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William Bruce Hart
Funeral services for William Bruce Hart will be at 2 p.m. today at the First Southern Baptist Church of Cortez. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Jimmy Kennedy of First Southern Baptist Church, Pastor Gary Fowler of New Life Chapel, and the Rev. Ron Horne of First Baptist Church will officiate.
Bruce was born to Edwin Leroy and Eileen (Phillips) Hart on July 17, 1942 in Piqua, Ohio. He passed away on Dec. 7, 2001, at his home in Cortez. He was 59.
On Nov. 24, 1962, Bruce married Jeanette Gayle Crook in Tucson, Ariz. They moved to the Cortez area in 1973, where Bruce opened his own tire stores. Bruce then became the manager of Basin Co-op on South Broadway, where he worked until November of this year. Bruce was also a member of the National Turkey Association.
He is survived by his father, Edwin L. Hart of Tucson, Ariz.; his beloved wife, Jeanette, of Cortez; and his children, Zandra Lynn Hart, Eric Leroy Hart both of Cortez, and William Taft Hart of Salt Lake City, Utah. Bruce's grandchildren, Jearl Blake Ruiz of Denver and Jacqueline Jeanette Hart, Kacey Dawn Hart and Auston Dylan Hart, all of Cortez, also survive. He leaves his brothers and sisters, the Rev. Ron (Sue) Hart of Tucson, Ariz., Karon (Jack) Ford of Phoenix, and Beverly (Dick Sidabras) Spitler-Sidabras, also of Phoenix.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen.
Memorial contributions can be made with Vectra Bank for the Diabetic Association Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Phyllis Florence Rosander Kelsch
Phyllis Kelsch, formerly of Williston, N.D., passed away at her residence in Cortez on Dec. 5, 2001. Memorial services will be given by the Rev. David Dahl at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., today, Dec. 22. A light luncheon will follow at the church.
Phyllis Florence Rosander was born on March 12, 1923, to Florence (Krugler) and Benjamin Franklin Rosander, in Bear Creek, Mont. She attended grade school in Red Lodge, Mont., and high school in Fairview, Mont.
Following graduation from high school Phyllis earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the Montana College of Education in Great Falls, Mont.
Phyllis married Anton "Tony" Kelsh on April 26, 1943, in Vancouver, Wash. They made their home in Lewistown, Mont., Bismarck, N.D. and Minot, N.D., prior to moving to Williston in 1954.
After Tony’s death in 1969, Phyllis returned to school at the University of North Dakota-Williston, where she earned her degree as a licensed practical nurse. She was employee as a nurse at Mercy Medical Center, Western Dakota Clinic, and worked for Drs. Ritter and Anderson in their dental practices.
After moving to Mesa, Ariz., she was employed at Mesa Lutheran Hospital. She retied in the mid-1990s, and returned to Williston. Phyllis moved to Cortez in 1999, to be closer to her family.
She was active in several groups in Williston. She was dedicated to St. Jospeh’s Catholic School where she was a substitute teacher.
She was an accomplished vocalist, and enjoyed sharing her special talent for singing. As an active participant at the Williston Heritage Center, she also directed the Heritage Choraliers.
Phyllis enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle, and the challenge of crossword puzzles. She was a gifted seamstress and hand work artist. He family and friends were the recipients of her work. She also participated in many church groups.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Weltha (Paul) of Cortez; Kathleen (John) of Atlanta; Gregory (Barb) of Purcell, Okla.; Stephen (Julie) of Cortez; Bruce (Diana) of Longmont, Colo. and her "other daughter" Carol Jean (Lowell) of Williston; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-children; brothers Jack and Verald; sisters Faye, Helen and Alta Mae and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, infant daughter Nadine Louise, infant son, David, and brother, Donald.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Montezuma, 1108 N. Mildred Rd., Cortez, CO 81321.
Adrian Ronald Wolfard
Memorial services for Dove Creek resident Adrian Ronald Wolfard will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Dove Creek Community Center.
Adrian was born to Ronald Henry and Dorthy Louise (Monger) Wolfard in Saratoga, Wyo. on March 3, 1948. He passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 in Dove Creek at the age of 53.
On April 9, 1982 in Dove Creek, Adrian took Beverly Joyce Daniels to be his bride. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
Surviving Adrian are his wife of 19 years, Beverly Wolfard of Dove Creek; children, Mary Wolfard and her friend, Steve of Casper, Wyo., Jerry Wolfard also of Casper, Wendy (Curtis) Walker of Elko, Nev., Thea (Paul) Langston of Monticello, Utah, Carla (Tim) Thompson of Dove Creek, Dondi Palmer of Fernley, Nev., and Michael (LeAnn) Bailey of Monticello; and 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ed (Carla) Roxanna (Jim), Connie, Laura (Fred) Marilynn, Peggy (Jim) and Sally (Jim).
Arrangements are being made through the Ertel Funeral Home.
Christovel 'Chris' Rivas
Memorial services for Christovel "Chris" Lloyd Rivas will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 10, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs. There will also be a rosary service at the church Sunday evening at 7. Visitation is Friday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel in Cortez.
