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Obituaries
January - February 2001



Jeffrey A. Akins
Betty Jane Baysinger
Isaac Beanland
Wilson Nakai Begay
Anne 'Nancy' Berry
Martha Jane Bonds
Arnola Brians
Belmear Dustan Brown
Beuna Mae Burris
Kaye Ann Cardell
Glen Edward Chapman
Mrs. Zella Cockrell
Nathan Henry Conne
Walter Albert Coyote
Flora Cressler
Robert Lincoln Crites
James DePuy
Carol Lenore Dewey
Leland 'Lee' Durand III
Betty Jean Forest
Lucille Ethel Frischie
Little Bill Goforth
Joe M. Gonzales
Thomas "Mel" Gore
Opal Ramsey Griggs
Goldie Hamilton
Charles A. Hampton
James Winthrop Hartley
Carol B. Higman
Fred Kempf
Jesy Kirsch
Frank R. Mascaremas
Scott "Scotty" Glenn McEwen
Melborn Thomas "Mel" Gore
Louis H. "Mac" McConaha
Grace McWhirt
Bruce Edward Medley
Gwendolyn 'Gwen' McLean
Martha Montgomery
Henrietta Wilma Peel
Irma June Powell
Warren Locket Pyle
Juan Pedro Ramirez
Roger B. Robbins
Agnes P. Seeman
Edna Sylvia Seitz
Joseph J. Slack
Pauline Spruell Sleeper
Linda Diane Johnson Sprague
Carol Elene Sturdevant
James Sturman
Norene Switzer
Glenn R. 'Fox' Taylor
Myra Tsosie
Robert Emerson Warner
Abbie Jane Wagner
Ruth Edna Wilderson
Maxine Wilson
Evone Woolery
Wallace Charles "Wally" Yeomans


Carol Elene Sturdevant

Memorial services for Carol Elene Sturdevant of Cortez are set for Saturday, March 10, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m.

Carol was born to Wayne Wheaton and Mabel Bertina (Ponsness) Gates on Dec. 30, 1924 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. She passed away at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001 at the age of 86.

Carol was a devout Christian, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be missed by many friends and family.

Surviving Carol is her husband, Wendell F. Sturdevant, whom she married in Marshalltown, Iowa on July 14, 1945. Also surviving her are her children; Rick Sturdevant, Ph.D. (Katherine) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Trudy (Larry) of Ft. Collins, Colo., Pamela (Frank) DeFranza of Skokie, Ill., Karen (Karl) Vetter of Fresno, Calif., Edward Sturdevant of Cortez, and Michael (Sharon) Sturdevant of St. Louis, Mo.; and her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two of her brothers survive her, Wallace (Jackie) Gates of Murrieta, Calif. and Dennis (Barbara) Gates of Mesa, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Paul Gates who passed away just last year.

Memorial contributions can be made with the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice. Memorial service arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Irma June Powell

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Irma June Powell will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Cortez Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.

Irma, the daughter of Cornelius "Neily" and Vera (Miller) Roe, was born in Brown County, Neb., on June 14, 1931. She passed away at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001. She was 69.

A regular at the Elks Lodge on Thursday nights, Irma loved playing bingo as well as all card games. Reading was a favorite pastime for Irma.

Irma leaves behind a loving and devoted family. She is survived by her husband, Sidney Powell of Cortez; son Brent (Elaine) Powell of Cortez; daughter Roxanne (Grant) Armstrong of Cortez; and her beloved grandchildren, Melissa, Janelle, Brandon, Erin, Elizabeth, and Candace, all of Cortez. A brother Darwin Roe of Fort Collins, Colo.; and two sisters, Lois (Bill) Rutledge and Vada Small, both of Cortez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive Irma.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Darrel Roe; sister, Lillie Mae James; and twin sisters, LaVonna and LaVerna Roe.

Memorial contributions can be made at the First National Bank of Cortez to benefit the American Heart Association. Services will be under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Lucille Ethel Frischie

Interment services will be held at a later date, in Brownstone, Ind., for Lucille Ethel Frischie.

Lucille was born to Earl and Delia (Baugh) Boling on Aug. 12, 1914 in Salem, Ind. She passed away on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 86.

Lucille was a homemaker most of her life. She enjoyed playing bingo and various card games. She was an avid crocheter.

She is survived by her daughter; Dorothy (Daniel) Burn of Dove Creek; son, John Knott of Wabash, Ind.; five grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Three sisters also survive her.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Edgar F. Frischie; son, "Bud" Lawrence Knott; and four brothers.

Arrangements are being handled by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Edna Sylvia Seitz

Funeral services for Edna Sylvia Seitz, a lifetime resident of Cortez, are scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Goodman Point Cemetery. Bishop Mortensen will be conducting the services.

Edna was born on Feb. 15, 1912 in Mancos, to William McEwen and Laura Jane (Bell) Willden. She passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 89.

Edna was known and loved for her domestic skills. She was part of the Dolores River Garden Club and helped to create a recipe book. She kept a beautiful flower garden. She was a help to her husband, McBirney Seitz, as a farmer's wife and also helping in the years that they ran the Trailways Bus Station in Cortez. A highlight in her life came while in her 60's when she and her sister, Harriet, climbed Helmet Peak.

