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Margie Wilber
September 18, 1923 ~ May 6, 2004
Long-time Meeker resident Margie P. Wilber, 80, died May 6, 2004, at Pioneers Hospital.
Margie Pauline Laird was born Sept. 18, 1923, in Hewitt, Okla., one of two children born to Jefferson Davis and Willie (Lyons) Laird. Her father was an early oilman and moved his family throughout the southwest. Following her graduation from high school she studied literature and English at Stephens College. World War II found Margie working as a nursing aide. On a 1944 trip through Meeker, Margie spied a young, dashing Meeker cowboy, George Robert 'Bob' Wilber. Margie and Bob danced that night at the Oddfellows Hall and were married Jan. 1, 1945, at St. James’ Church.
Margie was a loving and devoted wife and mother, raising their three daughters, managing the household and helping on the ranch. After the girls were raised Margie took on the up-river mail route and also worked as a census surveyor. In 1966 Margie went to work part-time for Sue Mantle at the Rio Blanco County Clerk’s Office. In her 28 years at the courthouse Margie was both a Deputy County Clerk and the County Vital Statistician. Many married Meekerites will lovingly remember her as the woman who 'sold' them their marriage license.
From the moment she arrived in Meeker, Margie became one of her most loyal and staunch citizens. She was an active member of St. James’ Church, past president of both the Meeker Woman’s Club and the Moffat District of the Federated Woman’s Clubs. She was a member and past treasurer of the White Powell Club and the White River Grange. She served as president of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society, worked tirelessly on the Meeker Community Concert Board, was a band and Rainbow Mother, longtime member of the Cowbells, the Meeker Library Board as well as the Three Rivers Library System. She was also a board chairman for the Last Frontier Group.
Marge was outspoken about her politics, having been, as she liked to say, 'Born a Democrat, die a Democrat. She and Bob, her fiercely Republican husband, often battled about politics, each being proud that they never wavered in their political ideology.
Marge is survived by her three daughters, Mary Ann Wilber of Meeker, Sarah Ellen 'Sally' Wilber and her husband Jon Bye of Chandler, Ariz., Pauline Wilber of Denver, one granddaughter, Anna Stehle, one brother, Granville 'Red' Laird of Anadarko, Okla., and her brother-in-law, Gerald Wilber of Meeker. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Karen Cole of Media, Ill., Jana Donald of Oklahoma City, Okla., Margie Grounds of Pales-tine, Texas, Lydia Barren of Portland, Tenn., and Jeff Lee Laird of Beaumont, Texas. Her beloved Bob preceded her in death on Aug. 8, 2003. Her parents have also preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 11 from St. James’ Church with Father Steve Samples presiding. Interment was made in the Highland Cemetery. Friends may make memorial contributions to the Margie P. Wilber Memorial Fund through First National Bank of the Rockies.
Cochran Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Ben H. Steele
August 31, 1931 ~ May 15, 2004
Well-known Rangely resident Ben H. Steele, 72, died May 15, 2004, at his rural Rangely ranch home.
Ben Homer Steele was born Aug. 31, 1931, on the family homestead, up Foundation Creek near Rangely. He was raised in western Rio Blanco County, helping on the ranch and later working for his uncle with heavy equipment. In 1950, Ben entered the United States Navy, serving his country until May of 1954. On May 28, 1955, he was united in marriage to Erma JoAnn Thompson in Rangely. Erma preceded him in death on April 28 of this year.
After their marriage, Ben worked as a mechanic in the Gilsonite mines in Bonanza. He later returned to Rangely where for many years, he worked for Rio Blanco County, retiring as Road and Bridge Foreman. His retirement was short lived, however, as Ben returned to work for the county doing ground maintenance at the fairgrounds.
Ben loved working on his ranch and especially with his horses. He was a firm believer that if a child was 'old enough to sit up they were old enough to sit on a horse.' He loved his time spent in the chariot races and in his younger years rodeod as a bronc rider, team pinner and roper. He also enjoyed stock cars and flat track racing. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and was always willing to help the youth of Rangely.
