John E. Baker, Sr.
John E. Baker, Sr., former Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman,
died April 6, 2001, at his home in Ignacio.
Rosary service was April 9; then Mass of Christian Burial
was officiated by Fr. Eddy Andary April 10 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Burial at Ouray Memorial Cemetery.
Baker was born April 25, 1918, in Ignacio. He served overseas
in the Army during World War II as a surgical technician. He served Southern
Ute Indian Tribe as Councilor for many years and as Chairman. He worked
hard in developing many tribal programs over the years. He enjoyed the
outdoors and gunsmith work.
He is survived by his wife, Lula, of Ignacio; sons John
E. Baker, Jr. and Ernest Baker both in Ignacio; daughter Angela Baker at
Santa Fe; brothers Chris Baker at Ignacio; and many grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by children Michael Baker, Zelda
Baker and Alice Baker; sister Mary Baker; and brothers Clam Baker, Carl
Baker and Randolph Baker.
Lois Edna Hickman
Lois Edna Hickman died April 6, 2001, at her home in Bayfield.
Funeral services were April 10 at First Baptist Church
of Bayfield officiated by Rev. James Newman. Burial at Pine River Cemetery.
Hickman was born June 8, 1918, in Pawnee OK. She graduated
from Durango High School. She and Edward L. Hickman married on December
16, ‘39, at Aztec. She worked for a state senator for awhile and then was
head cook with Bayfield School District for 24 years. Hickman was active
with Sarah Rebecca Lodge and other ladies’ organizations. She was a devoted
Christian and loyal church member. She enjoyed many crafts and gardening.
She is survived by her husband; daughter Caroline Shupe
of Bayfield; sons Harvey Hickman at Wickenburg AZ and Howard Hickman of
Parachute CO; sister Nellie Kinslow in Utah; brothers Frank Robbins in
California, Alfred Robbins at Durango, Charles Robbins in Arizona, Harold
Robbins in Nebraska and Donald Robbins of Denver; six grandchildren and
nine great- grandchildren.
Her son, Harland Hickman, died earlier.
Her family will welcome memorial contributions to First
Baptist Church, Box 50, Bayfield CO 81122-0050.
Deanna Ruth Surprenant
Deanna Ruth Surprenant, MSW, known for her unselfish kindness
and dedication to others, died peacefully on April 20, 2001, at St. Mary's
hospital in Grand Junction. She had survived two craniotomies related to
an acute subdural hematoma, but ultimately could not hold on to life.
A 22- year resident of La Plata County, Surprenant, was
born in Baltimore, MD on Christmas Day, 1946. Initially graduating from
Washington College in Chestertown MD, she later earned her Masters in Social
Work from the University of Maryland, ultimately becoming a licensed Social
Worker. In 1998, she moved from Bayfield to Durango.
Surprenant devoted her life to serving others and was
considered an expert in family therapy, child/ adolescent abuse and protection,
foster care and permanency for children. She was just 18 weeks shy of serving
20 years for the La Plata County Department of Social Services. Surprenant
was a board member of the Violence Prevention Coalition of Durango and
a member of the Sexual Abuse Treatment Team in Durango.
A member of Durango Friends Meeting, she served as the
co-clerk of the Monthly Meeting.
And finally, she was a remarkable amateur poet whose poems
were loved by many.
Her husband, Charles of Durango; four sons, Steve and
his wife Betsy of Rockville MD, Jason, his wife Kathryn and granddaughter,
Emily Ruth, Blake, and Evan and his wife Theresa all of Centralia, WA survive
her.
The Durango Friends Meeting held a small, private worship
for of Dee on April 22. A special service for friends and family to Celebrate
the Life of Dee was held April 24 at the Elks Lodge in Durango.
Contributions in memory of Dee to help support the planting
of a memorial tree in Durango celebrating her life may be sent to Vectra
Bank, Durango Branch, 1101 East Second Avenue, Durango CO 81301. Account
#4906004512, bank phone is 970-247-4183; or, tax deductible contributions
for further distribution to several charities that she supported may be
sent to the Deanna Ruth Surprenant Memorial Fund, c/o Durango Friends Meeting,
PO Box 3052, Durango, CO 81302.
Ruby H. Schoser
Ruby H. Schoser died May 18, 2001, at Four Corners Health
Care Center in Durango following a prolonged illness. A private family
memorial service will be held later. Cremation was at Hood Mortuary Crematory
in Durango.