She is survived by her grandchildren; Brad (Keri) Mustoe of Cortez, Clay Mustoe of Cortez, Craig Mustoe, Susan Holt, Brett Mustoe all three of Utah, Aaron Mustoe, Nancy Patt, Cyndi Seitz, Erica Cunningham all four of Calif, Warren Seitz of Mass., David Seitz of Ariz., Scott Seitz of Ill.; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband in 1995; daughter, Charlotte Mustoe; sons, Charles and George Seitz; grandson, Grant Mustoe; and 12 brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the Valley Inn Nursing Home, 211 3rd Ave. Mancos, CO 81328. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Opal Ramsey Griggs

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Opal Ramsey Griggs, will be held Monday, February 26, 2001 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Clinton Smart will officiate.

Opal was born the daughter of Clarence and Pearl (Rogers) Lewis in Ripley, Okla., on Sept. 11, 1915. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001 at the age of 85.

On July 4, 1939, Opal became the bride of Glenn Daniel Ramsey in Monticello, Utah. To this union were born four sons; Roy, James, Ron, and Ray. Opal was devoted to her family and in her free time she enjoyed making quilts and dolls.

Left behind to mourn Opal's death are her children, James Ramsey of Ely, Nev., Ron (Kay) Ramsey, and Ray (Glenda) Ramsey all of Cortez; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Ramsey of Cortez; and eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by three brothers and their wives Leo (Bobby) Lewis, Clem (Bernice) Lewis all of Cortez, and Frank (Bobby) Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Opal was preceded in death by her son, Roy Bruce Ramsey.

Services will be conducted by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Arnola Brians

Memorial services for Arnola Brians are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Vista Grande Nursing Home Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Fred Thomas will officiate.

Arnola was the daughter of William Frank and Edith Beldon (Stone) Myers, born on Jan. 17, 1916 in Mildred, Colo. She passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez. She was 85.

Arnola loved to stay busy and especially enjoyed the activities at the nursing home. She worked as a clerk in retail sales.

She is survived by her children; Nida Ellis of Houston, Tex., Jack Patterson of Sparks, Nev., Nym Patterson of Gettysburg, Penn., Michael Patterson of Reno, Nev., and Patricia Randol of Cortez; ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elma Boren and Francis Hutchinson, both of Cortez; sister-in-law, Dorothy Myers of Durango; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding her in death was both of her parents and her husbands, Vernon Brians in 1996 and Chester Patterson in 1985.

Memorial contributions can be made in Arnola Brians' name to the Vista Grande Nursing Home activity fund located at 1221 N. Mildred Rd. in Cortez.

Arrangements are being taken care of by the Ertel Funeral Home.

Flora Cressler

Graveside services for Flora Cressler are to be held at the Dove Creek Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. Pastor Brad Ramsey of the Bethel Baptist Church in Cortez will be officiating.

Flora Cressler was born to John "Jack" and Armella (Dedi) Dumbrick on March 23, 1919 in Monticello, Utah. She passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez at the age of 81.

Flora was known for her willingness to work diligently. She was a farmer and rancher in the San Juan County most of her adult life.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Arthur Cressler of Summit Point, Utah; sons, Dan (LeAnn) Cressler of Fredonia, Ariz., and RoyDean (Imogene) Cressler of Dove Creek; also surviving her are three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; three sisters, Margaret, Grace and Lillian.

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

Robert Emerson Warner

Robert Emerson Warner was born June 30, 1914 to John and Laura (McManmie) Warner in Terre Haute, Ind. He passed away Monday, Feb. 19, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 86.

Robert shared over 65 years with his beloved wife, Frieda Mae Warner. He faithfully served his country in the armed forces in the Navy during World War II. He worked as a computer operator for General Motors.

He is survived by his wife, Frieda Mae Warner of Lewis; children, Art (Marcia) Warner of Lewis; grandchildren, Suzanne Warner of Minneapolis, Minn. and Stephanie Serff of Aurora, Colo.; and a sister, Margaret Wagner of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There are no services planned at this time for Mr. Warner. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.



Evone Woolery

A private family service for Evone Woolery was held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Pastor David Dahl of the Trinity Lutheran Church officiated.

Evone Woolery was the daughter of Russell and Irene (Wold) Selander born on Feb. 16, 1940 in Grantsburg, Wis. She passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Monday, Feb. 19, 2001 at the age of 61.

Evone was a wonderful homemaker with a reputation for the "best cinnamon rolls." She was an accomplished cook and good homemaker.

She is survived by her husband of over 26 years, Dan Reigles of Cortez; her children, Preston (Lisa) Woolery of Dolores; Wendell (Lucy) Woolery of Grand Junction, Colo.; Trent (Diana) Woolery of Cortez; Kurk (Teri) Woolery of Galena, Kan.; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert Woolery; brother, Warren Selander; and a sister, Janice Selander.

Arrangements were handled by the Ertel Funeral Home.



Wallace Charles "Wally" Yeomans

Memorial services for Wallace Charles "Wally" Yeomans will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m. The Rev. Lynn Evans of the First United Methodist Church in Cortez will be officiating.

Wally was born to Horace and Maude (Ellis) Yeomans on April 30, 1908 in Prescott, Ariz. He passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 92.

