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Doris A. Ages
August 9, 1925 - March 4, 2005
Former Meeker resident Doris A. Ages, 79, of Craig, died March 4, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.
Doris Ann Wood was born Aug. 9, 1925, in Indiana, the daughter of Earl and Helen Woods.
In June of 1949 while living in Safford, Ariz., Doris met a young Army soldier, Johnny L. Ages and on Sept. 3, 1949, they were united in marriage in Lordsburg, N.M.
In 1958 the family moved to Meeker where for many years, Mrs. Ages worked as the custodian at Meeker Elementary School.
She retired in 1985 and in 1993 moved to Craig to be near her son.
A loving and devoted wife and mother Doris enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing Nintendo video games.
In addition to John, her husband of 55 years, Doris is survived by one son, Mark, and his wife Cheryl Ages of Craig, two granddaughters, Tracie Carsten of Colorado Springs and Jacki Gumfory of Craig as well as six great-grandchildren, one sister, Barbara Hicks and one brother Jack Wood, both of Alton, Mo. At the time of her death, Doris was awaiting the birth of her first great-great grandchild.
She is preceded in death by one infant son, Steven Leander Ages, her parents and one brother, Earl Wood, Jr.
Larry W. Persinger
November 24, 1943 - March 6, 2005
Larry W. Persinger, 61, of Rangely died March 6, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.
Lawrence Wayman Persinger was born Nov. 24, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa. He moved to Meeker in 1990 and to Rangely in 1993.
He had been employed with Blue Mountain Injury until an injury forced his retirement.
On April 3, 1999, he was united in marriage to Barbara Richard at the Bible Baptist Church in Rangely where Larry was a devoted member.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, Larry is survived by one son, John Paul of Triangle, Va., his step-son, Aaron Hawkin of Paradise, Calif., numerous in-laws, including Rita and Ed Bird of Meeker and their children Darci, Duane and Joe and their families.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at the Bible Baptist Church in Rangely with interment following in the Rangely Cemetery.
There will be time to greet the family in Meeker Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Cochran Memorial Chapel. There will be a visitation in Rangely on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Cochran’s Rangely Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Larry Persinger Memorial Fund through Cochran Memorial Chapels.
Byron Francis Johnson
March 7, 1916 - February 15, 2005
Byron Francis Johnson, 88, of Mount Vernon, Wash., died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at his residence in Mount Vernon.
He was born March 7, 1916, in a farm house seven miles south of Vernon, Colo., the son of Fred Nathan and Nellie (Wooley) Johnson. In May of 1920, the family moved to a ranch about two miles west of Meeker. There was always food during the Great Depression, as the folks raised chickens and turkeys, had several milk cows, and cultivated a garden and apple trees.
Byron was graduated from Meeker High School in 1934. As a freshman, he was playing first chair in the school band with his trumpet and started performing in a local dance band. In 1933, he took first place at the Colorado State Championship for his trumpet solo, playing “The Carnival of Venice.” Byron attended Oklahoma A & M, where he studied Industrial Engine-ering. While there, he also worked in the college furniture shop and continued his music, playing in the ROTC band, football band, symphonic band and a dance band.
Returning to Meeker in 1936, Byron worked as a truck driver, milk deliveryman and practically any other jobs that were available before landing a surveying position with the AAA Farm Plan. Again, his love of music led him to organize a local dance band, where he played the trumpet, tenor saxophone, piano and drums. By 1940, the United States was preparing for war and Byron began losing his musicians to the draft and enlistment. Byron Johnson and his orchestra’s last gig together was held at Meeker’s Crystal Ballroom on Christmas night in 1940.
Byron’s long career in aerospace commenced soon after he relocated to southern California, the following month. It came at the urging of Helen Evenson, his band’s former piano player, who made the move months earlier with her husband. Byron worked for The Douglas Aircraft Company from 1941 through 1945. He also carried on with his dance band activities.
On Oct. 5, 1942, Byron married Emily Johanne Lorenz in Long Beach, Calif. They had a daughter, Mary Janice, in January 1945. At the time, he was employed by Vega-Lockheed but faced a layoff two years later. In 1948, he moved his family to Seattle, Wash., where he began a 44-year career with The Boeing Company. Twin sons were born to Byron and Emily in November 1953.