Schoser was born October 13, 1913, in Flora Vista NM.
She married Leo Otto Schoser on May 17, ‘40, in Durango. She attended school
in Bayfield and then Mercy School of Nursing. She nursed at the old Community
Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Doctor Rensch and then for Doctor Murray
for 25 years.
She is survived by daughter Jean Corbin of Durango, grandchildren
Patti Newton of Boulder, Brett Newton of Littleton and Eldon Newton of
Lakewood; great grandchildren Steve, Josh, Trevor and Taylor, and many
nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leo Schoser March
11, 2001, and sisters Margaret Moore and Elsie Gedney.
Curtis Trimble
Curtis Trimble, life long member of the Bayfield community,
died June 19, 2001, in Hurricane UT.
He was the son of Mae Cundiff and George Trimble, adopted
and raised by Etta and Theo Cundiff, his grandparents. Born May 15, 1918,
at Sauls Creek, Trimble attended Pargin School, served on the German front
in World War II and farmed for 50 years at Hogs are Beautiful Farm on Highway
160 a mile west of Gem Village.
Trimble had been active in Bayfield Lions club as president
and VFW as district commander.
He was awarded rancher of the Year by Durango Pro Rodeo.
Trimble is survived by his wife Grace, son Richard Trimble
of Denver, daughters Coleen Rowe in Denver and Karen Otterstein at Bayfield.
Memorial services will be June 30, 4 p.m., at Lions Hall
on Church Street in downtown Bayfield.
Ilvah E. "Babe" Mosby
Memorial service will be held later for Ilvah E. "Babe"
Mosby who died October 11, 2001, in Federal Way WA. Burial will be at Pine
River Cemetery.
Mrs. Mosby was born December 14, 1912, in Piedra CO to
area pioneers Samuel and Josie Snooks. On July 9, '30, she married James
Edward "Ed" Mosby and moved to Texas. They lived many places before making
their home in Durango in '45. Mrs. Mosby worked for Gordon's in Durango
for 11 years and for La Plata County Clerk's office for 23 years; she retired
in March, '82.
An infant son, Charles Edward, her husband, and brother
Otis H. Snooks, died earlier.
She is survived by sister Hattie Kingsley of Buckley WA;
nieces Harriet Perry of Yorba Linda CA, Audrey Powell of Buckley WA and
Jeanne Yeager of Bayfield; nephews Otis Snooks of Bullhead AZ, Kenneth
Fosbert at Fruitland ID, Neal Snooks of Roseville CA; Darrell Fosberg of
Flagstaff AZ and Stanley Snooks at Bloomfield NM. Many great- and great-
great- nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial contributions will be welcome to the donor's
choice.
Richard A. "Dick" Davis
Richard A. "Dick" Davis, lifelong resident and rancher,
died October 12, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center.
Funeral service was officiated by Chaplain Myron Darmour
October 17 at Hood Mortuary. Burial at Florida Cemetery.
Davis was born May 4, 1924, in Durango, the son of Francis
and Winifred Chambers Davis. He graduated from Durango High School, then
served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Uvalde and in San
Francisco. He married Dorothy Ismay on May 7, 1958, in Aztec. In addition
to ranching, he worked as a rural route postal delivery man.
Davis is survived by his children Laura L. Baker, Anna
M. Kaufman, Richard Paul Davis and Douglas J. Davis, and brothers Robert
Davis and George Davis all of Durango; sisters Elizabeth Shoemaker at Sacrament
CA and Peg Davis in Medford OR, and many nieces and nephews.
His wife died in '98.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Ass'n
La Plata County heart Fund, Box 1777, Durango CO 81302, or to Florida Cemetery
Ass'n, 290 CR 514, Ignacio CO 81137.
Elbert Bailey "Buddy" Harris
Elbert Bailey "Buddy" Harris died October 16, 2001, in
Ignacio. Pastors Curt Alderton and Randall Haynes led a memorial service
October 22 at Ignacio Community Church.
Harris was born August 3, 1941, in Milan TN. He married
Katheryn Kay Campbell on March 13, '72, at Scottsdale AZ. He was an avid
horseman who devoted time to youths building interest in horses and their
care. He enjoyed life, spending time with his family and their activities,
and fishing.