Wally married Olivia "Maybelle" Lundquist in Bowie, Ariz. on Nov. 3, 1943 and began his career as an electrician for the Dept. of Water and Power in Los Angeles, Calif. He was a life-member of the Elks and was also a faithful member of the Methodist Church. He truly loved to fish, hunt, camp and make silver and turquoise jewelry.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maybelle Yeomans of Cortez; stepdaughter, Lillian O. Young; son, Edward (Pamela) Yeomans of Escondido, Calif.; three grandchildren, Scott and Andrew Yeomans of Escondido, and Kim Crosman of Clinton, Wash.; and one great grandson, Kyle Crosman of Clinton, Wash.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions can be made with Hospice of Montezuma, 1108 N. Mildred Road, Cortez. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Melborn Thomas "Mel" Gore

Services for Melborn Thomas "Mel" Gore are currently pending with the Ertel Funeral Home.

Mel Gore was born October 20, 1918 in Hereford, Tex. to William Franklin and Ora Ophelia (Preston) Gore. He passed away Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez at the age of 82.

Mel moved with his family to southwest Colorado when he was 11 years old. His formal education was in the schools of Dolores County. Mel served his country with the United States Army during World War II in the Asian Pacific Theater from Aug. 1941 to Dec. 1945. He was proud of his military service and became a member of VFW Post #5181 in January 1951.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Russell Gore, Kenneth Callan, and Calvin Gore; and three nieces. Mel was never married, but he leaves to mourn his passing his brother, Al (Marge) Gore of Cortez; nephews, LeRoy (Joan) Gore of Dove Creek; Derwin (Shannon) Gore of Hayden, Colo., and Russell D. Gore of Grand Junction, Colo.; his nieces, Lynn (Courtney) Smith of Dove Creek and Billie Jean Tracy of Farmington, N.M.; many great-nephews and nieces and a grand host of friends.

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

Ruth Edna Wilderson

Funeral services for Ruth Edna Wilderson will be held Friday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m., in the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Summit Ridge Cemetery.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, at Ertel’s, between 3 and 7 p.m.

Ruth was born on Jan. 23, 1915 to Nick and Florence (Thomas) Holliday in Torrence County, N.M. She passed away on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 86.

Ruth's father was in the saw milling business, which moved their family several times. She married Rufus Wilderson on Aug. 10, 1932 in Aztec, N.M and they settled most of their married life in Montezuma County. She was a devoted wife and mother, always working hard for her family.

She loved to cook and bake. This love enabled her to work as a cook in restaurants and she eventually managed several. Upon retiring, she continued to bake for others.

She loved to work in her garden and keep a house full of beautiful plants. She gave her life to the Lord at the Baptist Church in Dolores and loved to serve others.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory; sons, Orval (Helen) Wilderson of Montrose, Colo. and Ralph Wilderson of Dolores; daughter, Geneva (Gordon) John of Beaver City, Neb.; sisters, Hazel Wilderson of Summit Ridge and Opal (Dave) Adair, of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; brother, Clyde (Earlene) Holliday of John Day, Ore.; 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews and her dear friends Bob and Lois Koker who have given her much tender loving care in the past several years.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1985; her daughter, Ruth Opal Gilliland in 1991; sister, Ida Lattin; brothers, Tobe, Ralph, and Ira Holliday; and great-grandson, Ryan Skinner.

Memorial contributions may be made at Dolores State Bank, to the Holliday Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home. For further information, contact 565-3468.





Kaye Ann Cardell

Kaye Ann Cardell of Dolores passed away Feb. 7, 2001, at University Hospital in Denver, following a battle with leukemia.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2611 Junction Road, Durango, with the Rev. Timothy Evers officiating.

A reception will follow the service at the Durango Elks Lodge, at 5 p.m. Contact Jana Hanstedt at 247-7862 for more information.

Ms. Cardell was born Oct. 15, 1954, in Phoenix, to Milo and Verna Hanstedt.

She is survived by her daughter, Maelen Cardell of Denver; fiancé Jim Wagner and his children, of Dolores; brothers Lee, Barry and Michael Hanstedt; twin sister Karen Hanstedt, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Hanstedt, and sister, Sherry Lynn.

Martha Jane Bonds

Visitation for Martha Jane Bonds will be on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. Graveside services will be in Provo, Utah, at the Provo City Cemetery on Friday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m.

Jane was born to George Henry and Dora Alice (Ray) Barlow on May 26, 1909, in Bethany, Mo.

She passed away on Feb. 11, 2001, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 91.

She is survived by a daughter, three granchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her longtime companion. She was preceded in death by her former husband, son-in-law, one son, two infant daughters, two sisters and one brother.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Valley Inn Nursing Home.

Betty Jeanne Baysinger

Betty Jeanne Baysinger, a lifelong resident of Cortez, passed away on Feb. 8, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 69 years old.

She was born to Eldon and Lillian Christine (Smith) Foster on April 20, 1931, at Garden City, Kan.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bill of Cortez; daughters, Christy (Michael) Moore of Cortez, and Dena (Ed) Guttridge of Cortez; grandchildren, Andre and Alesha Lobato of Aztec, N.M., Janae and Tim Pearse of Aztec, N.M., Dane, Koltan, Koby, and Daylan Guttridge of Cortez; and five great-grandchildren.