Byron was involved with more than a half dozen airplane projects including the B-47, B-52, 707 / KC-135, 727, 737, 747, and the B-2 bomber. Beginning in the late 1970s, he was a pioneer in the implementation of Computer Aided Manufacturing within Boeing’s Commercial Airplane Division. Despite initial resistance from factory personnel, Byron’s dedication to proving the worth of a robotic floor drilling machine led to significant successes in error reduction and cost savings, setting the manufacturing process on course toward the future. His critical skills kept him on the job long past traditional retirement age.
Byron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He finally retired from Boeing in 1992, at the age of 76, when Emily’s health began to fail. After she suffered a series of strokes, they moved to Mount Vernon, Wash., to be near their daughter’s family and their two sons. Byron went daily to see Emily while she was at the nursing home, sharing their time and memories before her death in 1998. They especially loved watching the Lawrence Welk show together on Saturday nights.
He enjoyed the time he spent with his family throughout the years and also the last five years he shared with Wilma Koth, dining out, traveling to Branson, Mo., and Las Vegas, Nev., and attending band concerts together.
Family and friends will miss his zest for life, his wisdom, and his sense of humor and dry wit. Byron was a member of SPEEA, (Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace), the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) with the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Mount Vernon Police Department Citizen Academy, and the NRA (National Rifle Association).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily; brothers, Fred N. Jr. and Ralph W. Johnson; sister, Alice Brinker; and his son-in-law, John W. Osman.
Byron is survived by his daughter, Mary Janice Osman of Mount Vernon, Wash.; his two sons and a daughter-in-law, Donald W. Johnson of Mount Vernon and Ronald S. and Carrie Johnson of Mukilteo, Wash.; grandchildren and spouses, Theresa and David Redlinger of Mukilteo, Betsey and Brent Thompson of Mount Vernon, Julie and Scott Steele of Pasco, Wash.; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Dylan Redlinger and Abigail Thompson; brother-in-law, John W. Lorenz of Seattle, Wash.; nieces and nephews, Charmaine, Jeannine, Kathleen Melody, LaRue, Max, Dale, Warren, Fred, Jr.; his son-in-law’s sister and brother-in-law, Janie and Mike Jensen of Pasco; and special friend, Wilma Koth of Mount Vernon.
A funeral service for Byron was held on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005, at Hawthorne Lawn Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Wash. In a fitting tribute, the young son of a family friend played “Taps” on Byron’s old trumpet at the gravesite. Byron was then laid to rest beside his wife, Emily, at Hawthorne Lawn Cemetery.
As Byron was always extremely fond of his animals, memorial contributions may be made to any local no-kill animal shelter or rescue organization.
Please share memories of Byron and sign the online guest book at www.legacy.com/nwclassifieds/Guestbook.asp
?Page=Guestbook&PersonID=3182669.
Valerie G. Phillips
Feb. 16, 1969 - Feb. 23, 2005
Valerie G. Phillips, 36, of Rifle died Feb. 23, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.
Valerie Gaye Bina was born Feb. 16, 1969, in Meeker, the daughter of Ted and Carrie (McGruder) Bina. She was raised in Meeker, graduating with the Meeker High School class of 1987. Following her graduation she attended Mesa State College where she received an associate of arts degree.
On Aug. 5, 1989, she was united in marriage to Matthew Phillips at the City Park in Meeker. The couple lived in Rifle where Valerie was employed as an account executive with Advanced Network Systems. She was a member of the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church and the Rifle Mothers of Preschoolers M.O.P.S. group. She loved to do scrapbooking, genealogy, snowshoeing and to bowl.
Valerie was a very loving and devoted wife and mother and enjoyed sharing her time with others. She volunteered at with Lift-Up, Highland Elementary School, the Rifle Rendezvous, the Glenwood Springs Thrift Store and the Equestrian Center in Carbondale, helping disabled children to ride horses.
In addition to her husband, Matt, of the family home Valerie is survived by her daughter, Grace Emily, her step-son, Joshua Earl, her parents, Ted and Carrie Bina of Meeker; her sister, LaVina (Larry) Reese of Parachute, two brothers, Ted (Kelly) Bina of Rifle and Merle Bina of Meeker, her mother and father-in-law, William and Beverly Phillips of Henderson, Colo.; her sister-in-law, Candi Cloud of Erie, Colo., and her nieces and nephews, Sean, Audra, Gerald, Scott, Mackenzie and Tristin and two great-nephews, Clay and Cameron.