Chris was born on Nov. 9, 1934, in Arboles, Colo. to Fred and Elizibeth (Lister) Rivas. He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001 at the Southwest Memorial Hospital. He was 67.
Enlisting in the Navy, Chris served his country in Guam. He later opened his barbershop in Cortez. Chris was a member of the Optimist Club, and loved to hunt and fish. Playing basketball and watching his grandchildren play was a pastime he enjoyed.
Surviving Chris are his children, Robert (Martha) Rivas of Aztec, N.M., Glen (Christina) Rivas, Bernadette Archuleta, and Libby Rivas all of Cortez, Lily Rivas and her children, Chris and Cassie of Pagosa Springs, Dolores (Randy) Rivas Armenta of Farmington, N.M. and Michael Rivas of Cortez.
Also surviving Chris are his ex-wife, Fabiola Rivas of Cortez, and 10 grandchildren. His siblings, Cora Woolsey, Lester Rivas, and Ernest Rivas of Pagosa Springs, Pete Martinez, and Anselmo Martinez of Ignacio; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Libby, in 1960; three brothers, one sister; and his brother-in-law, Wade Woolsey.
Memorial contributions can be made with Citizens State Bank of Cortez. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.
Mark Edward Smith
Mark Edward Smith was born on Sept. 4, 1956 to Curtis L. and Jewel Wallen "Judy" Smith in LaPorte, Ind. He passed away on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001 at the Valley Inn Nursing Home in Mancos, at the age of 45.
For the last 13 years Mark resided in the Dolores area, where he worked as a talented cabinetmaker.
Mark's son, Andrew Smith of Kentwood, Mich.; his brother, Todd Smith of Phoenix, Ariz.; and his father, Curtis Smith all survive him. His mother preceded him in death.
No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are being handled through the Ertel Funeral Home.
Mendel E. Eagle
Funeral services for Mendel Earl Eagle will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Cortez Church of Christ. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. The Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75 will conduct military graveside services.
Visitation has been set at the Ertel Memorial Chapel from 3 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6.
Mendel was a beloved father, grandfather and friend to many. He passed quietly from this life into the eternal arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 30, 2001. He was born Sept. 15, 1919 in Whitesboro, Tex. to Ruth Elizabeth and Marvin Davis Eagle.
He served with distinction with the 10th Air Force 7th Bombardment Group 492nd Squadron of the Army Air Corps in India during WWII. Mendel later moved his family to Farmington, N.M. where he lived and worked during the oil boom of the 1950's, and afterward moved to Colorado where he had been a longtime resident of Bayfield and Cortez.
Mendel is survived by his sons, Terry (Lorna) Eagle of Aztec, N.M.; son, Gary (Debbie) Eagle of Show Low, Ariz.; daughter, Ronda (Larry) Thompson and husband, Las Vegas, Nev.; son, Kerry (Sandy) Eagle of Flora Vista, N.M.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Francis (Raymond) Hufft of Nashville, Tenn.; brother, Marlin (Opal) Eagle of Panhandle, Tex.; and former wife of more than 30 years, Jean and her husband, and a very special friend, Willis Rice of Farmington, N.M.
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.
Memorial donations be made to the Mountain View Christian School, 3900 E. Bonanza, Las Vegas, Nev. 89110.
Lillie V. Black
Lillie V. Black, a resident of Aztec, N.M., passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001, at her home, with her family at her side. She was born in Perrytown, Texas, on March 3, 1920.
Services are at 10 a.m., today, Dec. 1, at the Cope Memorial Chapel in Aztec. Jack Moore, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at the Aztec Community Cemetery.
Lillie was the owner and manager of Cortez Hotel in the 1950s. She also owned a boarding house for veterans in Grand Junction before moving to Farmington. In Farmington, she started her own janitorial service, and moved to Aztec after retiring.
She is survived by her son, Ben "Butch" (Phyllis) Evans of Albuquerque; daughter, Mae Cline of Aztec; brothers, William F. Black of Durango, John Black of Aztec and Jerrel Black of Barstow, Calif. She also leaves behind the joys of her life, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Lillie was preceded in death by her son, George Tice; her parents; five sisters; one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Cope Memorial Chapel, 505-334-9332.
Richard Tolfree Tupper
Richard Tolfree Tupper passed away on Nov. 23, 2001, at the Vista Grande Rehabilitation Center. In accordance with his wishes, cremation is planned, with his ashes to be scattered at sea.
Richard was born on Sept. 15, 1908, in Los Angeles, to Charles A. Tupper and Gertrude Tolfree Tupper.
He is survived by his children, Diane Hudson of Monrovia, Calif., Steve Tupper of Victorville, Calif., and Nancy Sawyer of Dolores; sister, Martha Smith of Canyon Lake, Calif.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
His wife Rosemary preceded him in death on Nov. 10, 2001.
Frederick Bauer
Former area resident Frederick Bauer of Nucla, Colo., passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2001, in Price, Utah. He was 72. As per his wishes, there are no services planned.