There are no services planned at this time.

Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Isaac Beanland

Funeral services for Isaac Beanland, a lifelong resident of Cahone, are scheduled for 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the First Baptist Church of Dove Creek. Interment will follow at the Cahone Cemetery. The Rev. Don Daniels will officiate.

Isaac was born to Ben and Maybell (Monger) Beanland in Houston, Texas, on July 3, 1930, and passed away on Feb. 11, 2001, at his home at the age of 70.

Isaac is survived by his wife of 47 years, Willadean (Ayers) Beanland; four children and their spouses, all of Dove Creek; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister and one brother.

Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.

Jesy Kirsch

Memorial services for Jesy Gregory Kirsch are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m.

Jesy was born to Bruce and Linda (Odom) Kirsch on Oct. 5, 1981 in Montclair, Calif. He passed away on Feb. 7, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 19.

Jesy was a special young man who was loved by his community. He was a proud member of the Special Olympics, an accomplished swimmer, and he loved to go camping. Jesy spent much of his pastime watching various movies and playing Nintendo and Playstation. Anyone who knew Jesy, knew that he always had a smile and was a friend to everyone.

Jesy's family sends a special message: "A special thanks to all the teachers, aides, and staff at MCHS, and this community for accepting Jesy as a person for whom life was a smile."

He is survived by his parents, Bruce and Linda Kirsch of Cortez; his sister and brother-in-law Holly and Ian Kincade and their daughter, Mellodie of Cortez; grandparents, James and Carol Odom of Cortez, and Alvin and Beverly Kirsch of Florence, Ariz.; great-grandmother, Mary Sulzer of Covina, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made at the Citizens State Bank. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.

Pauline Spruell Sleeper

Pauline Spruell Sleeper, former Cortez resident, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, in Portland, Ore. She was 99.

No services were held. There was cremation.

She was born Oct. 11, 1901, in Willowdale, Kans. Pauline lived in the Cortez area from 1924 until 1976. Many will remember Pauline as the very energetic "deaf-mute lady" who worked at the Cortez Dry Cleaners. Although she was unable to talk, she had no difficulty communicating. She knew no strangers.

Pauline is survived by her son, Alfred Spruell, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harry Spruell and her second husband, Harley Sleeper; sons James, John and Alfred, and daughter, Zola Rice.

Belmear Dustan Brown

Memorial services for Belmear Dustan Brown, a lifelong resident of this area will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m.

Belmear was born the son of Byron Douglas and Mary Teresa (Belmear) Brown in Dolores, on June 20, 1929. He passed away at his home in Cortez on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001, at the age of 71.

Memorial contributions can be made at the Citizens State Bank of Cortez to the Belmear Brown memorial for the benefit of the American Lung Association.

Goldie Hamilton

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident, Goldie Mae Hazel Hamilton are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Elder Lyman Black of the Grace Sovereign Baptist Church will officiate.

Goldie passed away at her home in Topock, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001. She was 86. Goldie was born Oct. 1, 1914 in Snyder, Okla. to Andy Loren and Bertha Emily (Delay) Wilhite. She married Verl Hamilton in Durango. on Aug. 3, 1934 and they resided in Cortez until his death in 1996.

Goldie was a member of the Ute Mountain Art Club, first president of Women's Bowling Association, and held offices in the Cortez Women's Golf Association. She enjoyed painting and watching baseball. Goldie loved to golf, bowl, and play in women's Fast Pitch Softball Leagues.

Her children, Jack (Nadene) Hamilton of Cortez, and John (Betsy) Hamilton of Waddup, Ariz., survive her. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Buddy and Glenys Hamilton and Tony and Debbie Hamilton of Cortez, Rose and Ken Reynolds of Champaign, Ill., and Will and Wesley Hamilton of Waddup; great-grandchildren, Kortney, Kylee, Kenin, and Tyler Hamilton all of Cortez; as well as an aunt, Ruth Hookham, of Cortez.

Memorial contributions can be made at the Citizens State Bank of Cortez.

Grace McWhirt

Grace McWhirt, longtime Mancos resident, passed away at Southwest Memorial Hospital on Sunday, February 4, 2001 at the age of 82. She was born to Troy and Grace Emma (Henshaw) Ramsey on June 16, 1918 in St. Louis, Mo.

Grace had been an active member of the Mancos community, serving as Deputy Marshall and dispatcher, Mancos City Court clerk, and until recently, bookkeeper for the Mancos Fire Department.

She despised idleness and volunteered her energies as chairperson of the State Centennial Project, Mancos Days committee, Mancos Businesswomen's Association, and with the Mancos Valley Chamber. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star and was associated with the Lions. Grace was a selfless person always more concerned with the other person than herself.

Survivors include her son, Troy McWhirt of Mancos; a daughter, Linda McWhirt of Coperopolis, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Helen Moreland of El Monte, Calif.; six grandchildren, Jayson McWhirt, Bryan McWhirt, Sean McWhirt, Jacob McWhirt, Jessica McWhirt, and Keith Moreland; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. A sister, June Stitt of Tucson, Ariz.; two nephews, Jerry Stitt of Tucson, and James Stitt of Minnesota; and a niece, Cindy Nelson of St. George, Utah also survive Mrs. McWhirt.

