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Alvin Stewart
January 9, 1932 - June 1, 2005
Alvin Stewart, 73, died June 1 at his home in Rangely after a courageous fight with multiple myeloma. He never gave up and kept a positive attitude throughout.
Alvin was born Jan. 9, 1932, in Seminole, Okla., to Eugene and Buena (Stallings) Stewart. His early childhood was spent in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana and New Mexico. In 1946 or 1947 the family moved to Vernal, Utah.
Alvin joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951 and proudly served until 1954. He was very proud of his marine service. On July 6, 1951, he married Donna Vesely of Craig, Colo. This union was blessed by six wonderful children. Lynda (Brad) Cady, Eddie (Sharon) Stewart, Mike (Tammie) Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Steve (Grace) Stewart and Randy Stewart, all of Rangely.
On Dec. 29, 1960, the family moved to Rangely. Alvin loved Rangely and the surrounding country. Next to his family , he loved hunting, fishing, shooting handguns or just being out in the hills with his family.
In 1977, he started Stewart Welding and Machine with his sons.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Donna, six children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, one brother, Ed Stewart of Vernal, two sisters, Patricia Outlaw of Vernal and Sally Garfield of Killeen, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two baby brothers. We will all miss you so much. You were a wonderful man.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 6 at the Bible Baptist Church in Rangely with Pastor Ervin Cole officiating. Grandsons of Alvin served as his pallbearers. Military honors at the graveside service in the Rangely Cemetery
were provided by V.F.W. Post #5261. Cochran Memorial Chapels Rangely Mortuary was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Friends may make memorial contributions to the Stewart Family Scholarship through First National Bank of the Rockies.
Lee Calvin Reagle
May 7, 1938 - December 11, 2004
A memorial service for former Meeker resident Lee C. Reagle, 66, will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Cochran Memorial Chapel in Meeker. A private family inurnment service will follow later in the afternoon. Lee passed away at his home in Montrose Dec. 11, 2004.
Lee Calvin Reagle was born May 7, 1938 in Meeker, the son of Lee and Pearl M. (Barnard) Reagle. He received his education in Meeker, and was graduated from Meeker High School.
Lee joined the United States Army and proudly served his country with overseas duty in Germany from 1956 until 1958. After the service, his career included building power lines for Moon Lake Electric in Vernal, Utah, then he moved to Denver and joined the Colorado State Patrol. From Denver, he moved back to Craig and continued his work with the state patrol dispatch center.
Lee later moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and worked for the Department of Energy and Department of Defense at the Nevada Nuclear test site until his retirement, when he moved to Montrose.
During his working years, Lee also raised his family. He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting.
He loved music, western movies and books. We was a member of the Elks Lodge.
Survivors include his mother, Pearl Reagle of Montrose, one son, Lance Reagle and his wife Mary of Missoula, Mont., one daughter, Tracie Lou Giroux of Virginia and two grandchildren, Nic and Megan Giroux.
In the early 1980s, Lee married Onita Beckman who preceded him in death as has his father.
John W. Kell
November 14, 1956 - May 20, 2005
Well known Rangely resident John W. Kell, 48, died Friday, May 20, 2005, near Rangely, as a result of an automobile accident.
John William Kell was born Nov. 14, 1956 in Cortez, Colo., the son of Gerald Robert and Stella Mae (Fields) Kell. He attended school in Cortez, having been graduated from high school there.
On July 21, 1976, he was united in marriage to Shirley Kay Yarbrough in Cortez. The couple resided in Cortez, Loma and in 1987 moved to Rangely where John worked in the oil fields.
He left the fields to attend Colorado Northwestern Community College, receiving an associate’s degree in aviation technology. While attending CNCC, John managed the Sagewood Apartments. At the time of his death he was self-employed as a contract pumper.
John was a devoted husband and father and friend. While his daughters were young, he led their 4-H group. He was a former member of the 4-H Foundation Board and the Rio Blanco County Fair Board.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of the family’s rural Rangely home, two daughters, Patricia Kell of Loma and Heather Kell of Grand Junction, his father, Bob Kell of Tucson, Ariz., four brothers, Robert (Beverly) Kell of Globe, Ariz.; Steve (Sharon) Kell of Elko, Nev.; Dale Kell of Cortez; David (Chris) Kell of Rio Rico, Ariz., and one sister, Brenda Kell of Cortez.
His mother, an infant sister, Stella Ann and one brother, Daniel, preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Rangely Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will be made at 9 a.m. this morning at the Arriola Cemetery
near Cortez.