Survivors include three children, Janet (Bryan) Mackay of Rangely, Carl 'Cally' (Klondy) Steele of Grand Junction, Tara Steele of Rangely, seven grandchildren, Calista, Scott, Jay, Cheyenne, Cidney, Brandon and Byron, his mother-in-law, Stella Thompson of Rangely, three sisters, Melva (Curtis) Ferrin of Albuquerque, N.M., Ruth (Ned) Barris of Silver City, N.M.; Ada Peirce of Mosca, Colo.; three brothers, Austin (Gladys) Steele of Vernal; George (Rosetta) Steele of Hollister, Idaho; Roy (Mickie) Steele of Rangely as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife, Erma, Ben is preceded in death by one brother, Buck and one sister, Ida.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 21 from the Rangely Cemetery. Friends are invited to a potluck luncheon at the Steele Ranch following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rio Blanco County 4-H Foundation. Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Louise (Polly) Irwin
December 16, 1920 ~ May 17, 2004
Louise (Polly) Irwin, 83, longtime resident of Grand Junction and Meeker died Monday May 17, 2004, at Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in Ithaca, N.Y.
Polly was born to Floyd and Ruby McIntosh on December 16, 1920, in Colburn, Colo.
Polly was preceded in death by her infant son Garry in 1941, her husband John in 1993, her brother Raymond McIntosh and sister Madge Trout. She is survived by her brother Dean McIntosh (partner Allyn Blencoe) of Palm Springs, Calif., daughter Patricia (Earle) Cary of Brooktondale, N.Y., son Kipper (Dorothy) Irwin of Colorado Springs, Colo., son Brad (partner Rich Conway) of Palm Springs, Calif., grandsons Randi (Jan) Cary of Ithaca, N.Y., Mikel (Susan) Cary of Ithaca, N.Y., Brett Cary of Brooktondale, N.Y., Scott Uhl, Colorado Springs, Rick (Debbie) Uhl, Colorado Springs, great-great-grandchildren Steven, Steele, Ashley, Samantha, Brandon and Brian; great-great-grandchildren Emmitt and Emily.
Graveside services and burial will be at Memorial Gardens, Grand Junction on May 26, 2004, at 1 p.m.
William Keith Aplanalp
August 12, 1928 ~ May 10, 2004
William 'Keith' Aplanalp passed away Monday, May 10, 2004, from a massive heart attack in West Valley City, Utah.
Keith was born Aug. 12, 1928, in Consumers, Utah, to Charles David Aplanalp and Wanda Leah Wilson Aplanalp. Keith spent his early years in Carbon and Duchesne counties attending schools in both places. He worked in the coal mines and saw mills before beginning his career with Chevron Oil Company, from which he retired after 38 years. Keith married Velma Ruby Allred on July 3, 1948, in Tabiona, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised six children in Rangely. Keith prided himself on being a hard, dependable worker. He served in a bishopric as well as his favorite calling in the Sunday School Presidency. He, together with his sons and other ward members spent countless hours working on the church farm.
He loved horses and his favorite pastime was chasing wild horses. He was passionate about wood working and loved to study Western American History. Papa spent the last years of his life helping raise his grandchildren, Devin and Alexis.
Keith is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Velma; sons, Dave (Joanne) Oakley, Duane (Doug), Salt Lake City, Darrell (Peggy) Rangely, Dwight (Kellie), Grace, Idaho; daughter, Sherilyn, West Valley City; 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild and sister, Myrle Guerrie. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ken and Tommy, and one sister, Charlene Wentland, and a daughter, Wanda Gaylene.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 14, 2004 at noon at the Hunter 2nd Ward, 5200 West 3970 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Ward, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the Ward. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park. Funeral Directors: Valley View Funeral Home.
Velma Gilbert
May 4, 1926 ~ April 26, 2004
Velma Gilbert was born May 4, 1926, in Wiley, Colo. She passed away April 26, 2004, in Meeker, Colo. Velma was a fun loving mother, wife and granny.
She was always out to have fun. She enjoyed Christmas time, making home-made candy, pulling taffy and molasses popcorn balls. She was also a crack shot with a pistol.