Mr. Bauer was born on March 18, 1929. Survivors include his sons, Lyle Bauer of Price and Randy Bauer; brothers, Kenneth Bauer of Mancos and Bill Bauer of Arriola; and aunts, Nellie Allum of Mancos and Ada Dean of Kirtland, N.M.
Emily S. Billings
Emily S. Billings, a lifelong resident of this area, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Four Corners Health Care Center in Durango. She was 92. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Durango. Burial will follow at Hermosa Cemetery.
Mrs. Billings was born July 6, 1909, in Durango, to Lyman and Clara Mead. She graduated Durango High School in 1926 and then attended a teacher’s college in Greeley, where she received her lifetime teaching certificate. She returned home and taught in one-room schools at Waterfall and Cottonwood until she married her husband, Herbert Billings, in 1934 in Durango. Mrs. Billings was a member of the Animas Valley Grange for many years, a 4-H leader, charter member of the Animas Valley Garden Club and member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved children, gardening and playing pinochle.
She is survived by her children, Clara Mae Mason, Farmington, N.M.; Ruth Shock, Durango; Mary Franchini, Cortez; Jan Thompson, Durango; Barbara Berkshire, Portland, Ore.; Julie Ellison, Farmington, and Herb Billings of Jacksonville, Ill.; 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980 and by a brother, Robert Mead.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence, 201 E. 12th St., Durango, or to the Colorado State Grange Scholarship Fund, c/o Animas Valley Grange, c/o Ruth Shock, 5036 CR 203, Durango, CO 81301.
Harold Wayne Miller
Harold Wayne Miller of New London, Mo., passed away Nov. 16, 2001 after a brief illness. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Dec. 1, at the Aztec Cemetery
in Aztec. N.M., followed by a reception at the Aztec High School Multipurpose Room.
Mr. Miller was the son of the late O.E. and Eva Miller and brother of the late Carol Higman, all of Cortez. He was born in Alamosa on Nov. 19, 1929 and graduated from Cortez High School in 1947. He served in the Army’s 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division in Korea, earning the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. Following his discharge from the Army, he worked for Shell Oil Company before returning to Fort Lewis College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He later earned a master’s degree in education from New Mexico State University.
He was a teacher and administrator in the Aztec Public Schools from 1964 until his retirement in 1991. He was active in many extracurricular activities, including a year as Aztec High School baseball coach. Throughout his career in education, both in and out of the classroom, Mr. Miller recognized and developed the talents of all his students, but especially those who most needed extra encouragement and guidance.
Mr. Miller is survived by Carol, of New London, Mo.; children, Andy Miller of Morrisville, N.C., Barbara Malaj of Mesa, Ariz., and Bob Miller of Huntington Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Stacey Stinson, Nikki and Marc Yates, and Kellie and Brian Miller; and great-granddaughter Kelcie Stinson. He was preceded in death by wife Mary Jo in 1972.
Donations may be made to the Harold Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Citizens Bank in Aztec. Cards may be sent to Barbara Malaj, 7426 E. Naranja, Mesa, AZ 85205.
Thomas Gene Sullivan
Thomas Gene Sullivan, a lifelong resident of Colorado, passed away suddenly on Nov. 15, 2001. Tom was born Sept., 22, 1942, to Gladys and Thomas Sullivan, in Gunnison, Colo.
He married Cheryl Dunlap on May 4, 1969 in Denver. This marriage was blessed with a song, Raymond Gene, on April 20, 1971. Tom was also blessed with two grandsons, Thomas Ray, 8, and Austin Lee, 6; they were most definitely the lights of his life.
Tom and Cheryl moved to the Nucla, Colo. area in 1995, where Tom worked for Granite Construction as a heavy equipment operator. When this job was finished, he began working out of town, most recently on tunnel construction through Wolf Creek Pass.
Tom lived life to its fullest, enjoying the outdoors on a daily basis. Along with his work, he also enjoyed bow and rifle hunting, fishing, horseback riding, riding bikes, and snake hunting with Thomas and Austin. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his beloved grandsons.
Tom is survived by his wife Cheryl of Nucla; son Raymond of Sterling, Colo.; grandsons Thomas and Austin of Nucla; mother Gladys of Montrose, Colo.; siblings Jessie (Jack) Weaver of Gunnison, Colo.; Jerry (Chris) Sullivan of Battlement Mesa, Colo.; Patsy Wertz of Montrose; Clay (Janet) Sullivan of Eugene, Ore.; and John Sullivan of Montrose. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his father and his brothers, Theodore "Tex" Sullivan and Marvin Sullivan.
Services were held at the Union Congregational Church of Nucla on Nov. 20. The Rev. Jimmy Carter officiated. Cremation followed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens State Bank, Montrose County Branch, 115 Hwy. 97, Naturita, CO 81422.
Services were through Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel.
Andrew E. Gatzke
Graveside services for Andrew Gatzke will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, in the Cortez Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the American legion Ute Mountain Post No. 75.
Mr. Gatzke passed away on Sept., 20, 2001. Cremation took place.
Cortez Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Hale and Gerken, are serving the family.