He is survived by his wife in Ignacio; children David
Harris of Kankakee IL, Beth Campbell and husband Rich of New London IA,
Donald Harris and wife Joni of Edmond OK, Tammy Mansfield and husband Ronnie
at Hendersonville TN, Saletta Brooks and husband Henry at Sharon TN; Jeffrey
Harris in Syracuse NY and Clint Harris; sister Lisa Paschall at Gleason
TN; grandchildren Jocelyn Harris, Jacqueson Harris, Jagger Harris, Starr
Rogers, Shane Rogers, Travis Mansfield, Colton Mansfield, Fawn Harris,
Autumn Harris, Kelsie Harris, Gordon Harris and Dustin Harris, and great-
grandchild Jade.
Memorial contributions will be appreciated to Spring Creek
Community Ass'n, c/o Sally Powell, 5962 CR 334, Ignacio CO 81137.
Dean D. Peterson
Dean D. Peterson, resident of Farmington since moving from
Pagosa Springs in 1976, died October 26, 2001. Dean was born August 28,
1952, in Durango to Paul and Margy Peterson.
His mother died in April, ‘98.
He is survived by his father at Bloomfield, wife Jennie
in Farmington, daughters Brandy Peterson in the US Navy in Crete and Amanda
Howell and her husband Chip of Farmington, brother and sister- in- law
Dale and Pam Peterson of Bloomfield and nephew Heath Peterson of Metairie
LA.
Dean worked most recently as a professional truck driver
for Four Corners Pre-Cast Inc; he also drover for giant, Permian and Havens
Trucking companies.
He answered his country’s call and entered the military
service in the US Coast Guard and was a boatswain’s mate. Dean made rank
as an E5 2nd class and received an honorable discharge.
During his boyhood in Pagosa Springs, Dean was an avid
hunter, fisherman and horseman. He was involved in 4-H clubs in which he
won many awards. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and above all his family;
he was a stay- at- home family man.
Dean attended horse shoeing school at Cowpolly Technical
School in San Luis Obispo CA.
He was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church
of Farmington.
Fr. Carl Brenner will officiate a memorial service November
2 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 312 N. Orchard Avenue.
Ross J. Martinez
Ross J. Martinez died August 13, 2001, of natural causes.
He was born March 25, 1917, in Durango to Emilio and Sarah Martinez.
Ross was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US
Army from ‘42 to ‘45. He moved to Santa Maria CA in ‘45, transferring from
Standard Oil Co. in Santa Barbara. He married Doris in ‘46, and they made
Santa Maria their home.
Ross was a real estate broker. He owned and operated Martinez
Realty in partnership with his wife. He specialized in farm and ranch and
ranch properties. He was a member and former director of Santa Maria Board
of Realtors. He was a director of YMCA Indian Guides. He enjoyed arts and
crafts, painting landscape and mission scenes, and gave away many pictures
to his friends.
He is survived by his wife; sons Richard R. Martinez,
Alan W. Martinez, Fred L. Martinez; and grandchildren Christopher Martinez
and Maurice Martinez. Other relatives who survive Ross are his sisters
Mollie Flaherty and Marcia Martinez of New Mexico, Olive Garcia in Sacramento
CA, Sofia Sevada in Arizona, Nevis Oustad in Texas, Julia Rodriquez of
Colorado; brothers Christopher Martinez, Bennie Martinez and Seferino Martinez;
and many nieces and nephews.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will
be greatly missed.
Arrangements directed by Dudley- Hoffman Mortuary.
Edwin “Rusty” Valentine
Edwin “Rusty” Valentine died November 2, 2001, at four
Corners Health Care Center in Durango. Private family graveside service
will be at Memory Gardens in Aztec. Cremation was at Hood Mortuary Crematory.
Valentine was born March 13, 1924, in Meeker. From March,
1947, until her death in August, ‘75, Elizabeth Hess was his wife. He married
Hazel Long in June, ‘77. He served in the Army during World War II. He
retired from working as an automobile mechanic and telephone lineman. He
had lived at Clifton before moving to Durango a short time ago.
He is survived by his wife Hazel of Missouri Valley IA;
daughters Barbara Kugle of Bayfield, Maggie Valentine- Inskeep at Pagosa
Springs and Becky Donatucci at Aspen; son Mike Valentine at Flagstaff AZ,
and brother Joe Valentine in Grand Junction.