Preceding Grace in death were her husband, Lloyd "Buck" McWhirt; her parents; and a brother, Troy Louis Ramsey.

Memorial contributions can be made with the Mancos Valley Bank. Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home with services taking place at a later date.

Nathan Henry Conne

Services for Nathan Henry Conne of Junction City, Kans., were held Feb. 7 in Kansas. Burial took place at Fort Riley Cemetery, in Fort Riley, Kans.

Mr. Conne was born Aug. 7, 1933, in Konowa, Okla.. He passed away Feb. 1, 2001, at the age of 67. He served his country in the U.S. Army in two different enlistments, receiving several awards, and the professional world as a sign, scenic and display artist. He also worked as a sign painter and illustrator at Fort Riley.

He is survived by his wife, Carmella Conne of Junction City; sons Tommy and Nathan; daughter Gina Himelick, all of Junction City; brother, Mike Conne of Cortez and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Mike and Goldie Mae (Johnson) Conne, and his sister, Carmene Allen.

Gwendolyn 'Gwen' McLean

Funeral services for Gwendolyn "Gwen" McLean are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Pastor Joseph Yates will officiate.

Gwen was born to Bazz and Elizabeth (Templeton) Chapman on July 14, 1920, in West Virginia. She passed away on Feb. 2, 2001, at the Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 80.

Gwen married John D. McLean Jr. on June 25, 1975, at the Baptist Chapel in Cortez. She enjoyed staying home and was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, and cook.

She is survived by her husband, John of Mancos; daughter, Barbara (Jim) Black of Salt Lake City; grandchildren, Teresa Murdock and her companion, Joe Montoya of Salt Lake City; Bob (Wendy) Black of Los Angeles, Calif.; Tonya (Rodney) Keith of Salt Lake City; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters in West Virginia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends in Mancos.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, James Joseph Black, who passed away in September 1987.



Roger B. Robbins

Funeral services for Roger B. Robbins, a native of Mancos, are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Mancos United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Ora Dailey officiating. Interment will follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery with military graveside services provided by the John Derrick Halls VFW Post. Visitation is scheduled at the Ertel Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 7, between 4 and 6 p.m.

Roger was born to Vern and Gertrude (Wilkerson) Robbins on Nov. 13, 1928, in Mancos. He passed away on Feb. 3, 2001, at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. He was 72.

Roger was united in marriage to Ruth M. Alexander on Dec. 14, 1974, in Durango. He owned a plumbing and heating company.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Robbins of Bloomfield, N.M.; children, Rodney Robbins of Longmont, Colo., Bobby Robbins of Anchorage, Alaska, and Lee Robbins of Flora Vista, N.M.; stepsons, Jesse Latham of Albuquerque and David Latham of Bloomfield; stepdaughter, Linda Roby of Denver; five grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and seven step-great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Verna Towne and Virgie Edwards, both of Mancos; Iki Moore of Gallup, N.M.; brothers, Eddie Robbins of Mancos, Clyde Robbins of Jacksonville, Ark., and Buster Miller of Mancos; and sister-in-law, Rowena Robbins, also of Mancos.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Montezuma County.



Myra Tsosie

Myra Tsosie, a lifelong resident of Sweetwater, Ariz., passed away Feb. 3, 2001 at the Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, N.M. She was 79.

Services will be held Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Pastor Eddie Benally will officiate. Interment will follow in the family cemetery in Sweetwater, Ariz.

Mrs. Tsosie was born to Denet and Emma Tsosie on Oct. 10, 1921, in Sweetwater. She married Carson Tsosie on Dec. 13, 1938, also in Sweetwater. They were blessed with six children.

Mrs. Tsosie was a homemakeer, a housekeeper at Mesa Verde National Park, and a secretary for the Sweetwater Chapter.

She is survived by her sons, Lee (Mary) Tsosie of Cortez; Frank (Alice) Tsosie of Cortez; daughters, Loretta "Lottie" (David) Willie of Kirkland, N.M.; Marlene (David) Tom of Cortez; Elveria (Daniel) John of Sweetwater; Charmaine (Eddie) Draper of Cortez; sister, Grace Growler of Sweetwater; 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carson; brothers, Paul and Boyd Tsosie and Charlie Lee; and sisters, Myrtle Warren and Ellen Tso Begay.



Leland 'Lee' Durand III

Graveside services for Leland Pat Durand III, a lifetime resident of Cortez, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Cortez Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.

Lee was born to L.P. (Pat) and Harriet (Johnson) Durand on July 12, 1949, in Buffalo, Wyo. He passed away at his home in Cortez on Feb. 1, 2001, at the age of 51.

A 1967 graduate of Montezuma-Cortez High School, Lee served in the 2nd Regiment, "Wolfhounds," 27th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, at Cuchi, Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat, together with the Bronze Star, and other notable medals.

He married Debra Kay Helkey on Oct. 29, 1980, in Nucla, Colo.

Lee loved the outdoors and going bass-fishing. He was a member of the VFW.

