Miscellaneous Archuleta County, Colorado Obituaries

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January 28, 1999

Ione Pierce Fryer
Ione Pierce Fryer, 94, an occasional summer resident of Pagosa Springs and recently of Pine Ridge Extended Care Center, died quietly Sunday evening.
The widow of E. Reeseman "Si" Fryer who died in 1991, Mrs. Fryer was born in Gilmore City, Iowa, but grew up in Sterling, attended the University of Denver and was a graduate in speech and theater from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She became a high school teacher in Mesa, Ariz., where she met and married Si Fryer. For a time, they operated a dude ranch in the mountains above Globe, Ariz.
As the Depression deepened, Mr. Fryer joined, first, the new Soil Conservation Corps near Ganado, Ariz., and shortly thereafter became general superintendent on the Navajo Reservation at Window Rock, Ariz. World War II brought moves to California and the East Coast, and thereafter a lifetime of moving frequently as Mr. Fryer undertook service for a variety of agencies of the U.S. government, and the Bolivian and Iranian governments, as well as in the private sector.
Mrs. Fryer provided a home for the well-being of her family in circumstances ranging from primitive to near-palatial. Throughout her life she continued active in community theater. Settling in Georgia following Mr. Fryer's retirement as assistant commissioner of Indian Affairs, she was an active golfer and potter; both she and her husband were active in conservation activities. In 1997, she moved to be near one daughter in Maryland, and in December 1998 to Pagosa Springs to be near her other daughter.
She is survived by daughters, Ann Van Fossen of Pagosa Springs and Sue Ward of Clinton, Md.; sons-in-law Richard Van Fossen and Archie Ward; grandchildren David Van Fossen of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Rachael Van Fossen of Regina, Saskatchewan; Beth Ward of Northhampton, Mass.; and Lucille Ward Walker of Athens, Ga.; together with partners Kirsten Bakis, Gordon Fisch, Ay-ling Han, and Marty Walker; plus two great grandchildren Caitlin Ione Van Fossen and Elijah Si Fisch, both of Saskatchewan.
Interment of ashes will be in Hilltop Cemetery in mid-summer.

Raymond Murray
Raymond Sanford Murray of Durango passed away Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1999.
Mr. Murray was born Nov. 19, 1913, in Chama, N.M.
A retired conductor for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, Mr. Murray was a lifetime resident of this area. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gilbert Murray, his mother, Flossie Belle Bennett Murray and his wife, Lottie Wilbourn Murray.
He is survived by his stepson, Harold McConnell of Durango; his son, Adrian Murray of Colorado Springs; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
No services are planned at this time.

Melvin Spear
Melvin C. Spear of Olton, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1999. He was 79.
Mr. Spear was born on Aug. 21, 1919, in Brownfield, Texas.
He was raised in Brownfield and graduated from Brownfield High School. He married Katie Jones on June 10, 1938, in Brownfield.
Mr. Spear worked in the dry cleaning business in Brownfield for several years and also worked as a "roughneck" on drilling rigs. He later moved to Vallejo, Calif., were he worked as a steam fitter at Mare Island. After serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, he moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he again worked in the dry cleaning business for several years. After working 38 years for the Johnny Smith Ford dealership in Andrews, Texas, as parts department manager, Mr. Spear retired and moved to Pagosa Springs in 1984. He was a Baptist and an avid fisherman and hunter.
Mr. Spear is survived by his wife, Mrs. Katie Spear of Olton; his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and A.C. Light Jr. of Olton; and grandson, Barry Giles of Dallas, Texas.
Services will be held Jan. 29, 1999, at McNett Funeral Home Chapel in Andrews with burial following at Andrews Cemetery. The services will be conducted by Rev. Kyle Streun, pastor of First Baptist Church of Olton.

