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LaVaughn Staley
September 5, 1931 - June 28, 2005
Well-known Rangely resident LaVaughn Staley, 73, died June 28, 2005, at the Rangely District Hospital.
LaVaughn Murray was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Jensen, Utah, the daughter of Joseph Hyrum and Mable (Woodard) Murray. She attended schools and was graduated with the 1949 Uintah High School graduating class.
On Sept. 17, 1950, she was united in marriage to Robert E. Staley. Mr. Staley preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 2001.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mrs. Staley worked as a clerk at Bestway in Rangely and also managed the cafeteria at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend.
Survivors include her three sons, Gary Eugene Staley and his wife Kathy, Robert E. Staley, Jr. and his wife Teresa and Tommy J. Staley and his wife Wanda, all of Rangely, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Hazel Smith of Jensen, Utah, and Lilly Mae Batty of Salt Lake City, Utah.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by two brothers, Hyrum Charles and Ray.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 1 from the Rangely Wards Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment was made in the Rangely Cemetery
under the direction of Cochran’s Rangely Mortuary.
Earl Eliasen
March 28, 1942 - July 9, 2005
Lifelong Meeker resident and cowboy Earl E. Eliasen, 63, died July 9, 2005, at Pioneers Hospital.
Earl Edward Eliasen was born on the Elk Creek Ranch near Sleepy Cat on March 28, 1942, one of 15 children born to Antone B. “Whitey” and Mary (Findlay) Eliasen. He attended schools in Meeker, and was graduated with the class of 1961. Following his graduation he furthered his education in Garden City, Kan., with plans of someday teaching school.
Earl returned to Meeker where he worked in the oilfields and did wrangler work and horseshoeing on various ranches. At the time of his death he self-employed as a fencing contractor.
Earl loved to be outdoors, hunting, fishing, team roping and music.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Caldwell, of Meeker, three sons, David Adams of Salt Lake City, Utah, Travis Adams of Meeker, Justin Eliasen of Clark, one step-son, Tod Gould of Meeker, two grandchildren, Cheyenne and Brittany and a step-grandson, Drake Thomas.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ed (Jan) Eliasen of Greeley, Elaine Webber of Craig, Elizabeth Devore of Meeker, Enid (Dave) Steffen of Meeker, Ellis Eliasen of Meeker, Elton Eliasen of Meeker, Eldrid “Sis” (Don) Anding of Albion, Neb.; Jenny (Ken) Megahey of Mesa, Ariz.; Jerry (Catherine) Eliasen of Meeker, John Eliasen of Meeker, Sue (Roger) Peters of Fairbanks, Alaska, Zina Eliasen of Meeker, Ron Eliasen of DuBois, Wyo.; Sara (Mac) Richardson of Green River, Wyo., one half-sister, Patty Jane (Don) Barber of Auburn, Wash., as well numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday from the Highland Cemetery. Following the services, friends are invited to a picnic to celebrate Earl’s memory at the City Park.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to the Earl Eliasen Memorial Fund at Mountain Valley Bank.
The proceeds from the fund will be used to purchase a new roping chute at the rodeo arena and for other improvements to the fairgrounds.
Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Vic Douglass
April 5, 1929 - July 4, 2005
On July 4, 2005, God called home one of his earthly angels Efferd “Vic” Douglass who died from a tragic accident.
Vic was born April 5, 1929, to Joseph and Edith Douglass in Nutty-Combe Township, Kan. He grew up on the family farm where love of God, family, hard work and integrity were the order of the day. There was never a lack of love or support as he was one of the youngest of 12 children.
He was driving truck for a living when he met Ardith Robison, fell in love and they married in 1954. Together they embarked upon almost 51 years of life and love. To this union, God blessed them with two daughters, Rhonda and Diana.
He worked for the Ford Motor Company in Yuma, Colo., until he and Ardith moved the family to Meeker. He discovered his new home because of his love of hunting. There was always deer and elk in the freezer for the winter.