He is survived by his parents, Pat and Harriet Durand, both of Cortez; his wife, Debi Durand of Cortez; his daughters, Phebe Durand and Renae Durand, both of Cortez; and his son, Thomas Aaron Hatch of Utah. Five grandchildren, Bethany Dennison and Morgan Durand of Cortez, Lanie Hatch, Chandler Hatch and Sindey Sellers, also survive him; as does a brother, Harry K. Durand of Cortez; and a sister, Theresa Finley of Pleasant View; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made at the Citizens State Bank of Cortez.

Linda Sprague

Funeral services for Linda Diane Johnson Sprague, a former resident of Dolores, will be held Monday, February 5, at the Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning at 10 a.m. Bishop Larry Yarbrough will officiate. Interment will follow at the Sylvan Cemetery in Pleasant View.

Linda was born the daughter of Charles "Buddy" Johnson and Georgia (Lanier) Johnson in Cortez on July 20, 1948. She grew up in Dolores and graduated from high school there. Upon her graduation, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She married William Sprague on Aug.31, 1967 in Salt Lake City.

Together they lived in Georgia, Iowa, and Alabama while Bill was in the military. Their last move had been to Fargo, N.D., where Linda had worked for the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce. Linda went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001, passing away at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D.

Surviving Linda are her husband of 33 years, Bill Sprague of Fargo; sons, Justin (Melissa) Sprague and Matthew Sprague, both of Lehi, Utah, and Jeremy Sprague of Fargo; daughters, Tyra (Doug) Williams of Orem, Utah and Amy (Robert) Zerkle of Des Moines, Iowa and eight grandchildren. She also leaves behind her parents, Charles "Buddy" and Georgia Johnson of Dolores; two brothers, Gus (Rosanne) Johnson and Lanier (Darla) Johnson both of Salt Lake City; and three sisters, Reba Johnson also of Salt Lake City; Kim (Alan) Jarvis of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Gail (Kim) Perkins of Dolores.

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

Joseph J. Slack

Memorial services for Joseph J. Slack, formerly of Durango, are Saturday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder.

Joe is survived by his children, Bill Slack, Tim Slack and Penny Hess. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betti, and daughter, Claudia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado Trail Foundation for the erection of a "Joe Slack Memorial Bench," which will be placed in his favorite area, the Sliderock section of the Colorado Trail, near Durango.

James Depuy

James Charles DePuy of Cortez, and formerly of St. Charles, Mo., passed away on Jan. 28, 2001 at Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 63.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. at the First Methodist Church. Dr. Lyn Evans will officiate. Inurtnment will follow the services in the First Methodist Church Columbarium.

Mr. DePuy was born to Charles Bloomer and Elsie May See DePuy on April 11, 1937, in Centerville, Iowa.

He married Sharon Gross on Jan. 30, 1959, in Kirksville, Mo. They were blessed with three children.

Mr. DePuy was a teacher for 31 years. He taught for 22 years in the St. Charles school system before moving to Cortez, where he taught for nine years at the junior high school.

James Charles DePuy was a member of the Elk’s Lodge No. 1761 of Cortez, the First Methodist Church, the Mineral Club, the Ute Mountain Gem and Mineral Club of Cortez and the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club of Durango; the Four Corners Treasure Seekers of Farmington, N.M.; the St. Charles Teachers’ Association and the Missouri State Teachers’ Association.

James DePuy is survived by his wife, Sharon of Cortez; daughters Kathryn DePuy of Cortez and Suzanne (Jerry) Slavik of Florissent, Mo.; stepmother Gladys Wait DePuy of Unionville, Mo.; sisters Jacqueline Jeanne Coughlin of Des Moines, Iowa and Charlotte Elaine Richey of Apple Valley, Calif.; one granddaughter and two step granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Charles Howard DePuy in May of 1998.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Montezuma or to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund of Cortez.

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



Carolyn Jane Trujillo

Funeral services for Carolyn Jane Trujillo, 51, of Cortez, will be held Friday, Feb. 2, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 10 a.m. Rev. Bud Rousset will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Ertel Chapel Thursday evening between the hours of 6and 8.

Services will be held in Pueblo, Colo. at Grace Community Bible Church on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. with interment following at Roselawn Cemetery in Pueblo.

Carolyn was born in Lamar, Colo., on Dec. 9, 1949 to Ralph and Marie (Nowlan) Sanders. She passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001 at her home in Cortez after a lengthy illness.

On April 17, 1978 Carolyn became the bride of Paul Trujillo in Las Vegas, Nev. To this union was born a son, Christopher Lee Trujillo.

Carolyn loved being outdoors; golf, softball, water skiing, and fishing were favorite pastimes for her. Many will fondly recall Carolyn's cheerful nature as a clerk at Conoco Corner gas station.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Paul Trujillo of Cortez; son, Christopher Trujillo also of Cortez; mother, Marie Sanders of Lamar, Colo.; a brother, Larry Sanders of Salt Lake City, Utah; and her sister, Marilyn Murphy of Johnson, Kans.

Preceding Carolyn in death were her brother, Jerry Sanders, and her father, Ralph in 2000.

Paul and Christopher Trujillo would like to thank all of their friends, Hospice, doctors, and community of Cortez. During Carolyn's illness you were all so very supportive and helpful to them. All of the friendship and caring was greatly appreciated. Memorial contributions can be made at Citizens State Bank of Cortez.