April 15, 1999

Susan Riffel
Susan Jane Riffel of Pagosa Springs, died Tuesday, April 6, 1999.
Mrs. Riffel was born July 6, 1946, to James R. and Betty Ross in Minneapolis, Minn. She grew up there. She married Gerald Riffel on April 8, 1972. To this marriage were born five children, Ron, Cindy, Leesa, Troy and Melody. Mr. and Mrs. Riffel lived in Fergus Falls, Minn. until moving to Woodward, Okla. in 1975.
They lived in Oklahoma for 15 years before moving to Pagosa Springs in 1988. Mrs. Riffel worked as a hotel manager in Pagosa Springs.
She is preceded in death by her father, James R. Ross and her brother James Ross Jr. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Riffel of Pagosa Springs; her mother, Betty Ross, of Crystal, Minn.; her sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Lowell Carpenter and her brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Dee Ross, all of Coon Rapids, Minn.; her brother, Jeff Ross of Minneapolis; her sister-in-law Sandra Ross of Anoka, Minn; her sister and brother-in-law Charlene and George Grellman of Walla Walla, Wash.; her sister and brother-in-law Patty and Arlyn Reinhardt of Frankfort; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don and Carolyn Riffel of Snudarko, Okla. and Darrell and Betty Riffel of Woodward, Okla.; her children, Ron and Donna Riffel, Cindy and Gary Winters, Leesa Keeney and Troy Riffel all of Guymon, Okla., Melody and Tony Lemmones of Texhoma, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She also had many loving friends in both Colorado and Oklahoma and will be greatly missed by them all.
Funeral services were held at Mountain Heights Baptist Church in Pagosa Springs on Friday, April 9. They were officiated by Rev. Chris Walls. Additional services were conducted in Shattuck, Okla. on Monday, April 12. Interment followed at the Shattuck Cemetery.

April 22, 1999

George F. Hatch
George F. Hatch, 86, passed away on Monday, April 19, 1999, in Bayfield.
Mr. Hatch was born May 17, 1912, in Bluewater, N.M.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a country merchant and worked in property maintenance. Mr. Hatch was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bayfield. He was an old-time fiddler who entertained at country dances, family reunions and nursing homes.
Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Foster Hatch of Bayfield; two sons, Carl F. Hatch of Berthoud and Alan B. Hatch of Meeker; five daughters, Elgin Strohecker and Reva Duran, both of Bayfield, Georgie Ross of Pagosa Springs, Hilda King of Green River, Utah, and Bonnie Montano of Belen, N.M.; two brothers, Dwyte V. Hatch and John T. Hatch; two sisters, Betty Jo Fohr and Jessie E. Spivey; 46 grandchildren and 120 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Hatch will be held this morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Bayfield.

Letha Bell
Graveside services were held for Letha Bell on March 22, at Greenmount Cemetery, who died Friday, March 19, 1999, in Durango. She was 92.
Chaplain Myron Darmour officiated.
Mrs. Bell was born Jan. 1, 1907, in Dillard, Mo. She lived in Missouri until 1944, when she moved to Pagosa Springs. She moved to Durango in 1961. Mrs. Bell was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry William Bell, and two sons, Bobby Bell and Chester Bell.
Survivors include two sons, "Shorty" Owen Bell of Pagosa Springs; Mike Bell of Durango; and six daughters, Zelma "Dee" Peters and Margie Sittner, both of Durango; Lola Beal and Zola Adams of Farmington, N.M.; Ola Hendrick of Salem, Mo.; and Betty Harris of St. Louis, Mo.; a brother Orville Chandler of St. Louis; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Bonnie Belle Reed
Bonnie Belle Reed passed away in her home at the Sportsman Supply and Campground north of Pagosa Springs on Tuesday, April 20, 1999. She was born in Erie, Penn., to Oscar and Belle Benson on Feb. 7, 1944.
Bonnie lived in both Bainbridge, Ohio, and Northeast Pennsylvania before settling in Pagosa Springs with her husband, Donald Reed. Mrs. Reed was a realtor in Ohio before she relocated in Pagosa where she was an owner of the Sportsman Supply and Campground.
A dedicated mother of two children who she absolutely adored, Bonnie was a wife, companion and best friend for over 36 years. She loved manatees, llamas, Elvis, Pavorati, kittens, the mountains and a dog named Charlie Brown. At times she had a weakness for potato chips, chocolate and Chinese food. She played the bass for a while, perfected a talent for counted cross stitch and loved crafts.
Bright and articulate, she was successful at whatever she chose to do. She demanded nothing, but was always willing to give a great deal. Always strong and independent, when she made a decision it was final and she never worried, at least out loud, that it was wrong. While tolerant of most things, she didn't like pompous, phony people, the IRS, McDonald's hamburgers, whining or riding in boats.
After valiantly fighting an unimaginably long battle and never complaining, she is finally at peace.
A truly unique and caring person, Bonnie will be enormously missed by all who knew her.
Bonnie Belle Reed is survived by her husband, Donald Reed; two children, Jennifer and Jonathan Reed, both of Pagosa Springs; and her sister, Karen Benson, of North Carolina.
Memorial services were held at the Community United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 21, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Ken Carlson officiated over the services.
The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Hospice of Mercy for their excellent service, at 95 South Pagosa Boulevard, Section B, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