Velma was raised on Roan Creek where she met her belated husband Ralph Gilbert. They were united in marriage on April 21, 1944, in Rifle, Colo. Velma loved working and helping Ralph with his ranching and gunsmithing. She taught school on Roan Creek, Piceance Creek and drove the school bus. She then worked at the Meeker Laundry and at the Tom Murray market.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Elsie Close, her husband Ralph Gilbert, three sisters Shirley Millsap, Marguerite Fisher and Vera Close one brother Richard Close, and a grandson Pat Keller. Survivors include two sons, Harold Gilbert of Dubois, Wyo., Casey and Teresa Gilbert of Meeker, two daughter Audrey and Larry Sills of Buckeye, Ariz., six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three sisters, Elizabeth Lovato and Opal Gilbreath, of Grand Junction, Colo., and Leah Chadwick, of California along with many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be April 29, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Highland Cemetery
in Meeker, Colo. Service will be conducted by Ran Cochran. Music will be provided by Teresa Gilbert, Rayola Rust, Robin Richardson and Rick Tingle.
Pall bearers will be Mike Brennan, Wiley Berthelson, Davey Bill Smith, George Rienua, Doug Rust and Rick Tingle.
Honorary pallbearers are Roy Gilbert, Jeffery Wright, Tim Mantle and Gene Mintz.
A luncheon will be held at Kilowatt Korner immediately following the service.
Erma J. Steele
August 25, 1938 ~ April 27, 2004
Longtime Rangely resident Erma J. Steele, 65, died April 27, 2004, at her rural Rangely ranch home.
Erma JoAnn Thompson was born August 25, 1938, in Leadville, the daughter of Carl and Stella (Parker) Thompson. As a young girl, the family moved to Rangely where she attended school and was graduated from Rangely High School.
On May 18, 1955, she was united in marriage to Ben H. Steele. Mr. Steele survives in the family home. Mrs. Steele worked as a nursing aide first for the Rangely District Hospital, then the Rio Blanco County Nursing Service and after it opened for Eagle Crest. She was a staunch and loyal supporter of Rangely and worked hard for its children. She was a former Brownie Troop Leader, worked with the Little Britches Rodeo and sat on the Rio Blanco County Fair Board for many years. She was a member of the Rangely Saddle Club and enjoyed the horse raises when they were in Rangely. She also worked with the Rangely Chariot Races.
In addition to her husband, Erma is survived by her mother Stella Thompson of Rangely, three children, Janet (Bryan) Mackay of Rangely, Carl A. 'Cally' (Klondy) Steele of Grand Junction; Tara Steele of Rangely; seven grandchildren, Calista, Scott, Jay, Cheyenne, Cidney, Brandon and Byron and two sisters, Faye Real of St. George, Utah, and Glenda Woolridge of Washington.
Her father and one granddaughter, Kershell have preceded her in death.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Rangely Cemetery. Friends are invited to a potluck luncheon at the ranch following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rio Blanco County 4-H Foundation through Cochran Memorial Chapel’s Rangely Mortuary, P.O. Box 351 in Rangely.
Hazel M. Chapman
Sept. 4, 1931 ~ April 16, 2004
Former Longtime North Fork Valley resident Hazel M. Chapman died Friday, April 16, 2004, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. She was 72.
A visitation for family and friends was scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m., at the Crawford Community United Methodist Church. Pastors Scott Stark, James Gall and Tom Helmick will preside. Interment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery
in Crawford.
Hazel Marie Tattershall was born on Sept. 4, 1931, in Canon City, Colo., to the late Verl and Mabel I. (Hafer) Tattershall. She spent her childhood in Eastern Colorado where she also attended school.
Hazel continued her education graduating from the first LPN class at the Delta-Montrose Nursing School in Delta, Colo., in 1970.
On Feb. 4, 1947, in Syracuse, Kan., Hazel married Charles 'Bill' Chapman. He preceded her in death after 52 years of marriage on Aug. 26, 1998, in Grand Junction.
Hazel had worked for several years at the Ladies Correctional Facility in Canon City in the infirmary as a nurse and later became a correctional officer there. She spent many years in the North Fork area before moving to Grand Junction in 1986. She then moved to Rangely in February of 2000, having resided there until the time of her death. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and raising flower and vegetable gardens.
However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her only great grandchild.
Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Kathy and Glen Filener of Rangely and Linda and Dick Scott of Denver; two sisters, Anna DeCamp and husband Larry of Fruita, Colo., and Nancy Downs of Idaho; three brothers and their wives, Lee and Esther Tattershall of Fruita, Ben and Joyce Tattershall of Steamboat Springs and Jim and Judy Tattershall of Grand Junction. Hazel is further survived by five grandchildren and one great grandson.
Along with her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Louise Wilkenson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.