His first wife, a brother, a sister and an infant granddaughter
preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy,
375 East Park Avenue, Durango CO 81301.
James Edward “Jim” Walker
James Edward “Jim” Walker died November 5, 2001, in Mancos.
His funeral was November 10 at Allison Community Church, officiated by
Pastor Jeff Finch. Burial was at Allison- Tiffany Cemetery.
Walker was born July 20, 1912, in Arboles, the son of
John and Winifred Walker. He married Rachel Marie Lattin in Denver in ‘33.
Walker served the US Postal Service 48 years, 41 of those as postmaster
in Arboles. He was a rancher, auto and boat mechanic, and general store
keeper at Arboles.
He is survived by daughter Alice Brown in Durango, sons
Johnny Walker of Woodland Park and Jimmy Walker in Englewood.
His wife died December 17, 1996.
Ronald Thomas Hill
Ronald Thomas Hill died November 8, 2001, in Bayfield.
Funeral service was November 13 at Calvary Presbyterian
Church, officiated by Rev. Dan Straw. Burial at Pine River Cemetery.
Hill was born February 2, 1944, in Mangum OK and moved
to Colorado as a young child. He served in the US Navy and was stationed
on board the USS Massy. He attended CU Boulder, UNM Albuquerque and graudated
from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting.
He moved to Bayfield in the early ‘80s and worked for
Southern Ute Indian Tribe 18 years.
Hill is survived by his wife Leonette, his mother Margaret
Hill of Farmington NM, brothers Don Hill of Temecula CA and Tracy Hill
of Farmington, sister Beverly Grasmick of Rocky Ford, and many nieces,
aunts and uncles.
Kathy Louise Giroux
Kathy Louise Giroux died November 23, 2001. She was born
in Norfolk VA in '58.
Giroux had moved to the Durango area 20 years ago from
Chicago Heights IL. She owned and operated Top Cat Video store in Ignacio
for years. She was a member of VFW Women's Auxiliary in Durango. Her friends
and relatives remember her great interest in crafts and canning her own
vegetables from her garden. However, most memorable was her passion to
rescue abandoned and abused animals by taking them into her home.
Her father, Victor J. Giroux, died earlier.
Those who survive Kathy include her mother Diane N. Schmidt,
sister Karen L. Giroux of Plant City FL; uncles Gene R Newman of San Diego
and Bill Newman of Santee CA; aunts Jane Gore and Josie Newman of Nashville
IN.
Her family requests that memorial donations be made to
La Plata County Humane Society, Box 2164, Durango CO 81302.
Jeanette Alexandria Frost
Jeanette Alexandria Frost died November 27, 2001, at Mercy
Medical Center. Funeral service was December 1 at Ignacio High School;
burial at Ouray Memorial Cemetery.
A wake was held at her family home the evening before.
Frost was born October 14, 1987, in Durango. She was in
eighth grade at Ignacio Junior High School where she was active in Math,
Engineering, Science and Academics club. She was a Southern Ute and participated
in traditional dances. She enjoyed music and the outdoors.
She is survived by her parents, Andrew and Janelle Frost,
brother Jacob Frost and sisters Anastasia Frost and Eleanor Frost; grandparents
Jack M. Frost, Sr. and Sharon Howell all of Ignacio; and many aunts, uncles
and cousins.
Her maternal grandparents, John F. Denny and Lorraine
J. Baker died before Frost.
William Scott Howell "Will" Frost
William Scott Howell "Will" Frost died November 28, 2001,
at home in Ignacio. He lived in Arlee MT the past six years.
Funeral service was December 1 at Ignacio High School;
burial at Ouray Memorial Cemetery. A wake was at the family home the night
before.
Frost was born September 5, 1965, in Durango. He graduated
from Ignacio High School and was studying environmental science at Salish
Kootenai Tribal College in Pablo MT at the time of his death. He enjoyed
his motorcycles and classic cars, fly fishing, hunting and carpentry.
He is survived by his wife Maylinn Smith, son William
George Frost and daughter Maranda Louise Frost all of Arlee; parents Jack
M. Frost, Sr. and Sharon Howell of Ignacio; brothers Chief Prairie Chief,
Jack Frost, Jr. and Andrew Frost, and sisters Tyner Prairie Chief, Jackie
Frost and Andrea Howell all of Ignacio; grandparents Henry and Wanda Stoneroad
of Oklahoma City; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
His sister Sarah Suzette Frost, grandmother Thelma Stoneroad
and grandfather George Howell died before Frost.