November 11, 1999

Kimberly Ruminer
Kimberly Louise Ruminer passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 1999, in Durango.
Ms. Ruminer was born Aug. 27, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo. She had been a resident of Durango for the past 16 months.
She enjoyed stuffed animals, balloons, toy bears, books, receiving greeting cards, and MTV. She loved her nephews, and had a sweet and quiet personality. She loved the Lord.
Ms. Ruminer leaves behind her mother and father, Janice and James Smith of Pagosa Springs; sister, Pam and her husband Dale Stone of Allison; brother, Jeffrey Jones of O'Fallon, Mo.; nephews, Cody and Cory Stone of Allison; maternal grandparents, Foy and Ruby Sorrell of Gatewood, Mo.; paternal grandparent, Sibyl Smith of Durango; step-sisters, Wendy Hare of Texas City, Texas, and Robyn Gray of Denham Springs, La.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Thayer, Mo., at Myrtle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Community Connections 281 Sayer Drive Number 200, Durango, CO 81301.

March 2, 2000

Darla Merrifield
Darla Jean Merrifield of Pagosa Springs, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000.
Miss Merrifield was born Aug. 24, 1962, in Midland, Texas, to Johnnie Luther and Geneva (Catlett) Merrifield. She lived in Midland until moving to Pagosa Springs in 1986.
She is survived by her parents, Johnnie and Geneva Merrifield of Pagosa Springs; her brother and his wife, Larry and Janice Merrifield of Duncanville, Texas; her sisters and their husbands, Sandy and Mike Hull of Midland and Mary and David Pearce of Midland; one niece and five nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 25, in the North A and Tennessee Church of Christ with Rev. Grey Fleming, of North A and Tennessee Church of Christ, and Rev. Dorman Diller, of Pagosa Springs Church of Christ, officiating. Interment followed in Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.
The family requests memorials be directed to Pagosa Springs Church of Christ, Box 251, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

August 10, 2000

Patty Aragon
Patricia Ellen Aragon passed away on Aug. 4, 2000, in Farmington, N.M., after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in the Pagosa Springs High School gym.
Mrs. Aragon was born on Nov. 8, 1942, in Stillwater, Minn., to Josephine and Arthur Pederson. Her early years were spent in Minnesota and Montana. In 1956, the Pederson family moved to Pagosa Springs. She graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1961. In 1962 Patty and Ross Aragon were married. Together they raised six children in Pagosa Springs.
Mrs. Aragon served on the school board for 12 years, and she was honored to present her children, niece, nephew and close family friends respectively with diplomas during their commencement exercises.
For many years, Patty and Ross owned Al's and Al's West restaurants. Many will remember her delicious food, especially her chili burgers and homemade tortillas. Many more will remember her wonderful sense of humor and the strength of her spirit, which continues to comfort her family. She enjoyed gardening, painting and spending time with her family and friends. She also cherished her many pets and loved the beauty of Pagosa and the San Juan Mountains.
Mrs. Aragon is survived by her husband, Ross, and their children, Matthew Aragon and his wife Stacia, their children Kyle, Sydney and Connor of Pagosa Springs; Mark Aragon of Belen, N.M., Eric Aragon and his wife Diana of Pagosa Springs; Shelley Roman and her husband Michael and their son Blake of Littleton; Jacque Aragon of Pagosa Springs, Juanita and her son Jacob Jolley of Aurora; her father Arthur Pederson of Pagosa Springs; her sister Susie Kleckner of Pagosa Springs and brothers Don Pederson of Las Vegas, N.M., and Jim Pederson of Saratoga, Wyo., and their families; and a large extended family. Her mother, Josephine Pederson, preceded her in death.
Patty was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be sent to the Pagosa Springs Community Center fund in her memory, c/o Patricia Aragon memorial fund, P.O. Box 26, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Cai Henrichsen
Cai Aage Henrichsen, 73, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000 at his home in Pagosa Springs after a prolonged bout with cancer.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, Aug. 4 at 8:30 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs with Father John Bowe officiating. Burial was at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, N.M.
Mr. Henrichsen was born April 6, 1927, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He came to the United States in 1949. He married Lupe Nava in 1951. Mr. Henrichsen served in the Royal Danish Navy and in the U.S. Army. He was active in VFW Post 9695. His interests were woodworking, gardening, camping and guitar playing.
He is survived by his wife Guadalupe "Lupe" Henrichsen of Pagosa Springs; daughters Kathy Kulyk, Patricia Roybal, Monica Wyche and Karen Furman; a son, Joseph Conrad Henrichsen; a brother, Sven Henrichsen; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