Valerie’s death will leave a void in the lives of all who knew and loved her and the many lives she has touched with her kindness and generosity.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1 at the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church. Interment was at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Highland Cemetery
in Meeker.
Friends may make memorial contributions to the Grace Phillips Memorial Fund at Western Rockies Federal Credit Union. Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Jerry W. Chism
Dec. 26, 1948 - Feb. 26, 2005
Jerry W. Chism, 48, of Rangely died Feb. 26, 2005 at his White River Village home. Gerald Wayne Chism was born Dec. 26, 1948, in Albany, Ore. In 1964, the family moved from Tillamook, Ore., to Rangely where Jerry was raised, attending Rangely Public Schools.
Following high school he worked in the oilfields until he was injured in an accident. He helped his family operate Chism’s Drive-In in Rangely for many years. A member of B.P.O.E. #1907 in Rangely, Jerry loved fishing and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Jerry is survived by his mother, Lois Chism of Rangely, his brothers and sisters, Vernon (Mary) Chism of Reserve, N.M., Roni Branham of Loveland, Mike (Barbie) Chism of Rangely, Tavanne (Bob) Burch of Craig, Denise (Shannon) Lovins of Colorado Springs, his grandmother, Dorothy E. Jacobs of Tillamook, Ore., his nieces and nephews, Levi and B.J. Burch, Michael, Mandi and Megan Chism and three great-nephews, Kelten and Dillon Burch and Shane Balleck. At the time of his death he was anxiously awaiting the birth of two more great-nieces or nephews.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, March 2 at the Rangely Assembly of God Church with Pastor Wayne Nickson and The Rev. James Fox officiating. Elk’s Burial Rites were presented by the members and officers of B.P.O.E. #1907.
Friends may make memorial contributions to the Jerry Chism Memorial Fund at First National Bank of the Rockies. Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Laura Ester Kenney
Oct. 30, 1923 - Feb. 25, 2005
Laura Ester Kenney, age 81, passed away Feb. 25, 2005, in Jensen, Utah. She was born in Vernal, Utah, on Oct. 30, 1923, to John H. and Gladys Middleton Evans. She worked as a cook and an assistant manager for Woolworths, retiring in 1988. She is survived by four children: Hugh and Clarice Kenney of McCook, Neb.; Valley and George Vezakis of Grand Junction; Donna and Steve Campbell of Pinedale, Wyo.; Les and Donna Kenney of Jensen, Utah; and one sister, Stella Ainge of Jensen, Utah; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Laura went peacefully, surrounded by her family at home. In lieu of flowers, plant a rose bush in her memory, or donate to the Vernal Hospice, or your local Hospice. As requested the body was cremated, and there will be no memorial service.
Arrangements made under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.
James Milton Hanks
June 3, 1939 - February 19, 2005
James Milton Hanks was born June 3, 1939, in Meeker, to Milton S. and Harriet A. Hanks. Jim grew up in Meeker and Palisade, Colo., and attended schools in Meeker, Palisade and was graduated from Grand Junction Central High School in 1957.
He attended Mesa College from 1957-1959 and graduated from Colorado College in 1961. Jim was awarded an advanced graduate degree from University of Northern Colorado in education. He worked at Mesa College in student personnel services, and at Western State College in financial aid department.
Jim entered public education at Gunnison High School as the assistant principal and basketball coach. He then worked as an assistant principal at Middle Park High School in Granby, Colo., then moved to Meeker where he began his principalship at Meeker Elementary, and then Meeker High School where he retired from public education in 1995.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman spending many years guiding friends, and clients fishing down the Gunnison River. He also spent time as a member of the Gunnison Navy even while he lived in Meeker. One of his greatest joys was in teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and hunt. Jim’s love for his family and friends was expressed by his reputation for great family reunions, fish frys and picnics.
His love for athletics began early and eventually earned him a scholarship to play basketball and baseball at both Mesa College and Colorado College. He led four consecutive basketball teams to NCAA championships tournaments. He also pitched for Mesa College, and played in the first Junior College World Series held in Grand Junction. After graduation from Colorado College, he played semi-pro baseball for the Seattle Lambs.
Jim’s love for his family was known by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Pat, his three children, Jim, Andy, and Jennifer and their spouses, as well as his six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Harriet Aldrich Hanks, maternal grandparents Clarence and Leila Aldrich, and William H. and Laura Smith Hanks. He is also survived by his brother William of Redstone, Colorado, Marguerite A. Shaw of Grand Junction, and Betty J. Martin of Eugene, Ore.