Joe M. Gonzales

Funeral services for Joe M. Gonzales are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Mancos beginning at 10 a.m. Rosary services were held on Wednesday. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Father Tom Munson and Monsignor Joseph McGuinness will officiate.

Joe was the son of Jake and Helen (Lujan) Gonzales Sr. born on March 25, 1934 in Monte Vista, Colo. He passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001 in his home in Mancos, Colo. at the age of 66.

He and his beloved, Mary Alice Gallegos, wed on August 20, 1960 in Dolores. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Alice Gonzales of Mancos; children, Theresa (David) Steward of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Lisa (Craig) Ross, also of Colorado Springs; and Patricia (Eric) Webster of Pine Bluff, Ariz. He is also survived by his grandchildren who were the absolute love of his life, Alexandra Gonzales and Madeleine Ross. His mother, Helen Gonzales survives him as do his brothers, Fred Gonzales of Durango; Charles Gonzales of Mancos; Gerald Gonzales of Farmington, N.M., and Donnie Gonzales of Mancos.; sisters, Dorothy Lopez of Cortez; Vera Cardenas of Farmington, N.M., and Rae Leon of Mancos.

Joe was preceded in death by his father; brother, Jake Gonzales Jr.; and a sister, Marie Gonzales.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Montezuma County or the Mancos Ambulance Fund.



Carol Lenore Dewey

Memorial services for Carol Lenore Dewey are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 1,at the Ertel Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Rev. Bud Rousset will be officiating.

Carol was the daughter of Aaron and Edith (Whitmarsh) Williams born on August 13, 1948. She passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001 at her home in rural Dove Creek at the age of 52.

Carol married Ronald E. Dewey on Oct. 30, 1982. Carol was well loved and enjoyed helping everyone she was able to help.

She is survived by her husband; Ronald E. Dewey of Dove Creek.; and children, Steven E. Foerster, Ronda J. Butts and Allen Dewey, all of Casa Grande, Ariz.. Also surviving are six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two uncles, Clyde (Lora) Sanchez of Dove Creek; and Bud (Pat) Conn of Golden, Colo.; aunt, Lily Rose Tanner of Cortez.; and two brothers, Steven Williams of Mancos; and Alfred Williams of Uruguay, South America.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dove Creek Ambulance Fund.



Louis H. "Mac" McConaha

Private family services for Louis H. "Mac" McConaha are being held at the Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Mac was born to Earle and Arlie (Kilgore) McConaha on Aug. 28, 1914 in Julian, Neb. He passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos at the age of 86.

Mac worked as an accountant and was a member of the Shriners and Masons.

He is survived by his wife, Maude (Stones) McConaha of Cortez; and children, Nancy Blake of Cortez; Earle Lee McConaha of Stockton, Mo., Jeannette McCormick of Apple Valley, Mn., Gayle Williams of Carney, Neb., and Michael Feilen of Carson City, Nev.; and by his sisters, Ethel Benningan, Elsie Clayton, Peggie Horner, and Dixie Pollach all of Nebraska City, Neb. Mac leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his daughter, Kay Elder who died in 1998; and one sister, Opal.



Anne 'Nancy' Berry

Funeral services for Anne "Nancy" Berry, a longtime former resident of Cortez, are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 31, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Cortez at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Father Thomas Munson will officiate.

Nancy was born to James and Christine Collins on Sept. 3, 1926, in Dublin, Ireland. She passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 at her home in Martinsburg, W.V. She was 74.

Nancy worked as a bakery manager. She is survived by her children, George (Barbara) Berry Colorado Springs, Colo.; Michael (Gail) Berry of Martinsburg, W.V., and Cathy Berry, a daughter-in-law from Colorado Springs. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; a sister, Banny Kibblewhite of England, and a brother, Michael Collins of England.

She was preceded in death by her son, Rick Berry, and her husband, James Berry.

Carol B. Higman

Memorial services for Carol B. Higman are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 29 at the Cortez Church of Christ at 2 p.m. Interment will follow the memorial service at the Cortez Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate.

Carol was born on June 3, 1931, to Oscar and Eva (Arnell) Miller in Alamosa, Colo. She passed away on Jan. 26, 2001, at her residence in Cortez at the age of 69.

Carol was wed to her beloved, Charles William Higman, on Jan. 3, 1953, in Aztec, N.M. She served the community through her employment with the police department as a PBX operator.

She is survived by her spouse, Bill; children, Michael (Cathy) Higman of Cortez; Susan (Frank) Porter of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and brother, Wayne Miller of Missouri. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends also grieve her loss.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and an infant daughter, Paula Diane Higman.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Montezuma County.

Frank R. Mascaremas

Services for Frank R. Mascaremas will take place on Monday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Colo. A rosary will be said on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m., also at the church.

Frank Mascarenas passed away Jan. 25, 2001, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, surrounded by his family. He was 68.

Frank was born Feb. 27, 1932, in Alamosa, Colo., to Samuel and Anna Mascarenas. Survivors include his loving wife, Carolyn; three children, including Stacey (Gary) Hall of Cortez; four brothers and their spouses; four sisters and their spouses; seven grandchildren; three aunts, one uncle; numerous nieces and nephews and his mother-in-law.

His mother, father, grandmother, and sister Delores preceded him in death.

The family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Martha Montgomery

Funeral services for Martha Lucille Montgomery, a former Dolores resident, are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Viewing will be held on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery.