Vic went to work for Reg Nichols Sales and Service and stayed for many years. It was there he became familiar with another of his passions, snowmobiling. He became an avid rider and joined the White River Snowmobile Club where he served in many positions. He was always there when the call went out for someone in need. He spent many hours grooming trails and working on the equipment.
He was also an active member of the Meeker Christian Church, serving in many capacities. He could always be counted on to do what needed to be done and he passed that love of God on to everyone he met just by the example he set.
Vic later went to work for Berthoud Motors where he retired to enjoy the rest of his life with family and friends. This enabled him to enjoy his other hobby, restoring antique John Deere tractors. He won numerous awards in parades on the western slope because of the diligence and hard work he put in on them.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Edith Douglass, seven brothers, Albert, Lawrence, Ted, Lloyd, Benny, Marion and Dickie and one sister, Dorothy.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Ardith, daughter Rhonda Puseman and her husband Ray of Bellevue, Nebraska, daughter Diana Douglass of Vernal, Utah, grandsons Adam and Cody Puseman, Joseph Ridings and his wife Peggy and one great granddaughter, Ada Lyn Ridings, brothers Robert and Glen and sister Muriel.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Meeker Christian Church with Rev. Larry Heath presiding. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery. Friends may call this evening from 4-8 p.m. at Cochran Memorial Chapel in Meeker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Meeker Christian Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Cherise Tafoya
June 5, 1960 - June 3, 2005
Cherice Tafoya was born June 5, 1960, and died June 3, 2005. Cherice was the daughter of Daniel A. Lanchez and Carol Santoya.
Raised mainly in Thorton, Colo., and one of five brothers and sisters, Cherice was a loving mother of Yvonne Tafoya, Edward Tafoya Jr. and Issac Lanchez.
Cherice received her barber’s license from Denver Barber School. After cutting hair in Denver for eight years, she moved to Meeker at the urging of local friends and opened Danny’s Barber Shop which was named after her father.
Cherice loved Meeker and served the community well with the trade she loved and her willingness to do for others. Cherice left her family, friends and Meeker much too soon and she will be missed by all.
Iona M. Adamson
September 17, 1931 - July 4, 2005
Iona M. Adamson, 73, of Meeker died July 4, 2005, at Pioneers Medical Center.
Iona Mae Peterson was born Sept. 17, 1931, in Idaho Springs, Idaho, the daughter of Clarence and Mabel (Thompson) Peterson. As a toddler the family moved to Meeker where she attended school.
On April 22, 1962 she was united in marriage to George E. Adamson in Las Vegas. The family lived in Las Vegas where Iona was a homemaker. In the early 1990s she returned to Meeker where George preceded her in death on Sept. 22, 1996.
Iona was a loving and devoted wife and mother and friend. She loved her animals and had a great artistic ability and enjoyed crocheting.
Survivors include her three daughters, Mary Belcher and her husband Richard, Elaine Fogle and Rusty Todd and her husband Ray, all of Meeker, her brothers-in-law, Steve Bringard and Leland “Mac” McClain, both of Meeker, seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by one grandson, Vernon Todd, one granddaughter, Marion Roberts, two sisters, Velma Bringard and Lenora “Rusty” McClain, one brother, Clarence L. “Pete” Peterson and her parents.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Thursday, July 7 from Cochran Memorial Chapel with Ran Cochran officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Highland Cemetery.
LaVaughn Staley
September 5, 1931 - June 28, 2005
Well-known Rangely resident LaVaughn Staley, 73, died June 28, 2005, at the Rangely District Hospital.
LaVaughn Murray was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Jensen, Utah, the daughter of Joseph Hyrum and Mable (Woodard) Staley. She attended schools and was graduated with the 1949 Uintah High School graduating class.
On Sept. 17, 1950, she was united in marriage to Robert E. Staley. Mr. Staley preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 2001.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mrs. Staley worked as a clerk at Bestway in Rangely and also managed the cafeteria at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend.