Charles R. Holmes
November 27, 1925 ~ October 21, 2005
Longtime Meeker educator Charles R. Holmes, 79, died Oct. 21, 2005, at the Walbridge Memorial Wing.
Mr. Holmes was born Nov. 27, 1925, to Phillip A. and Beryl (Warner) Holmes on the family ranch up Rifle Creek. He attended school in Rifle and left school to join the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the CBE 101-Mantanikau aircraft carrier.
Following his service days he returned to Rifle where he worked in the coal mines and the vanadium mines. He then enrolled in college.
He met his wife Emily Van Dusen on a blind date in 1951 and they married and Charles finished his degree. The family moved to Aguilar, Colo., where Charles taught business classes and wood working and served as assistant coach for four years.
In 1958, the family moved to Meeker where Charles taught for the next 26 years. Charles coached junior high basketball for many years and when complimented on the many years of success in this area, would always give credit to the players by saying it was 'a good bunch of hard working kids that came through the junior high.'
Charles loved flowers and planted hundred of gladiolas every year that he shared with many friends in Meeker. He will long be remembered for his love of golf and his fellow-man and for being a good and honorable husband, father and friend.
He was preceded in death by his two daughters, Jane and Julie, his parents, two sisters and one brother.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Highland Cemetery. Friends may make memorial contributions to the Walbridge Wing Memorial Fund through Cochran Memorial Chapels which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Paul A. Kenney
June 19, 1932 ~ October 12, 2005
In loving memory of Paul A. Kenney, 73, who passed away on Oct. 12, 2005, from a heart attack.
No services will be held at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Ustick Chapel in Meridian. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Paul lived his life for his family and close friends. He was the corner stone of our family and will be missed greatly.
He lived his life in the outdoors and enjoyed all the great horses and animals he raised. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his grandchildren at Mosquito Flats, Idaho.
He was born to Lester Arnold Kenney, and Glee Geneva Cloward Kenney, and Orson Cloward his grandfather who played a very important role in his life, now deceased.
Paul was born and raised in Rangely on June 19, 1932. He was the oldest living child of the Kenney clan.
He is survived by his loving devoted wife, Ruby Allene Shrum Kenney; sons, Collin Eric Kenney and wife Vicki and Sidney Dustin Kenney and wife Beddy; daughter, Kristi Lamar Kenney Petersen and husband Todd; grandchildren, Dawn Kenney Ayotte and husband Tim, Candy Kenney White and husband Steve, Krystal Jean Kenney, Kolton Lane Kenney, Kendy Lee Marthena Kenney, Heather Allene Maneotis, and Nicholas Paul Sensabaugh; and great grandson Levi Reed White. Paul has one brother, Kenneth Kenney, one sister Jillene Laree Kenney Graham, and two half sisters, and a whole slew of the Kenney clan that looked up to him and loved him.
We all pray that the horses of heaven are as much of a challenge as the wild horses of Colorado.
Natasha LeAun Gutierrez
May 22, 1987 ~ October 8, 2005
Natasha Gutierrez, 18, of Meeker died Oct. 8, 2005, at Pioneers Hospital in Meeker.
Natasha LeAun Gutierrez was born May 22, 1987, at the Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Wash., the oldest daughter of Jose 'Joe' and Donna Michelle (Rose) Gutierrez. As a young girl the family moved to Meeker where she attended school, graduating with the Meeker High School Class of 2005. She was a licensed esthetician and manicurist before she was graduated high school. She was studying massage therapy and attending hair school in Glenwood Springs, while working with her mother in their White River Body Spa at the time of her death.
To know Natasha was to know a young lady filled with fun, smiles and laughter. She loved being around people, especially boys. She will be remembered by many for her loving and caring attitude. She loved to spend time with her dad hunting and fishing and when in high school, helped train Meeker wrestlers. As a peewee wrestler, she used proper technique and surprised many young men with her headlock. She enjoyed volunteering her time with the Meeker Giving Tree and loved the time she spent helping the Meeker Lions Club.
She worked hard on the Meeker High School annual each year and was a former member of the Meeker Makos Swim Team.