September 7, 2000

Don Anglin
Don Anglin of Pagosa Springs passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2000.
Mr. Anglin was born March 21, 1908, in Vinson, Okla. He married Minnie Jo Hix on Nov. 4, 1934 in Shamrock, Texas. The couple moved to Pagosa Springs from San Angelo, Texas, in 1999.
A retired electrician and 49-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, he was also a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge for 52 years. He enjoyed team roping, hunting and fishing.
Mr. Anglin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maude Anglin, four sisters and one brother.
His survivors include his wife, Mrs. Minnie Jo Anglin of Pagosa Springs; sons Chester and Gary Anglin of Pagosa Springs; a daughter, Pamela Kitsmiller of San Angelo; a grandson, James Anglin of Phoenix, Ariz.; and granddaughters, Berniece Smith of Phoenix, Jo Wright of Brady, Texas, Joy Anne Wood of San Angelo, and Erin Anglin of Durango; six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held in Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000.

Gilbert Art Garcia
Gilbert Art Garcia of Pagosa Springs passed away Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, in Douglas, Wyo., at the Oglalla Ranch.
Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2000, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000. Father John Bowe will officiate with burial to follow in Aztec Cemetery.
Mr. Garcia was born Nov. 1, 1954 in Montrose, and graduated from Montrose High School in 1973. He was a rancher and true-life cowboy. He broke horses, branded cattle and rode a horse every day. The ranch was his life.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Arthur Garcia, brother Jake Garcia, and sisters Ernestina and Teresita Garcia.
Mr. Garcia is survived by his mother, Mrs. Andreita Garcia Ulibarri and his stepfather, Mr. Alfredo Ulibarri of Bloomfield, N.M.; a daughter, Paula Garcia and her husband, Ray, of Monte Vista; daughter Jade Garcia of Pagosa Springs; son Jake Garcia of Pagosa Springs; grandson Ryen Garcia-Medina of Monte Vista; sisters Mary Anne Ulibarri and husband, Joe, of Aztec, N.M., Rosalie Kearney and husband, Paul, of Federal Way, Mass., Annie Archuleta and husband, Paul, of Cebolla, N.M.; brothers Jim Garcia and wife Cindy of Bloomfield, John Garcia and wife Becky of Aztec and Michael Garcia and wife Melissa of Aztec; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

October 5, 2000

Elizabeth Egger
Old-time Pagosa Springs residents were saddened this week to learn of the passing of Elizabeth A. Selby Egger, 92, of Castella, Calif.
Mrs. Egger, widow of one of the former co-owners of The Pagosa Springs SUN, died Sept. 18, 2000, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, Calif. Burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, Calif.
Mrs. Egger was born May 13, 1908, in Pagosa Springs to Harold and Lucy Bennett Selby, both from pioneer families of Pagosa Springs.
Survivors include sons Harold of Corning, Calif., and Dale of Castella, a daughter, Joyce Bell of Douglas City, Calif.; a brother, Irwin Selby of Oroville, Calif; sisters Virginia Decker of Pagosa Springs and Goldie Hunt of Kirtland, N.M.; 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Her husband Raymond Egger, who preceded her in death, and his brother, Reef Egger, were early owners of The Pagosa Springs SUN and the Ignacio Chieftain.