Survivors include her three sons, Gary Eugene Staley and his wife Kathy, Robert E. Staley, Jr. and his wife Teresa and Tommy J. Staley and his wife Wanda, all of Rangely, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two sisters, Hazel Smith and Lilly Mae Batty both of Jensen, Utah.
In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by two brothers, Hyrum Charles and Ray.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 1 from the Rangely Wards Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment was made in the Rangely Cemetery
under the direction of Cochran’s Rangely Mortuary.
Cliff Mann
June 8, 1919 - June 25, 2005
On June 25, 2005, Cliff Mann finished his greatest story, to be continued in the company of The Master Story Teller in the next life.
The first chapter told of his birth to Alice and Richard Mann in Stratford, Okla., on June 8, 1919. Many stories abound between his birth and when he joined the United States Navy in 1942. He fought for his country as a Navy Seabee in World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. Aside from the fact that he was a soldier, his main contribution was acquiring and showing movies for his comrades in arms. He carried this gift for entertainment over to civilian life where he began managing movie theatres.
His life took a romantic turn when he met and married Allene Latham on June 5, 1946. Three months after marrying, a fire broke out during a Saturday matinee in the theatre Cliff and Allene were managing. The theatre was full of children, but Cliff didn’t leave the building until he had checked every seat and until he was certain no other children remained. This quiet heroism was typical of Cliff’s behavior. He never sought recognition and when it was offered, he was humbled and embarrassed by it.
Two daughters graced Cliff and Allene’s lives. Jodi lives with her husband Michael Calhoun and son Copper in Friday Harbor, Wash. Kim lives with her husband Garry Poulton, son Denton and daughter Shelby in Bountiful, Utah.
Cliff is survived in this life by Allene, Jodi and Kim. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe and Pete and an infant sister.
The last chapter has been written and closed. But, the stories will live on, to be re-told by all of those who heard them and those lucky few who actually shared in the telling.
A funeral service to honor the life of Cliff Mann was held Wednesday, June 29 at St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Rangely. Military burial rites were conducted by V.F.W. Post #5261 in the Rangely Cemetery
under the direction of Cochran’s Rangely Mortuary.
Evelyn Faye Duzik
February 23, 1920 - June 17, 2005
Evelyn F. Duzik, 85, was born Feb. 23, 1920, in Tulsa, Okla., the third child of Jess and Margarette Holiway Crabtree. She passed away on June 17, 2005.
Evelyn’s parents and siblings moved to Craig in the 1930s, where she graduated from Craig High School, class of 1939.
Evelyn married George A. Duzik on Aug. 6, 1941, in Georgetown, Colo. To this union four children were born. Evelyn, known as Nan, was a life partner in the ranching operation east of Craig.
She will be remembered by the gallons of milk and dozens of eggs she marketed to the families, restaurants and the local hospital.
Evelyn was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Farmers and Homemakers and The Craig Square Dance Club. She provided a loving and grandmotherly daycare for many families.
She was an incredible cook, magic with pastries and cakes. Her gardens were enormous, providing everything from celery to potatoes for family and friends. Nan prepared lavish meals for the harvesting and branding crews.
Evelyn is survived by her husband George; sons George A. “Duke” (Jacque), Michael Jess (Margaret), and Robert Edwin; and daughter Roberta Faye Duzik Hume (Jim). She is further survived by 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Margaret Marshall of California, Jewell Callahan of Craig and Josephine Fagg also of Craig; and brother-in-law Andy Duzik (Joan) of Craig.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Jackie; two sisters, Bonnie Bowden and Iva Peters; and two brothers Roy and Jess (Tuff) Crabtree.
The Rosary was recited by Father Jose Saenz on Monday, June 20, 2005, at 7 p.m., at Grant Mortuary. Funeral mass was held Tuesday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Jose Saenz.
Music was provided by pianist Dr. Pamela Kinder and soloist Ashley Daigle. Special selections “One More Time,” “God on The Mountain” and “What a Way to Spend Forever” were sung by Loretta Earle.