Natasha is survived by her parents, Joe and Donna and her sister Alexis, all of the family home, her paternal grandmother, Rose Gutierrez of Meeker, her maternal grandparents, Diana Gibson of Denver and Robert Rose of Eureka, Calif., as well as her uncles Roman (Vicki) Gutierrez of Craig, Bobby (Wendy) Gutierrez of Meeker; and aunts Priscilla (Stevan) Kilibarda of Brooklyn Center, Minn.; Margie (Richard) Carrillo of Pueblo; Jannette (Gary) Davies of Greeley; Cindy (Andre) Fox and Sandy (Oliver Wilson) Gibson both of Grand Rapids, Mich., as well as numerous cousins, friends and classmates. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Roberto Gutierrez and her great-grandmother, Florence Barnes.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Fairfield Community Center with her former elementary school principal, Deacon Bill Ertmer, officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be Thursday from 3-8 p.m. and Friday until noon at Cochran Memorial Chapel.
Memorial funds in her name have been established at both First National Bank of the Rockies and Mountain Valley Bank.
Ruth Paradine Console
September 29, 1920 ~ September 23, 2005
Ruth Paradine Console, 85, of Meeker passed away Sept.. 23. Ruth was born Sept. 29, 1920, to Walter and Inez Ely Whalin.
Ruth married Ivan Barber and to this union, three sons were born.
She married Bob Console in November of 1988.
Ruth is survived by sons Darrell Barber of Redding, Calif., and Monty Barber and Terrance Barber, both of Anaheim, Calif.; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Console of Demming, N.M. and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob and three brothers and three sisters.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the World Wildlife Fund in care of Cochran Memorial Chapel.
Services were held Oct. 1 at the Cochran Memorial Chapel with Tom Maybury officiating.
David Kenneth Lowe
Oct. 28, 1952 - Sept. 6, 2005
David Kenneth Lowe of Alto Loma, Calif., died at his home Sept. 6. David was born at Oceanside, Calif., at the Naval Hospital Oct. 28, 1952, where his father, Herbert Lowe was on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton.
David grew up in Rangely and was graduated from Rangely High School in 1970. He received his private pilot’s license at CNCC. He served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War.
After serving his active duty, he returned to California to go back to school at San Diego where he met his wife, Judy Casbaugh. They were married June 26, 1977. They had two daughters, Brenda born in February 1982 and Brittany born April 1985. David and his family were members of the Upland Christian Church of Upland, Calif.
David is survived by his wife and two daughters of Alto Loma, Calif. His father and mother, Herbert and Margaret Lowe of Rangely; brother, Steven Lowe of Rangely and sister, LuAnne Lowe of Gilbert, Ariz. Services were entrusted to Draper Mortuary of Upland, Calif.
Thank You
Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray,
If so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
That anyone could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
The family of Verne Stewart
Craig
Ruth Console
MEEKER — Funeral services for Ruth Console will be held Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at Cochran Memorial Chapel.
Memorial donations
may be made to St. Jude Hospital or the World Wildlife Fund.
Mary Caroline Hilkey
June 27, 1913 ~ August 28, 2005
Mary Caroline Hilkey, 92, of Cedaredge died Aug. 28 at Willowtree of Delta.
She was born June 27, 1913, in North Waterford, Maine, to Charles and Carrie Kingsbury Hersey. She married Harold Anthony Hilkey on June 1, 1940.
She was a member of Delta Christian Church in Delta.
Mary was graduated from high school at Bridgeport Academy in Maine as salutatorian. She was in 4-H and active in the student fellowship. She was graduated from Rhode Island University with a degree in home economics. While in college, she participated in field hockey, won a state silver medal in ice speed skating, played basketball, baseball and ran track.
After graduation, she went west to be with her sister and was a clerk at the May D&F store in Denver. She later taught school in Penrose, Meeker and Rangely. She came to Cedaredge 29 years ago.
She was a member of Alpha Zeta Sorority, Cedaredge Garden Club and the Gleaners Club of the church.
She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and hosting meals.
She is survived by sons, Jack (Joyce) Hilkey of Littleton and Mike (Gloria) Hilkey of Bedford, Ind.; brothers, Alfred (Eleanor) Hersey of Maine, Alvin (Helen) Hersey of Maine and Bill (Jean) Hersey of Maine; sister-in-law, Eldrid Hilkey of Rangely; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Three grandsons-in-law, one granddaughter-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents; one great-grandchild; sisters Louise and Mabel; and her brother, Roy Hersey.
Funeral services were held at Mesa View Mortuary Chapel in Delta. Burial was at Meeker Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were handled by Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery.
