in
the Nucla Fire Hall. Pastor Dan Williams will officiate. Military rites
will be conducted by the VFW Post 9058 of Nucla. A dinner will follow
the services at the fire hall.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken, is serving the
family.
Filbert Kelly 'Randy' Velasquez
Memorial services for lifelong Dolores resident Filbert Kelly "Randy" Velasquez
will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2005 at the Evangel Assembly
of God Church with Pastor Jeff McDonald officiating. Military services
will be conducted by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75 at the
Cortez Cemetery following the services.
He was born April 15, 1955 in Cortez, to Kelly Epifanio and Lilly (Maestas)
Velasquez. He died Saturday, March 5, 2005 in Albuquerque, N.M., at the
age of 49.
He was an Army veteran who served his country during Vietnam. He worked
as a plumber before a diagnosis of leukemia left him unable to work.
He enjoyed the outdoors, camping and hunting. He had a clever mind and
enjoyed coming up with creative ideas for new inventions. He will be
remembered for his great sense of humor and practical jokes.
Surviving are his father and stepmother, Kelly and Elisa Velasquez
of Dolores; his children, Patrick Aguilar and wife, Vicki, of Fort Collins,
Colo.; Brady Jo Aguilar and Danny Ray Aguilar, both of Farmington, N.M.;
Antonio Velasquez of Cortez; and Heidi Montano of Farmington, N.M.; nine
grandchildren; and four nephews and three nieces. Preceding him in death
was his mother, Lilly.
Ertel Funeral Home has assisted the family. For further information,
log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Richard S. Luhman
Richard S. Luhman, 62, died Friday, March 4, 2005 in Cortez.
Born Sept. 6, 1942 in Chicago, Ill., to Marion Lorna Quirk Luhman and
Werner Scott Luhman, he was a practicing attorney in Cortez. He earned
his B.S. at Northwestern University and his Juris Doctorate degree from
the University of Illinois Law School in 1967. After beginning the practice
of law in Chicago, he moved to Telluride in 1975, then to Cortez in 1988,
where he joined the law firm of Dyer & Dilts before starting his
own practice in 1993. He was a member of the Montezuma County Bar Association
and the Colorado Bar Association, Rotary International and the Elks Club.
He also was a member of the board of directors of the Piñon Project
and of the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center.
He is survived by his wife and dearest friend, Joan Sorenson Luhman,
of Cortez; parents, Werner and Marion Luhman, of Tucson; brother Donald
Luhman and wife, Bonnie, of Maple Grove, Minn.; sister, Marcia Luhman,
of Tucson; niece, Heather Ann Hart and husband, Brian; and nephews Carl
Robert Luhman, Joshua Abraham Pechter, and Matthew Scott Pechter.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church
of Cortez, 515 N. Park, Wednesday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers,
the family requests donations be made to the Southwest Memorial Hospital
Foundation, P. O. Drawer L, Cortez CO 81321, or the Four Corners Child
Advocacy Center 140 N. Linden, Cortez CO 81321.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Evalena 'Evie' Ritthaler
Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Evalena "Evie" Ritthaler
will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel
with Pastor Jimmy Burton officiating. Burial will follow at the Cortez
Cemetery.
Visitation has been set for Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ertel Chapel.
She was born Oct. 18, 1937 in Crandon, Wis., the daughter of Charles
and Susie (Kidd) McPherson. She died Friday, March 4, 2005 at Southwest
Memorial Hospital at the age of 67.
She was involved with the Montezuma County Democratic Party and Montezuma
County Democratic Women. She worked in the office of the Montezuma County
Clerk from 1973 to 2002, serving two terms as Montezuma County Clerk.
Surviving are her husband, Rodney Ray Ritthaler, of Cortez; children,
Cindi Robb and husband, John, of Cortez; Raymond Ritthaler and wife,
Audrey Spindle, of Durango; and Rodney Ritthaler and wife, Jamie, of
Cortez; grandchildren, Brandon Haile and wife, Hannah; Tiffany Haile;
Jackson Robb; Rhiannon Spindle-Ritthaler; Belle Mae Spindle-Ritthaler;
Kacey Lard; Jennifer Lard; Naomi Ritthaler; and Jake Ritthaler; four
brothers and three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers and two sisters.
Memorial contributions can be made to the M-CHS Band Boosters or the
Montezuma County Women's Democratic Committee.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. For further
information, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
William Joshua Roundtree
Services for William Joshua Roundtree, formerly of Cortez,
are pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.
He was born on March 29, 1915 in Wister, Okla., the son
of John Wiley and Clara Lula (Armstrong) Roundtree. He died on Tuesday,
Nov. 2, 2004 at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Administration Medical Center
in Temple, Texas, at the age of 89.
For further service information you may contact the Ertel
Funeral Home at 565-3468 or log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Della June Osborn
Cortez resident Della June Osborn was born on Dec. 18,
1936 in Ackman, Colo., the daughter of Harvey Earl and Gaither Katherine
(Tewell) Oliver. She died on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004 at her home in Cortez
at the age of 67.
She is survived by Wesley, her husband of 49 years, of
Cortez; her children, Michael Osborn and wife, Ruth, of Boulder, Douglas
Osborn and wife, Michele, of Phoenix, Ariz., Shari Beke and husband,
Dave, of Cortez, Steven Osborn and wife, Lori, of Capitan, N.M., and
Kelly Osborn of Cortez. She leaves 13 grandchildren; and her brother
and sister, Troy Oliver and wife, Shorlene, and Vada Wood.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers,
and two sisters.