Sam F. Barone
November 8, 1920 - May 12, 2005
Long-time Meeker resident and educator Sam F. Barone, 84, died May 12, 2005, at his home.
Samuel Francis Barone was born Nov. 8, 1920, in Salida, Colo., the son of Pete and Joanna (Veltrie) Barone. He was raised on the family farm where he spoke only Italian, learning to speak English after enrolling in school in Salida. Following his graduation from high school, he attended Adams State College where he received both his bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in secondary education. He served his country in World War II with an overseas tour of duty lasting 43 months.
On Aug. 22, 1948, he was united in marriage to Shirley Cavaliere in Salida. The couple moved to Meeker in January of 1951, having been hired mid-year to teach. Mr. Barone taught sixth grade for two years and then assumed the role of principal at the junior high. In 1975 he was honored when the junior high was named Barone Junior High. In addition to his administrative duties, he also coached the junior high football, track and basketball programs. Mr. Barone was a beloved leader, mentor and friend to his students and teachers throughout his 30-year career.
After his retirement in 1981, he remained active in Meeker, playing golf, hunting and fishing. He served 14 years as a director of the White River Electric Association and was a member of the Meeker Lions Club as well as Holy Family Church. Mr. Barone was an experienced leather craftsman, having taught a leather craft class in the junior high for many years.
In 1989, Mr. and Mrs. Barone purchased a home in Chandler, Ariz., and spent the winters there, volunteering in the classroom of their daughter, Michelle.
In addition to Shirley, his wife of 56 years, Mr. Barone is survived by one daughter, Michelle Lopez of Gilbert, Ariz., four grandchildren, Christina Wolfe, a student at Northern Arizona University, Christopher Wolfe, Monica Lopez and David Lopez, all of Gilbert, two sisters, Lenna (Bob) Finck and Elsie (John) Tancik, all of Salida; one niece, Debbie Galagher of Salida and one nephew, John Tancik, Jr., also of Salida.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, May 16 at Holy Family Church with interment in the Highland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions or Masses may be directed to Holy Family Catholic Church through Cochran Memorial Chapel, PO Box 1048, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Kendall C. Dickman
December 30, 1930 - May 13, 2005
Kendall C. Dickman, 74, of Grand Junction, died at his home on May 13, 2005.
Dickman was born to Alfred and Vallie Dickman of Meeker on Dec. 30, 1930.
He was raised and attended school around Meeker and served in Korea before returning to Meeker where he married Beverly Hazelbaker.
He moved to Grand Junction in 1965 seeking a better life for his wife and three children.
He retired from the CDOT in 1992 after 22 years as a welder.
He is survived by three children: Dave Dickman and Annie Long of Grand Junction and Paul Dickman of Phoenix, Ariz. Five siblings; Velna Stewart, Dean Dickman and Gerald Dickman of Grand Junction; Russell Dickman of San Leandro, Calif., and Ronnie Dickman of Tucson, Ariz.; five grand children and one great-grandchild.
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary will have a viewing from 3-5 p.m. on May 22 and a service on May 23 at 10 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. in Meeker.
Pallbearers are Dave Dickman, Paul Dickman, Jesse Sandoval, Ted Long, Floyd Elliott, John Nelson and Russell (Buck) Dickman (honorary).
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Senior Recreation Center in Grand Junction, (970) 243-7408.
Carrie Marie Winder Stewart
July 24, 1970 - April 28, 2005
Carrie Marie Winder Stewart passed away Thursday, April 28, 2005, after a 12-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Carrie was born July 24, 1970, in Antioch, Calif. After her high school graduation in Meeker, Colo., she moved back to California to attend California State University, Long Beach. She had lived in the Oxnard area for the past 15 years. Carrie brought great energy to everything she did. She was a great cook, loved to shop, enjoyed doing a variety of crafts, and attended every craft festival she could find. She thought that the California Strawberry Festival was the best of them all! Travel was her passion and she enjoyed trips from New York City to the Tuscany area of Italy.
Carrie loved all kinds of sports and was an avid Steelers fan. During her extensive battle with cancer, Carrie was able to provide inspiration to many. She always took the time to encourage others to keep fighting. She truly believed that every day should be lived to its fullest. Carrie always enjoyed participating in the Relay for Life and was able to share her personal story at the 2004 kickoff party.