Interment followed in the family plot at The Craig Cemetery. Pallbearers for Nan were her grandsons Frank, Glenn, Shayne, Tim, Justin Duzik and Sheb Hume. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons Coalin, Jacob, Jared, Jon Hume and Geoffrey (Bud) Duzik, as well as granddaughters Charlotte Duzik Bullard, Mardi Hume Anson, Toni Hume Tuttle and Andi Duzik Kerchal.
Flora Pearl Raley Moore
September 8, 1912 - June 12, 2005
Flora Raley Moore of Grand Junction passed away June 12, 2005. Flora was born Sept. 8, 1912, to Daniel Alphonso and Mary Ellen McPherson at Evergreen, Colo. She came with her family to Mamm Creek, Silt and Rifle area in 1913.
Flora attended the Garfield County, Little Red Schoolhouse, Mamm Creek, Fair View and Dry Hollow schools, and Silt High School. She and Robert (Bob) Raley were married Aug. 30, 1930, in Glenwood Springs.
The couple moved to Piceance Creek in February of 1932 to work for the Oldland Brothers, going to Meeker in 1934. Bob and Flora ranched in the Meeker area for 42 years. They had three children Robert Wesley, Patricia Ellen and Thomas Lee. Bob Raley passed away Nov. 19, 1977.
Flora married William C. Moore, Jan. 21, 1980, going back to Meeker and her beloved White River Valley. She enjoyed being back on the ranch and meeting Bill’s children: Betty, Mary, and Frances, and adding 9 more grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Bill passed away Dec. 1, 2002.
Flora was a member of the Meeker United Methodist Church, Rio Blanco Cowbells and the Colorado and National Cattlewomen Associations, Fortnightly Women’s Club and Farm Bureau. Her hobbies were photography and writing.
Flora is survived by her children: Wes (Dianne), Kerrville, Texas; Patty (Wayne) Long, Clifton; and Tom (Caroline), Tucson, Ariz; seven grandchildren; David and Rob Raley, Debra Shires, Nancy Prosser, Frank Green, Tom Wisdom and Justin Raley; 14 great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren; and step-children Betty Andrews, Mary (Bob) Campbell, and Frances (Joe) Goedert. Flora is also survived by her brothers, Warren (Ida) of Grand Junction and Dale (Jeanne) of Silt; two sisters Stella (Roy) McClung, Klamath Falls, Ore., and Natalie (Don) Meisner of Arizona City, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Fern, Esther and Goldena and three brothers, Kenneth, Donald and Bobby.
Funeral services were held June 17 at the Meeker United Methodist Church with burial following at Highland Cemetery
in Meeker.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Meeker United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 26, Meeker, Colo., 81641 or the Pioneer Medical Center at 345 Cleveland St., Meeker, Colo., 81641.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Martin Mortuary.
Laura Sue Mantle
July 28, 1932 - June 15, 2005
Funeral services for Laura “Sue” Mantle, 72, were conducted Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at Saint James Episcopal Church in Meeker. Interment followed in Highlands Cemetery
at Meeker.
She died Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyo.
Sue was born July 28, 1932, in Meeker the daughter of Raymond D. and Estel A. (Aicher) Woolley.
She was a Rio Blanco County Clerk in Meeker for 20 years; worked as the Uintah County deputy assessor for three years; and spent seven years with the U.S. Forest Service, Ashley National Forest in Vernal, Utah, as purchasing agent. Her grandchildren loved to tell their friends, “My Grandma Sue is a forest ranger.”
Sue brought many experiences into her life. She lived in Meeker, Hell’s Canyon Mantle Ranch within Dinosaur National Monument, Grand Lake, Colo., Ft. Collins, Colo., Vernal, Utah, and Wheatland. She obtained a degree in archeology after moving to Vernal and loved hunting arrowheads, exploring old ruins, fishing and painting. She belonged to archeology clubs and art guilds and received many blue ribbons for her paintings. She commissioned paintings of Hell’s Canyon and Trapper’s Lake and earned the status of professional artist. She was a crack shot with a rifle and shared great stories. She was a loving mother and devoted to her grandchildren. She will be missed and we thank her for many wonderful memories.