Mendel Earl Eagle
Funeral services for Mendel Earl Eagle were December 5,
2001, at Cortez Church of Christ. Hunt Zumwalt officiated; interment at
Cortez Cemetery. Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75 conducted military
graveside services.
Mendel was a beloved father, grandfather and friend to
many. He passed quietly from this life into the eternal arms of his Heavenly
Father November 30. He was born September 15, 1919, in Whitesboro TX to
Marvin Davis and Ruth Elizabeth Eagle.
He served with distinction with the 10th Air Force 7th
Bombardment Group 492nd Squadron of the Army Air Corps in India during
World War II. Mendel later moved his family to Farmington, where he lived
and worked during the oil boom of the 1950s, and afterward moved to Colorado
where he had been a longtime resident of Bayfield and Cortez.
Mendel is survived by his sons and daughters- in- law,
Terry and Lorna Eagle of Aztec, Gary and Debbie Eagle of Show Low AZ, and
Kerry and Sandy Eagle of Flora Vista; daughter and son- in- law, Larry
and Ronda Thompson of Las Vegas NV; 11 grandchildren; and three great-
grandchildren; sister and brother- in- law Raymond and Francis Hufft of
Nashville TN; brother and sister- in- law Marlin and Opal Eagle of Panhandle
TX; and former wife of more than 30 years, Jean, and her husband and very
special friend Willis Rice of Farmington.
Preceding him in death are his parents, four siblings
and grandson Travis Earl Eagle.
His pride and joy in this world were his grandchildren
who will greatly miss him. Nothing pleased him more than rocking the little
ones to sleep. He will be fondly remembered for his love of the mountains,
hunting and fishing. He had a keen sense of humor and a great love for
his family and church family in Cortez.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made
to Mountain View Christian School, 3900 E. Bonanza, Las Vegas NV 89110.
Services were under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home
in Cortez.
Rana Jean Baker
Rana Jean Baker died January 13, 2002, in Ignacio.
Rev Kelly Winlock and Rev Sam Winder officiated funeral
service January 17 at Baptist Indian Mission. Burial at Ouray memorial
Cemetery.
Rana Jean Baker -Rock, a Southern Ute, was born July 26,
1947, in Durango and lived most of her live at Ignacio. She spent her early
childhood in Albuquerque, graduated from Ignacio High School in May, ‘92.
When she died, Baker was working toward an Associates Degree in Science
at Pueblo Community College. She had one semester left before graduating.
Baker worked for Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a Community
Health Representative where she enjoyed working with and was well respected
by many Tribal Elders.
Baker will be missed for her delightful smile, the happiness
that shined through her, and the joy and laughter that surrounded her everywhere
she went.
Her hobbies included family activities, listening to different
varieties of music; her favorite outdoor activities were hunting and fishing.
Among those who survive her are her husband Elmer D. Rock,
daughters ShaRay Rock and Maya Rock, parents Randy and Marlene Baker, sister
and brother- in- law Madilenia Baker and Byron K. Chavarillo all of Ignacio,
plus several nieces and nephews. Her brothers Randy J. Baker, Jr. and Ricky
Julian Baker, her grandparents Carl and Jeanett Baker, and grandfather
James Smith died earlier.
Floy Box Valdez
Floy Box Valdez died January 2, 2002, of natural causes
at her home in Ignacio.
Funeral service was January 30 at Rolling Thunder Hall,
officiated by Rev Kelly Winlock of Baptist Indian Mission. Burial at Ouray
Memorial Cemetery.
Valdez, a Southern Ute, was born August 1, 1921, in Ignacio.
She loved growing flowers and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. She enjoyed
doing beadwork and taught many children and adults in her community how
to bead. She served on Committee of Elders for Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
She was a bingo and casino player and loved the Towaoc
Casino when it first opened.