Carrie is survived by her husband, Greg Stewart; mother Susan Winder of Oxnard and father Mike Winder of Houston, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Keli Winder of Madison, Wis.; nephews, Brandon and Ryan Winder; maternal grandparents, John and Faye Russell of Delta, Colo.; and many other loving relatives and friends. The family would like to express its sincere thanks to Dr. William H. Isacoff for taking such good care of Carrie for so many years.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society to help in the ongoing fight against cancer.
Fern Johnson
February 22, 1913 - May 9, 2005
Fern Williams Johnson passed away on Monday, May 9, 2005, where she was currently residing in Heritage Park Care Center, Carbondale, Colo. She was born on her family’s homestead near Slater, Colo., on Feb. 22, 1913. Her husband of more than 60 years, Glenn Johnson, preceded her in death three years ago. They had no children.
Fern and Glenn Johnson grew up on ranches along the Little Snake River in Wyoming and Colorado, and made their home for many years on the Boot Jack Ranch near Hahns Peak, Colo. They then moved to a small ranch near Meeker. Extended family members include a number of nephews and nieces residing in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and California.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2005, in the Little Snake River Episcopal Church in Dixon, Wyo. Burial services will follow at the Reeder Cemetery
located just east of Savery, Wyo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Savery Museum in Savery, Wyo..
Arrangements are entrusted to the Farnum-Holt Funeral Home in Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Johnnie Lee Crain
June 4, 1931 - April 19, 2005
Johnnie Lee Crain, Sr. was born June 4, 1931, in Claremore, Okla., and passed away at his home in Meeker, Colo., on April 19, 2005.
Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Elder and Bert Crain, and his older sister Lavenna. He is survived by his siblings, Bill, Curtis, Dean, James and Betty Crain and numerous nieces and nephews.
Married to Lynn Thomas in 1949 and raised two children, daughter Sue Larson (son-in-law Richard, granddaughter Katie) and son Johnnie (daughter-in-law Debbie, grandchildren Brandi, Amanda, Kristi, Shelly, Kevin, Kelly, Sheila, Korina, Nicki and Robbie).
On June 9, 1990, Johnnie married Carol Rose in Las Vegas, Nev.
Along with his loving wife, Carol, he leaves her sons, Norman, Lowell, Roger and Edward Johnson, their wives and 11 cherished grandchildren.
In 1968 Johnnie was part of the first Alaska Cat Train, transporting equipment across the frozen tundra from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Prudhoe Bay. It was the beginning of oil exploration on the North Slope of Alaska.
He later formed a construction company and helped develop the oil pipeline infrastructure. Johnnie worked in construction all his life, and established construction companies throughout California, Alaska and Colorado.
Having purchased a 180-acre farm in rural Colorado in 1967, he lived the last 30 years between California and Colorado.
Johnnie loved adventure and the great outdoors. Hunting and fishing were his favorite pastimes.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club in Grand Junction. A second memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21 at the Rescue Community Center in Rescue, Calif. Interment will follow in California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johnnie’s name to the American Lung Association.
Mary E. Coy
February 8, 1919 - April 19, 2005
Mary E. Coy, 86, of Rangely died April 19, 2005, at the Rangely District Hospital Long Term Care Unit.
Mary Estelle Snyder was born Feb. 8, 1919, in Lawrence County, Ohio, one of 12 children born to Joseph Edward and Fernetti Ann (Leffingwell) Snyder. On March 29, 1956 she was united in marriage to Robert Vincent Coy in Vernal, Utah. Bob preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 2000.
Mary was an excellent cook and candy maker. She made the best pies and ice cream around and loved to can the produce from her garden in the fall. She enjoyed handiwork especially sewing, embroidery and macramé. She was an avid letter writer, keeping in close contact with her family members, sharing the news of the day. Mary especially enjoyed the special times she spent with her grandchildren.
Mary will long be remembered for her feisty love of life and for openly sharing her advice on any subject at any time.
Survivors include her children, Connie Erickson and her husband Brad of Aurora, Colo., Harvey M. Corbin and his wife Deb of Sioux Falls, S.D., two stepdaughters, Betty Ruth Coy and Dora Mae Lawless, both of Oklahoma, four grandchildren, Gary Noel Crown of Grand Junction; Katrina Anne Erickson, Kari Pearl Erickson and Kellen Kenneth Erickson, all of Aurora and one great granddaughter, Rikki Crown.
In addition to Bob, Mary was preceded in death by all of her siblings.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 23, 2005, from the First Baptist Church in Rangely with Pastor David Morton officiating. Interment was made in the Rangely Cemetery.
Cochran Memorial Chapels, Rangely Mortuary was entrusted with the arrangements.