Survivors include her son, Steve Mantle, grandchildren, Bryan, Nick and Kally Mantle and their mother, Christy Mantle all of Wheatland; sister, Frances Woolley of Meeker; nephew, Dean Mantle and wife, Brooke and their two children, Bailey and Doak.
She was preceded in death by her parents and an aunt, Fran Kennedy.
Serving as pallbearers were Steve Mantle, Kally Mantle, Bryan Mantle, Nick Mantle, Dean Mantle,and Kevin Nye. Honorary pallbearers were Harold Ball, Tim Mantle, Mike Tate and Steve Allen.
Memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
Gorman Funeral Homes — Platte Chapel of Wheatland and Cochran Memorial of Meeker are in charge of the arrangements.
Vernon Harris
August 23, 1921 - June 17, 2005
Longtime Rangely resident Vernon Harris, 83, died June 17, 2005, at the Rangely District Hospital.
Edgar Vernon Harris was born Aug. 23, 1921, in Durango, the son of Edgar and Ester (Love) Harris. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, serving in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon and the Western Pacific Theatres. Following his discharge in 1942, he was united in marriage to Ellen L. Yates. The couple moved to Rangely where Vern did heavy equipment work and helped create the road over Douglass Pass. Later he served as the manager of the Rangely Airport.
In addition to his beloved wife, Ellen, he is survived by two sons, Rod of Las Vegas and Pat of Grand Junction, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Martha and one brother, Lee.
Private family services are planned. Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Evelyn Mae Main
April 14, 1928 - June 14, 2005
Evelyn Mae Main was born to Floyd “Shorty” and Ray Reynolds on April 14, 1928, and was raised in Eagle County until the late 1940s.
She moved to Meeker where she finished her high school education, being graduated from Meeker High School on May 16, 1948. She married Eugene Main on July 5, 1948, and settled in Rio Blanco County. Evelyn passed away on June 14, 2005, at Pioneers Hospital in Meeker at approximately 8 a.m. Evelyn is survived by two children, Loanna Paul (Michael) of Phoenix, Ariz., and David Main (Lorrie) of Meeker, four grandchildren, one step-grandchild, seven great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and six brothers, Athal, Royce, Donald, Luis, Theodore and Felix.
Per Evelyn’s request a small family picnic was held at the home of David and Lorrie Main on Saturday, June 18 in celebration of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Ed James Lynch
October 31, 1956 - June 2, 2005
Ed James Lynch passed away at his Rangely home June 2, 2005, at the age of 48.
Ed was born in Butte, Mont., Oct. 31, 1956. He moved to Naturita, Colo., where he grew up. He was graduated from Nucla High School. He worked in the mines for 25 years. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and hanging out with his friends and family.
Ed is survived by wife Taresa Lynch (separated) of Colorado and three children, one son Adam Lynch (Pearl Patterson) of Colorado, two daughters Bobbie Richardson (Adam Gray) of Colorado, Summer Chandler (Roy Chandler) of Colorado, girlfriend Naomi Galyan of Rangely and her three children, Roberta Stanley of Texas, Nicki Paxon of Missouri, and Kathy Brannon of Colorado, four grandchildren Skye Walker, River Walker, Joseph Chandler and Haydin Chandler, one brother John Lynch of Washington, 12 nephews Bud, Cord, James (Roni), David, Roy (Janeice), John (Patrica), Nicky, Cody, Hayden, Chance, Tyler, Alex, nine nieces Mariann, Syrena, Kayla, Shelly (Scott), Goldie, Ashly, Madison, Treena, Christina.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Private family services have been held. Cochran Memorial Chapel — Rangely Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