Memorial contributions can be made with the American Cancer
Society. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Joe Beletso
Funeral services for lifelong Montezuma Creek, Utah, resident
Joe Beletso will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Calvary
Baptist Church of Montezuma Creek. Pastor Kenneth Norton will be officiating.
Interment will follow at the Hot Springs Family Cemetery near Montezuma
Creek.
Mr. Beletso was born on Nov. 14, 1910 in Montezuma Creek
to Nakai Hosteen and Ason (Yazzie) Hosteen. He died on Saturday, Oct.
30, 2004 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 93.
Surviving are his children, Stanley Joe Beletso and wife,
Emma Jean, of Cahone Mesa; Bessie Beletso of Cortez; Marie Beletso of
Montezuma Creek; and Nelson Beletso and wife, Marie, of Montezuma Creek;
as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Minnie
(Nakia) Beletso; his daughter, Marene Begay; and two sons, Ramond Joe
Beletso and Henry Joe Beletso.
Memorial contributions can be made at First National Bank.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Jesse Marvin Dufur
Graveside services for lifelong Dolores resident Jesse
Marvin Dufur will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 4, 2004 at the Cortez
Cemetery.
A visitation has been scheduled from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
at the Ertel Memorial Chapel before the service.
Mr. Dufur was born on June 22, 1929 in Aztec, N.M., to
Xavier and Elizabeth Annie (Payne) Dufur. He died on Saturday, Oct. 30,
2004 at the Mesa View Retirement Home at the age of 75.
Surviving are his children, Sharon Amber, of Cannon Beach,
Ore., and Jess Daniel Dufur, of Cortez; his grandchildren, John Dufur
and Steven Amber; his brother and sister, Norman Dufur of Farmington,
N.M., and Cloy Hatch of Nampa, Idaho; as well as numerous nieces and
nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers;
and four sisters.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Norma Elaine Lancaster
Funeral services for lifelong Pleasant View/Cortez area
resident Norma Elaine Lancaster will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov.
5 at the Cortez Church of Christ. Interment will follow at the Cortez
Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.
Mrs. Lancaster was born on Nov. 29, 1929 in May Canyon,
west of Dolores, the daughter of Claude "Bud" and Ethel Louise (Dickerson)
Ince. She died on Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at Banner Gardens Hospice House
in Mesa, Ariz., at the age of 74.
Surviving are her three children, Barbara Floyd, Boyd
Lancaster and Cheryl Lancaster; her grandchildren, Mindy Weaver, Matt
Floyd, Michael and Jessica Lancaster and Rawlin and Kenny Brown; and
five great-grandchildren, Dustin, Hayden, Kaleb, Ryker and Alaina. Also,
her sister, Edith Chappell of Cortez; brothers, Nate Ince of Lebanon
and Vernon Ince of Lewis and a wealth of extended family members.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband,
Boyd; her sister, Barbara Remer; brother Carson Ince; and two infant
siblings, Clayton and Aileen.
Memorial contributions can be made with Banner Gardens
Hospice House, 7231 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Ariz., 85208.
Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral
Home. For further service information log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and
click on the obituary section.
Mary Elizabeth "Kitty" Gray
Mary Elizabeth "Kitty" Gray, a resident of Cortez for the last three
years, died at her home in Cortez on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at the
age of 74.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Ertel Memorial
Chapel. Pastor Don Thompson of the Trinity Lutheran Church officiated.
Mrs. Gray was born June 15, 1930 at Espanola, N.M., the daughter of
Juan Shije and Manuelita Velarde Sisneros Quintana. She attended the
University of New Mexico and Weber State University where she earned
her bachelor and master's degree in special education. She was employed
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a special education teacher. She held
membership with the National Teachers' Association and the National Education
Association. Mrs. Gray also was a member of Ruth Guild Quilting Club
and she enjoyed her time spent sewing.
Surviving are her husband of 38 years, John Gray, of Cortez; her children,
Thomasine Eagle, Gloria Eagle, Michelle Eagle Boyer and husband, Jake;
Sharon Quam and husband, Alvin Pinnecoose; Jean Marie Gurule, Susan Gray,
Jean Gray and Ned Gray; as well as numerous grandchildren. Kitty is survived
by two sisters from Santa Clara Pueblo, N.M., and siblings from Jicarilla
Apache, Dulce, N.M.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name at First National Bank.
Daniel Spencer Hilton
Daniel Spencer Hilton, a resident of Dolores, died at his home on Oct.
31. He was 56. A celebration of Mr. Hilton's life will take place on
Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Hollywood Bar in Dolores. In lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to P.O. Box 892, Dolores, CO 81323.
Mr. Hilton is survived by his wife Lynn of Dolores; his children, Joe
Burns of Dolores; Jammie Homan of Mesa, Ariz.; and Jay Dee Burns of Farmington,
N.M.; his brother Don Hilton of Dolores; his step-brother Jerry Meacham
of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; two stepsisters Carolyn and Betty, both of Las
Vegas, Nev.; six grandchildren; and aunts; uncles; cousins; nephews and
nieces throughout Utah.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken is serving the
family. |