Richard Lewis Jennings
March 19, 1954 - April 15, 2005
Richard Lewis Jennings passed away April 15, 2005, in Denver, Colo. Richard was born March 19, 1954, to Glen and Ina Mae Jennings. Richard had three sisters, Roberta Culverwell, Marjorie Jennings and Betty Ford.
He was preceded in death by his father and sister Marjorie.
In 1973 he married Joy Hatley. They had two daughters, Carrie Marie Hockins and Sarah Jean Jennings. On Jan. 1, 1983, Richard married O’Kalla Fisher. She had two children, son Jay and daughter Carley Suessmeier. Together they had five grandchildren. Richard loved them all.
He was a self-employed contractor.
Denver Nuel Pittman
December 16, 1922 - March 18, 2005
Denver Nuel Pittman, 82, long-time resident of Rangely, passed away Friday, March 18, in Windsor, Colo. He was born Dec. 16, 1922, in Van Buren, Mo., to John and Doshee (Blanchard) Pittman. He married Elsie Booth Sept. 16, 1950. Elsie passed away in Windsor, April 6, 2003.
Denver came to work the oil fields in Rangely after serving in the US Army during World War II, as a rifle marksman in the Pacific Theater. He worked for the Chevron Oil Company for 36 years. He was a mountain man that enjoyed hunting, fishing and growing tomatoes; he especially loved times with his family. He was the most honest man any one ever met and his word was good as gold. He never turned his back on any one in his life.
He moved to Windsor after his retirement but continued to work as a consultant for Chevron Oil Company. He was also a captain firefighter in the Crystal Lake area.
Survivors are two daughters, Linda Hickenlooper of Susanville, Calif., and Diana Dale of Fort Collins; two sons, David Pittman of Rangely and Gary Pittman of Fort Collins; a sister Ann Baker of Troy, Mo., a brother, Bob Pittman of Grand Junction: eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
He was a great man, son, brother and a father. He is greatly loved and missed.
He was cremated and his ashes were taken to the Missouri Ozarks and scattered on a mountaintop over his mother’s grave.
Martin Villa
September 17, 1922 - April 5, 2005
Lifelfong Meeker resident Martin Villa, 82, died April 5, 2005, at Pioneers Hospital.
Iver Martin Villa was born on the family homestead Sept. 17, 1922, in Matt and Sigrid Villa. He and his four sisters attended the Strawberry country school. After being graduated from Rio Blanco County High School in 1942, Martin started college at Fort Collins, but ended his studies to serve his country during World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa with the 7th Air Force. After the war Martin returned to the family farm and spent the rest of his life ranching on Strawberry Creek.
In 1950 he married Mary Wear, a Meeker girl who was teaching music at the time. They played music often. In the early days Martin played guitar, Mary the piano, Al Wear trumpet and Dave Allen drums. Later Martin played banjo, fiddle and then enjoyed the mandolin and joined Bob Searcy, Johnny Barton, Bob Ridings and many others. Martin continued inviting people to play music and had “get-togethers” until his last hospitalization.
Agriculture was Martin’s passion. He raised wheat and cattle. He built reservoirs and controlled the brush, constantly improving his operation. He worked for the National Farmer’s Organization in the late 1960s and encouraged collective bargaining. He wrote numerous editorials hoping to make the public aware of agricultural economics. He and Mary purchased the adjoining Pete Hausser place and then bought the family homestead from Matt and Sigrid in 1962 to form the present Villa Ranch. They also purchased, improved and later sold the King Ranch at Sunbeam near Maybell. In 1976 he and Barton Porter of Silt purchased the Rifle Packing Plant.
Martin and Mary had two children, Mary Katherine and John Martin. They raised their children on the ranch enjoying ranch work and their loved of music.
Besides music, Martin enjoyed team roping, bridge and joke telling and was a member of the Toastmasters and the local roping club. He was a Mason for 50 years, past-commander of the VFW, and a member and past president of the Old Timers Association. He served one term as Rio Blanco County Commissioner and was chairman of the Rio Blanco County Planning Commission.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene Villa and Ruth Brown, his wife Mary and son John. He is survived by his daughter Mary K. Krueger, son-in-law Albert, grandchildren Hanna, Martin and Elly and sisters Margarete Johnson and Eldrid Hilkey of Rangely and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 9 at the Meeker United Methodist Church with Pastor Johnny Arrington officiating. Military honors were provided by member of V.F.W. Post #5843 in the Highland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pioneers Hospital Memorial Fund. Cochran Memorial Chapels has been entrusted with the arrangements.