Her survivors include sons Erwin E. Taylor of Bayfield,
Buddy C. Taylor and Gene A. Valdez of Ignacio; daughters Eva Lee Taylor
in Denver, Mary Frances Taylor Cotton at Ignacio and Marie A. Rivas at
Pagosa Springs; 32 grandchildren, 41 great- grandchildren and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Her brother Floyd Box, Sr., sons Raymond A. Valdez and
Frederick Lewis Taylor, granddaughters Pamela M. Taylor and Shelly Wynette
Taylor died earlier.
Leslie Douglas Hanna
Leslie Douglas Hanna came into this world December 25, 1921, at
Marvel and was called home to be with the Lord on February 5, 2002, after
80 years.
He served in the Army during World War II in Germany,
was a logger at Vallecito, carpenter, and a member of the VFW.
Leslie lived most of his life in and around Durango and
Bayfield. He married Rose Mackey September 1, 1948, and they raised six
children.
Leslie’s father, mother, three sisters and one brother
preceded him in death.
He is survived by Rose, four sons, two daughters and their
spouses- Doug and Shelly Hanna, Alf and Marcia Hanna, Tom and Joan Hanna
all of Bayfield, Rodger and Brenda Hanna in Arizona, Martha and Marc White,
and Dee and Ray Lopez of Ignacio; 18 grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren;
a sister Martha Jane Huston in Durango; a brother Wesley B. Hanna in Oregon;
and many nieces and nephews.
Per his request no services were held, and placement of
his cremated remains will be at Marvel cemetery.
He was a kind, generous and honorable man.
Edward J. Adams
Edward J. Adams died February 8, 2002, at Mercy Medical
Center.
No services are planned now. Cremation was at Hood Mortuary
crematory in Durango.
Adams was born January 18, 1912, in Chicago IL. He served
in the US Army during World War II in the 3rd Armored Division and received
the Purple Heart. He also served in the Merchant Marines.
Adams lived in the Durango area since ‘92. He was knows
by all his friends in the Bayfield are as Uncle Eddie. Before coming to
this area, he worked for Department of Agriculture and was a lumberjack
in Washington state. In San Francisco he worked for civil conservation
Corps, USDA and as a shipbuilder. He was a longtime member of YMCA.
He is survived by his nephew William “Bill” Adamaitis
of Dayton OH.
Warren W. Good
Warren W. Good died February 14, 2002, at his home in Arboles
CO.
Funeral service was February 19 at Arboles Baptist Church.
Rev. Kelly Winlock officiated. Burial was at Allison- Tiffany Cemetery
in Allison.
Good was born April 19, 1918, in Fondis. He lived there
until moving to Colorado Springs during his junior high school years.
He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and
was a Crew Chief on B-17s. He worked as a hard rock miner throughout Colorado
and knew every back road in the state.
Good was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting
and water- skiing. He water skied until he was 76 years old. He also flew
his Aqua Kite over Navajo Reservoir.
He is survived by his sons James C. Good of Navajo Dam
NM and Robert W. Good of Alma, daughters Vivian Lee Fisher of Rifle and
Paula M. Wertz of Arboles, eleven grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren.
Orland Nix
Orland “Mox” Nix died March 6, 2002, in Bayfield. Services
were held March 11 at Hood Mortuary Chapel with burial in Ignacio Cemetery.
Nix was born January 20, 1950, in Monte Vista. He served
in the Army during the Vietnam War era. He lived in the Durango area for
the last 14 years.
Nix loved poetry and art. He enjoyed being outdoors, playing
harmonica and guitar, and playing with his grandchildren. He was an avid
Denver Broncos fan.
His brother Wayne Nix died before he did.
He is survived by wife Lilia Nix of Bayfield; son and
daughter- in- law Wayne and Renee Nix of Durango; daughter Trisha Nix at
Colorado Springs; grandchildren Destry and Sadie Nix in Durango, Echo and
River Riggin in Utah, and Kayla Clark in Denver; brothers Larry Nix of
Colorado Springs and Norman Nix of Monte Vista; and sister Dorothy Nix
in Monte Vista.
Donald Grush
On March 15, 2002, we said goodbye to a loving husband,
father and friend. Donald Grush passed away at his home in Bayfield after
a long battle with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. His strength through
this has been heroic to all who knew him.
Donald was born May 8, 1941, in Durango to Raymond and
Irma Grush. He grew up on, and continued to live on, a small ranch at Bayfield.
He worked for some years as a body man, then became a truck driver, all
the while tending to the ranch.