Martha was born to John and Millie (Palmer) James on May 23, 1921, in Bayfield, Colo. She passed away on Jan. 26, 2001, at the Bloomfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 79.

Martha was first married to Larry Killingbeck, the father of her children, on Aug. 4, 1939. She then was wed to Delbert William Montgomery on June 16, 1947, in Santa Fe, N.M. Delbert passed away in April of 1998.

She is survived by her children, Leonard Killingbeck of Bloomfield, N.M. and Phyllis Selander of Bloomfield.. She is also survived by her brother and sisters, Calvin James of Delta, Colo., Lorraine Frances Billman of Henderson, Nev., and Elouise Cross of Blanding, Utah.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Delbert William Montgomery Jr.; grandson, Dale Wayne Killingbeck; brother, John Alvin James; and both of her parents.

Fred Kempf

Fred Charles Kempf, a longtime resident of Cortez, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 80. No services are planned.

He was born to Charles and Cloie (Matteson) Kempf on Feb. 25, 1920, in Limon, Colo.

He is survived by his wife, Doris (Serna) Kempf, and by three sons, Ron Kempf and his wife, Shannon of Atlanta, Ga., Kenny Kempf and his wife, Carmen of Veneta, Ore., and Kirk Kempf of Cortez.. Also surviving are six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one brother, Charles Kempf Jr. of Kenton, Tenn. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

James Sturman

Funeral services for James William Sturman, a lifetime resident of Cortez, are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 29, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at there on Sunday, Jan. 28, between 2 and 4 p.m. Interment will follow at the Lewis Cemetery. The Rev. Johnny Arrington will officiate.

Jim was the son of Ralph and Lola (Fidler) Sturman. He was born on Nov. 30, 1920, in Cody, Wyo. He passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home in Cortez at the age of 80.

Jim moved to Cortez from Cody, Wyo., when he was four months old. He was married on April 10, 1952, to Dixie Lorraine (Rutherford) Sturman. He worked for many years at Slavens in Cortez. His most enjoyable pastime was going to the Senior Center playing cards and visiting.

Surviving Jim is his wife of 48 years, Dixie, of Cortez; and his children, Patricia (Ray) Wilkie of Tempe, Ariz., Gloria Sturman of Las Vegas, Nev., Bill (Julie) Sturman of Cortez and Brad (Tamara) Sturman of McElmo Canyon. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and a sister, Lola Bessee of Durango. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made with the Senior Center in Cortez. .

Walter Albert Coyote

Services for Walter Albert Coyote, a lifelong resident of Towaoc and Hesperus, will be held today, Jan. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Sister Lois Wooten and Brother Mac Coyote will officiate. Interment will follow at the Nelson Ranch in Hesperus.

Mr. Coyote passed away Jan. 19, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at age 57. He was born June 16, 1943, at the old hospital in Cortez.

He is survived by his parents, Ira Cuthair (step father) and Celia Coyote; daughter, Carol Ann Coyote; companion Marsh Wall; sisters, Mary Jane Lonebear, Veronica Cuthair, Beverly Cuthair, Bernadette Cuthair, La Verna Summa, Vera Summa and Lena Summa, all of Towaoc; grandchildren, Anthony Bearshead, Calvin Silas, Alex Silas and Mariah Silas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Wells Coyote; sister Victoria Cuthair and brother, Raymond Summa.

Norene Switzer

Norene Switzer, a longtime resident of Cortez, passed away Jan. 22, 2001, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. She was 55.

A visitation is set for Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel. Services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m., also at the chapel, with a graveside service to take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Norwood Cemetery. Mr. Lyn Zufelt will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Cortez.

Juan Pedro Ramirez

Funeral services for Juan Pedro Ramirez are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 22, at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m. Father Munson will be officiating. A military graveside ceremony will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. A rosary will be held on Sunday at the Ertel Memorial Chapel at 7 p.m.

Juan was born to Pedro and Carlina (Valencia) Ramirez on Feb. 24, 1918, in Gualupe, N.M. He passed away at his home in Dolores on Jan. 17, 2001, at the age of 82.

Juan was wed to his beloved, Faustina (Garcia) Ramirez on Jan. 22, 1949, in Old Town Albuquerque, N.M. They had just recently celebrated 52 years of marriage. Juan worked for the Ute Mountain Tribe as a handyman in the area of maintenance. He was a World War II veteran having served in the army.

He is survived by his wife, Faustina Ramirez of Dolores; daughter, Betty (Kenneth) Bradley of Dolores; grandsons, Johnny Joe (Vicki) Vallejos of Cortez;and Bobby Lee (Lisa) Vallejos of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and a sister, Susie Armijo.

Memorial contributions can be made in Juan Ramirez's name with the Citizens State Bank.

Mrs. Zella Cockrell

Funeral services for Mrs. Zella Cockrell, 87, of Blytheville, Ark., will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 20, at 1:30 p.m. Eugene Bruce and Jimmy Adcox will officiate the services at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel.

Mrs. Cockrell is survived by seven children, including Carolyn (Jimmy) Hemphill of Cortez; 14 grandchildren, a sister, and seven great-grandchildren. For further service details, please contact Cobb Funeral Home at 870-763-4431.