Millie Jean Yamaguchi
Graveside services for Mrs. Millie Jean Yamaguchi will be held in Hilltop Cemetery at 11 a.m. Saturday with Father John Bowe officiating. Immediately following the services, Mrs. Yamaguchi's life will be remembered by her friends and family at a luncheon prepared and served by the Ladies of Guadalupe at the Parish Hall.
Mrs. Yamaguchi, 64, passed away at her home in Yuma, Ariz., last month.
Millie Jean Astin was born on Aug. 6, 1936 in Marietta, Texas, to Lara Edith and Alton Charles Astin. Millie Jean was known as "Mac" or "Macco" by those who knew and loved her. She moved to Pagosa Springs in the early 1950s and eventually captured the heart of the decorated World War II veteran, Ralph "Hoppo" Yamaguchi. She became his teenage bride on April 14, 1954, in a marriage ceremony in Tierra Amarilla, N.M. Joined in matrimony, life partners, Mac and Hoppo were "joined at the hip" until his death in 1997.
Though Mac had no children of her own, countless young people were taken into her heart and home, and over the years became the recipients of her kind and giving nature. Her family remembers that she wasn't one to indulge much in sentimentality but that those around her always knew she cared by what she did and the way she did it. These fortunate individuals included the young amateur boxers, the basketball players, the baseball players, the budding fishermen, the expectant arrowhead hunters, a family member, a friend in need, or a neighbor. They knew that she called a spade a spade and they knew better than to go to her looking for undeserved sympathy. But they also knew they could always count on her to come through for them when they needed that helping hand or that word of encouragement.
Macco loved a good joke, a good laugh. She panned for gold, she hiked, she took her trips and visited an occasional casino. She gardened, she picnicked and played volleyball with friends and family. Mostly, she enjoyed her life and the things she did.
Mrs. Yamaguchi was preceded in death by husband, Hoppo Yamaguchi, her parents, Al and Edith Astin, and her brother, Robert Astin. She is survived by her brother, Charles William Astin; nieces, Patty Donnelly, Shirley Smith, Natalie Yamaguchi, Marilyn Yeager and her children, Drex and Laria; nephews Jimmy Astin, Ryan Astin, Shawn Astin, Randy Astin, Larry Cotton and Darrel Cotton, brother-in-law, Ernest "Guchi" Yamaguchi and "adopted" children, Freddie and Pauline Rivas and their children, Freddie, Cindy, Joey, Susie and Linda.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Special Olympics account at the Bank of the San Juans.

Ernest Schutz
Longtime Chromo resident Ernest W. Schutz, 83, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2000.
In partnership with his brother Harold, Mr. Schutz was a fixture in the Chromo Valley, running cattle and breeding quarterhorses at their Chromo Ranches Inc., property.
Mr. Schutz was born Aug. 19, 1917, in Flora Vista, N.M. He graduated from Aztec (N.M.) High School.
He married Dorothy Graves Schutz in June 1941. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack in December of that year, Mr. Schutz enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He served in the South Pacific Theater during World War II until his discharge in 1945, after which he returned to his life with Dorothy in California.
Mr. Schutz worked as a baker in California until job-related allergies forced him to find work as a chemical salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Schutz began their family there with the birth of their eldest son. The family then moved to the Santa Fe-Los Alamos, N.M., area in 1948 where Mr. Schutz managed a grocery story. His second and third sons were born there.
Subsequent moves took the family to Chama, N.M., and to Chromo in the early 1950s. Until his death, he remained in the home where he and his wife raised their three boys.
Always active in the Pagosa Springs-Chromo community, Mr. Schutz served on the Red Ryder Roundup Committee and volunteered as a Mounted Ranger, doing both for many years. He was also a member of the Southwest Water Board until his death.
A member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since age 18, Mr. Schutz was chairman on all local levels and was grand master for Colorado. That achievement gave he and his wife opportunity to travel to Odd Fellows' events across the country.
Mr. Schutz was a member of the Pagosa Golf Association and a scratch player, taking home the Men's Club championship in 1976 and again in 1984.
His love of the ranching lifestyle and his commitment to his family will be missed by all who knew Mr. Schutz.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 1998 and by his mother, Lena Schutz Morgan in 1997. He is survived by his sons, Don Schutz and wife Mary of Wagon Mound, N.M., Dennis Schutz and wife Michelle Tate of Chromo and Dick Schutz and wife Sherry of Chromo; his brother, Harold Schutz and wife Ruth of Chromo; his seven grandsons, Steve and Mike of Seattle, Wash., Adam of Chromo, Alan of Pagosa Springs, and Jason, Craig and Casey of Chromo.
Cremation was held.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the old Chromo School on U.S. 84 in Chromo. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in his name to the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library in Pagosa Springs.