His real career was being a father and husband, never
missing a skinned knee, ball game or any other altercation that sons can
create. He then became a surrogate father to two lovely ladies who touched
his life as much as he touched theirs. His favorite job seemed to be grandfather
since he could spoil children without suffering the consequences. He very
much loved his grandchildren.
Donald is preceded in death by his father, Raymond; mother,
Irma; and sister, Carol. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; brother,
Glen; sons, Terry and Kevin; daughters- in- law, Tracey and Tanya; grandchildren,
Ronnie, Cameron and Madisen; and many friends.
Don- Dad- Grandpa will be greatly missed.
Services will be March 23, 2 p.m., Calvary Presbyterian
Church in Bayfield.
Contributions to help with final expenses may be made
to Donald R. Grush Memorial Fund at Pine River Valley Bank, 301 North Commerce
Drive, Bayfield CO 81122, or floral arrangements may be made at Giggleswick
Floral in Bayfield.
Holeman “Grigs” Grigsby
Holeman Grigsby, former Bayfield resident, died February
29, 2002, in Escondido CA after a short illness.
Grigsby was born March 12, 1913, in Los Angeles. He graduated
from LA High School and from UCLA in ‘35. Shortly after graduation he began
working for Aetna Life Insurance Co., Hartford CT.
In ‘41 Grigsby joined the Army as a second lieutenant.
In ‘43 he attended General Staff and Command School at Fort Leavenworth
KS and graduated as a captain. He was sent to the South Pacific. As battalion
commander he led his battalion in the first assault up Cockazoo Ridge on
Okinawa. He sustained life- threatening injuries. He was awarded the Purple
Heart and promoted to lieutenant colonel.
He married Norma Seither in February ‘46 in Maplewood
NJ.
After Grigsby was discharged, he was appointed manager
of the group division of Aetna Life Insurance Co in LA. The Grigsbys settled
in San Marino CA where they raised their four children.
Upon his retirement in ‘75, the Grigsbys moved to Borrego
Springs.
Grigsby is survived by his wife of 56 years; sons Bruce
Grigsby of Issaquah WA and Jeff Grigsby of Bayfield; daughters Julie Mosby
of Martinez CA and Betsy Martin in Encinitas CA; nine grandchildren and
four great- grandchildren.
Memorial donations will be welcomed to The Billy Graham
Evangelistic Ass’n, Box 779, Minneapolis MN 55440.
James S. Patten
James S. Patten died March 7, 2002, at his home in Sun
City AZ.
He was born September 27, 1910, in Mariaville NE, son
of Clarence J. and Etta Viola Beck Patten. He graduated from Manville Public
High School in Manville WY and received two years credit at University
of Wyoming.
He married Margaret A. “Marge” Gauken on June 11, ‘33.
Patten was an elementary teacher and principal in Wyoming
schools. Over the years he owned and operated a ranch near Keeline WY.
He then worked for Continental Oil Co for 30 years. During those years
he and his family lived in Fort Morgan, Durango and Casper WY.
He retired in ‘69 and returned to Bayfield where they
lived until making Sun City their permanent residence in March, 2000.
Patten is survived by his wife; daughters and sons- in-
law Vivian and A.Z. Joy, Winona and Anton Munari, and Marcia “Betty” and
Mike Elkins; sons and daughters- in- law Jim and Joey Patten, and Martin
and Rita Patten; 16 grandchildren, 23 great- grandchildren, and one great-
great- grandson.
One grandson preceded him in death.
Patten was a member of the Catholic Church and a life
member of the Lusk WY Elks Lodge. He was active in many community and civic
affairs over the years.
Funeral services were March 12 at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic
Church; interment at Bayfield Cemetery.
Memorial in his name may be made to St. Bartholomew’s
Church, Bayfield.
Jayme Dee Lee
Jayme Dee Lee died March 21, 2002, at San Juan Regional
Hospital in Farmington due to an auto accident that occurred March 17 in
Pagosa Springs.
A funeral service was March 26 at the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, Pagosa Springs Ward; Bishop Kyle Candy presided.
Burial at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.
Lee was born December 7, 1984, in Durango, the daughter
of Russel G. and Charlotte Lee. She was a junior at Pagosa Springs High
School. She was full of life, had a loving heart, a beautiful smile and
a sparkle in her eyes. She enjoyed snowboarding, horses, hiking, soccer
and driving.