November 30, 2000

William Bernard
William Hickman Bernard of Pagosa Springs, died Nov. 23, 2000. in the home that he and his wife, Linda, shared. Dr. Bernard was born July 7, 1932, in New Orleans, La., to Louis Joseph and Rosa Belle Hickman Bernard. He was 68 years old.
Dr. Bernard attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, then matriculated from Tulane University in New Orleans with both a Bachelor of Science and PhD degrees. He also had the distinction of serving in the U.S. Navy on the USS Roanoke as a lieutenant. Retiring as a professor of physics at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., Dr. Bernard and his wife moved to Pagosa Springs in 1996 from Silverton. Although he received accolades such as membership in the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Society and being honored with the 1969 Sigma XI Researcher of the Year Award from Louisiana Tech University, his greatest honor was marrying Linda Williams on Oct. 3, 1970, in Simsboro, La.
Dr. Bernard was an academician to the end. His favorite pastimes were reading and studying history, philosophy and science. In retirement he taught chemistry and physics to homeschoolers.
However, hiking in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton stole his heart as well.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Edgar "Jackie" Bernard.
Dr. Bernard is survived by his wife, Mrs. Linda Bernard of Pagosa Springs; sons, Preston Bernard of Tucson, Ariz., Thomas Bernard and wife, Megan of Chubbuck, Idaho, and Paul Bernard of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Carolyn Bernard of Sugarland, Texas; stepson, John Lipham of Monroe, La.; a sister, Amelie, and husband William Harris of New Orleans; a brother, Louis Bernard and wife, Shirley, of Cape Fair, Mo.; and two grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be directed toward the Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks Street, New Orleans, La.

Clifford Evensen
A lifetime resident of the Durango area, Clifford Hermand Evensen, 88, died Nov. 22, 2000, at his home after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services for Mr. Evensen will be held December 1, 2000 at the Durango Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, 2 Hilltop Drive at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at Hood Mortuary today until 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Evensen was born to Axel Hermand and Pearl Stivers Evensen Feb. 28, 1912, in Breen. He married Elma E. Peine in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints on June 8, 1937.
Mr. Evensen was well-known in the Four Corners Area as a religious leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He served as a branch president, bishop, member of the Young Stake presidency, seminary instructor, and for 33 years was the patriarch of the Young and Durango Stakes.
He worked many years for Morehart Chevrolet Oldsmobile as an accountant and office manager. He graduated from Durango High School and the American University of Commerce.
Mr. Evensen is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elma Evensen of Durango; sons, Ronald (Shirley) of Provo, Utah, and Val Evensen of Durango; two daughters, Elaine Bard of Randlett, Utah, and Karen (Brent) Christensen of Farmington, N.M.; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He also is survived by one brother, Glenn Evensen of Mesa, Ariz., and one sister, Agda Remple of Stockton, Calif.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, 2 Hilltop Drive, Durango, CO 81301 or the American Heart Association, La Plata County Heart Fund, P.O. Box 1777, Durango, CO 81302.

February 22, 2001

Talamante rites held
Sarah Jane "Patsy" Talamante, a longtime resident of Edith, passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001.
Mrs. Talamante was originally from Larne, Northern Ireland. Her husband of 50 years Feliciano, brought Sarah to the U.S. as his war bride. They shared a wonderful life on the ranch with their ten children.
She is preceded in death by husband, Feliciano; a son, Phillip; two brothers, Robert Campbell and Abey Campbell; and a sister, Roseann Montgomery, overseas.
Mrs. Talamante is survived by her children, Bernard Talamante of Edith; Frances Talamante of Pueblo; Barbara Baugh and husband Gene of Pueblo; Frank Talamante Jr. and wife Bernadette of Chama, N.M.; Ray Talamante and wife Mary of Lumberton, N.M.; Marlon Talamante and wife Becky of Tierra Amarilla, N.M.; Marilyn Coen and husband Everett of Pagosa Springs; Johnny Talamante and wife Kristelle of Edith; and Roseann Talamante and David Montoya of Santa Fe, N.M.; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by an aunt, Rosie O'Connor, in Ireland; a brother, Robert Campbell in Wales; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins in the United Kingdom.
Mrs. Talamante will be missed for her kindness and the joy that she brought to so many.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2001.

Joshua D. Hughes
Joshua David Hughes, age 29, drowned Jan. 18, 2001. A former resident of Pagosa Springs, Hughes lived for almost three years in Galveston, Texas, while undergoing treatment for a bipolar disorder.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Pagosa Bible Church which meets in the multipurpose room of Pagosa Springs Elementary School.
Hughes was born July 10, 1971, in Omak, Wash. He attended elementary and junior high schools in Pagosa Springs. He graduated from St. Stephen's Episcopal Preparatory High School in Austin, Texas; attended 2 1/2 years at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.; earned a BA in communications from Ft. Lewis College; and pursued 2 1/2 years of pre-med studies at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. He excelled in all academic endeavors and spoke three languages.
He considered highlights of his life to be an autumn 2000 bicycle ride from Houston to Dallas raising funds for AIDS victims; and a two-week holiday trip in December 2000 to Milan, Italy, with his girlfriend Dr. Giulia Ottaviani's family. But above all, his entire life was dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his mother Kay Taylor Burnett of League City, Texas; his father Peter Hughes of Pagosa Springs; two sisters; two brothers and three nephews.
The children's art education classroom at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (directly across from NASA Johnson Space Center) in Texas has been named "Joshua's Room" in honor of young Hughes. The arts center is a nonprofit organization where his mother is executive director and where Joshua worked in the coffee shop while scheduling spring 2001 graduate classes at the University of Houston at Clear Lake.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be sent to: TAACCL - Joshua's Room; 2000 NASA Road 1; Nassau Bay, TX 77058.

March 29, 2001

Clarence E. Tubb
Clarence E. Tubb, 87, a resident of Albuquerque, N.M., since 1990, died Sunday, March 25, 2001.
He is survived by his sons, Gary Tubb and wife, Susan of Seabrook, Texas, John Tubb and wife, Patricia of Los Alamos, N.M.; daughters Susan Woy and husband Rod of Albuquerque, Karen Bryant and husband, Gary of Edgewood, N.M.; brother, Irvin Tubb and wife, Leah of Grass Valley, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and their spouses; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy H. Tubb and by a grandchild, Brandt Tubb, four brothers and a sister.
Mr. Tubb attended First Baptist Church in Tijeras, N.M. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kirkwood, Mo. Services were scheduled at 10 a.m. today (March 29) at First Baptist Church in Tijeras. Interment was to follow at Sandia Memory Gardens in Albuquerque. Pallbearers were Gary and John Tubb, Jim and Roy Neil, Rod Woy, Garry Bryant, Jeff Pierce, Jim Payne and Louie Bryant.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1330 San Pedro NE, Suite 205, Albuquerque, N.M. 87110.

October 25, 2001

Claudio Martinez
Claudio Martinez, 76, born May 1, 1925 in Lonetree, Colo., to Joe and Julia Martinez, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2001, in Layton, Utah. He was the last survivor of 11 children.
He was a World War II veteran and served with the occupational forces in Japan. He lived a rich and beautiful life and was loved by all. No one was a stranger to him.
Surviving are his wife, Cordelia A.; daughters Patricia Stella Owen, Connie M. Carr and Lori M. Bedont; five grandchildren, Robbie, Jack, Emily, Tricia and Aaron; and forever sons, Jeffrey Owen, Robert Carr and Brian Graham.
Mass was said at 9 a.m. Oct. 22, 2001 in St. Rose of Lima Church in Layton following visitation the previous evening at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary. Burial was in Lindquist's Memorial Park, with military honors accorded.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Salt Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care of Mr. Martinez and also to Dr. Bruce Bertenshaw, Valeta and Sharon.

"Your are gone from our sight . . .
but never from our memories . . .
Gone from our touch . . .
but never our hearts."
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
We love you with all our hearts.
Your family.