Lee was a loving aunt and had a deep love and devotion
for her family.
She is survived by her parents; sisters Jennifer Lee,
Missy Lee and Dena Lee, brother Brady Lee; nieces Alyssa Lee and Mahri
Lee all of Pagosa Springs; and her grandparents Wallace Lee, Sr. and Ione
Lee of Red Mesa, and Thelma Eaton of Bloomfield.
Memorial contributions will be welcomed to Jayme Dee Lee
Memorial Fund, Vectra Bank, Box 1447, Pagosa Springs CO 81147.
James S. Patten
James S. Patten died March 7, 2002, at his home in Sun
City AZ.
He was born September 27, 1910, in Mariaville NE, son
of Clarence J. and Etta Viola Beck Patten. He graduated from Manville Public
High School in Manville WY and received two years credit at University
of Wyoming.
He married Margaret A. “Marge” Gauken on June 11, ‘33.
Patten was an elementary teacher and principal in Wyoming
schools. Over the years he owned and operated a ranch near Keeline WY.
He then worked for Continental Oil Co for 30 years. During those years
he and his family lived in Fort Morgan, Durango and Casper WY.
He retired in ‘69 and returned to Bayfield where they
lived until making Sun City their permanent residence in March, 2000.
Patten is survived by his wife; daughters and sons- in-
law Vivian and A.Z. Joy, Winona and Anton Munari, and Marcia “Betty” and
Mike Elkins; sons and daughters- in- law Jim and Joey Patten, and Martin
and Rita Patten; 16 grandchildren, 23 great- grandchildren, and one great-
great- grandson.
One grandson preceded him in death.
Patten was a member of the Catholic Church and a life
member of the Lusk WY Elks Lodge. He was active in many community and civic
affairs over the years.
Funeral services were March 12 at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic
Church; interment at Bayfield Cemetery.
Memorial in his name may be made to St. Bartholomew’s
Church, Bayfield.
Susan Jo Brown
Susan Jo Brown died March 27, 2002, at Mercy Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life service was April 3 at Mercy Medical
Center Solarium. Chaplain Myron Darmour officiated. Cremation was at Hood
Mortuary Crematory in Durango.
Brown was born August 17, 1946, in Roswell NM. She attended
Wayland College in Plainview TX, Baylor University in Waco TX, and San
Juan College in Farmington. Susan had been employed by Mercy Medical Center
for the past 10 years, and she was assistant director of New Mexico Film
Commission.
Susan loved gardening and flowers. She enjoyed spending
time with her nieces and her nephews. She loved being with others and enjoyed
buying gifts for them. She had been in the Durango area 35 years.
She felt that one of her biggest accomplishments in life
was celebrating her sobriety for the last 18 years.
She is survived by her mother Julia Ora Brown of Aztec,
husband Mark Evans, brothers Tommy T. Brown of Farmington and Jerry W.
Brown, and many other family members. Her father, D. Polk Brown, died earlier.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Foundation
at Mercy Medical Center, 375 East Park Avenue, Durango CO 81301.
Henry D. “Dick” Stumberg
Henry D. “Dick” Stumberg died March 28, 2002, in Durango
due to natural causes.
A memorial service was April 1 at Vallecito Baptist Church;
Rev. Jerry Brown officiated. Following the memorial service a celebration
of life was held at Virginia’s Steak House. Friends and relatives shared
food and memories.
Cremation was at Hood Mortuary Crematory.
Stumberg was born February 9, 1924, in Hamburg MO, the
son of Clyde and Bertha Stumberg. He served in the Navy during World War
II. He married Roberta Heeke on March 3, 1973, at Vallecito. They owned
Far West Leather for many years at Vallecito.
He will long be remembered for his honest humor and tenacity
in the face of hardship.
He is survived by his wife; children Cristy Holly of Bloomfield,
Richard Stumberg of Anaheim CA and Betty June Jandette of Santa Ana CA;
grandchildren Brittny Holly, Brett Jandette and Alex Jandette; sister Maggie
Gross of St. Charles MO, and several nieces and nephews.
His sister, Betty Burch, died earlier.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made
to the Dick Stumberg Memorial Fund, 1577 CR 500, Bayfield CO 81122, or
Hospice of Mercy, 375 East Park Avenue, Durango CO 81301. |
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