Jesus R. Loya
Jesus Ramos Loya of Pagosa Springs died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001 at Lutheran Medical Center in Denver. Death was attributed to cancer but he also suffered from emphysema.
Mr. Loya was well known in the community for his knowledge of masonry. He was hired by Mayor Ross Aragon for the rock work done at the Archuleta Housing projects and was involved in many other projects - big and small - throughout the county.
He is survived by his wife, Elisa; children Socorro Juarez, Luz Galdames, Rogelio "Roy," Jesus and Elisa; siblings Mauro and Trinidad Loya, Elvira Loya de Chavez, Maria Loya de Chavez, Benito, Jose Maria de la Luz Loya, and Daniel. He was preceded in death by a brother, Alfonso. His godchild is Matilda Vialovos of Pagosa Springs.
Rosary services were held at 7 p.m. Thursday and mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. Friday at St. Cajetan's Church in Denver. Interment was in Arvada Cemetery.
Mr. Loya had many friends and was very well-liked. He will be greatly missed and may God bless him.
Donations in his name would be appreciated and may be made to Vectra Bank in care of Jesus Loya Memorial Fund.

February 7, 2002

Hazel Fair
Pagosa area resident Hazel Ardellia Fair died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002 at the age of 85. She had moved to the Pagosa area in 1985 from Shreveport, La.
Hazel was born in Red River Parish, La., on June 22, 1916. She spent her life as a homemaker and caring for others as a nurse's aide. Also, in the spirit of a servant's heart, Hazel served as a Sunday School teacher for years.
She was the quintessential homemaker in that she actually enjoyed sewing, cooking and reading as her spare-time hobbies.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Quitman Parker Fair.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Barbara Fair of Mancos; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Will Pringle of Shreveport; and daughter and son-in-law Connie and Frank Porter of Denver.
Services were held at the Rose-Neath Funeral Home and interment was at the Centuries Memorial Cemetery in Shreveport.

May 30, 2002

Lloyd Turner
Lloyd Marvin Turner died in Pagosa Springs on Wednesday, May 22. He was 71 years old.
Lloyd was born Oct. 13, 1930, in La Salle, Colo., to Mary and Levi Turner. He moved from California to Pagosa Springs in 1998. He had worked as an aerospace engineer and had served in the U.S. Navy. In his earlier years, Lloyd was known for racing stock cars.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Alice Turner of Pagosa Springs; his son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Rochelle Turner of Pagosa Springs; his son, Marvin Turner of Hemet, Calif.; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Shirley Turner of West Virginia; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2002, in Grace Chapel of Pagosa Funeral Options with Rev. Louis Day officiating.

August 1, 2002

April Lynn Hill
April Lynn Hill (Brannan-Scoggins) of Pagosa Springs died Thursday, July 25, 2002, at the age of 28. She had been a resident of Pagosa Springs for the past seven years and was assistant manager at the Super 8 Motel.
Her father, Doug Morlan, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Scott Brian Hill; daughters Hope Alexandra Paul and Katelynn Rose Hill; her parents, Terri and Garry Scoggins of Pagosa Springs and David and Tammy Brannan of Mobile, Ala.; brothers, Glen and Duke of Susanville, Calif., David of Mobile, Ala., Jason of Seattle, Wash., and Dennis of Pagosa Springs; and sisters Bobbie of Seattle, Ronnie of Susanville, Jessica of Mobile, Anna of Pennsylvania, and Lena of Thornton, Colo.
April's greatest passion in life was her family, most importantly her two little girls. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Visitation and honors were held 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2002, in Grace Chapel of Pagosa Springs Funeral Options with Warron Big Eagle's oversight. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 30, at 4 p.m. at Whiskey Jack's in Aspen Springs. Cremation was to follow.
Anyone wishing to assist the family and Mrs. Hill's two young daughters, Hope, 3, and Katelynn, 11 months, at Wells Fargo Bank in Pagosa Springs, please refer to account number 3861932030.

Stanley Hirsch
Stanley Norman Hirsch, a resident of Pagosa Springs, died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at the age of 75.
He was born in 1927 in Manhattan, New York City, New York. He was an electrical engineer for the U.S. Forest Service and had only recently moved to Pagosa Springs.
Services are pending. Contact Pagosa Springs Funeral Options at 264-2386 for additional information


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