Jim’s unselfish dedication and service to everyone who met or knew him will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held for Jim at St. James Episcopal Church in Meeker Wednesday, Feb. 23. at 11 a.m., with Father Steve Samples officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to Brent’s Place ... for kids with cancer, 1129 East 17th Ave., Denver, Colo., 80218 or www.brentsplace.org. These are the people taking such good care of our friend, Madi Johnson.
Neil A. Cottrill
November 21, 1958 - February 21, 2005
Neil A. Cottrill, 46, of Rangely died Feb. 21, 2005, at his home with his family at his side.
Neil Alan Cottrill was born Nov. 21, 1958, in Henderson, Nev., the son of Jack and Mercedes (Futch) Cottrill. He attended schools in Henderson and Las Vegas and following his graduation from high school attended Las Vegas Vo-Tech.
He served his country in the United States Navy. Following his discharge he worked as a sonar technician for General Electric and also with his brother in manufacturing.
On Nov. 15, 1980, he was united in marriage to Kimberlee Reynolds at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. Neil was a loving and caring husband, father, brother and friend. He collected coins and was a diehard Indianapolis Colts fan. He loved to talk politics with anyone willing to debate with him.
In addition to his wife, Kim, of Rangely, Neil is survived by four children, Tina Cottrill and her husband Jeromy Reeves; Melissa, Jennifer and Johnathon Cottrill, all of Rangely, and one granddaughter, Catrina Reeves. At the time of his death, Neil was anxiously awaiting the birth of his second grandchild. He is also survived by his parents, Gene and Mercedes Babcock of Live Oak, Fla., and two brothers, Loyd and Dean, both of Las Vegas.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. from Grace Baptist Church at 144 South Stanolind in Rangely. Pastor Scott Stark will officiate. Services will conclude at the church.
Friends may make memorial contributions to the Neil Cottrill Memorial Fund through Cochran Memorial Chapels Rangely Mortuary, P.O. Box 351 in Rangely.
Cochran Memorial Chapels has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Leona Louise (North) Million
April 10 - 1959 - February 14, 2005
Leona (North) Million, born April 10, 1959, in Fruita, Colo., passed away on Feb. 14, 2005, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction with her family at her side.
Leona is survived by her husband, Tad Million, of Loveland, Colo.; her daughter, Jesse Anderson (Chris) and two grandsons of Vernal, Utah; her mother, Kathy North, of Meeker; her father, Tom North, of Palisade, Colo.; two sisters, three brothers, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Leona was preceded in death by her son, Michael, her nephew, Steven Parmenter, and her grandfather, Paw-Paw.
Memorial services were held Friday, Feb. 18, 2005, at the Grace Bible Church in Battlement Mesa.
Ethel B. Coy
April 19, 1914 - February 9, 2005
Ethel B. Coy, 90, died Feb. 9, 2005, at her residence in Hutchinson, Kan. She was born April 19, 1914, at Cowlington, Okla., the daughter of Allen Benton and Minnie May Moseby Wilson.
A resident of Hutchinson since 1978, she had previously lived in Keota, Okla., and Rangely.
She was a homemaker. She married Arch Coy in Stigler, Okla. April 6, 1929. He died Oct. 18, 1995.
Survivors include one daughter, Judy Trujillo and husband Ernest of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two sons, James Allen and Terrell Gene Coy; a granddaughter, Terrilee Coy; a brother Riley Williams and a sister Delia Williams.
Graveside services were held at Keota Cemetery
Feb. 15, with Pastor Tommy Parker presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and sent in care of the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory at 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, Kan., 67502.
Personal condolences may be left for the family at www.penwellgabel.com.
Mabel Florence Yoast Green
March 16, 1918 - January 31, 2005
Mabel Florence Yoast Green was born on March 16, 1918, in the home of her parents, James Marion and Josephine Koll Yoast. They were living in Dunkley Park at the time. She was the sixth of seven children. The antics of these young people as they were growing up were enough to fill a book.
Mabel started school at an early age. She attended school with her brothers and sister just be with them, so the teacher, Mrs. Charley Dunkley, said Mabel may as well start the first grade. The Dunkley School was only about a mile from her home.
She enjoyed the life with her family on the ranch while she was growing up. The community dances were the highlight of her life at this time. It was at one of these dances that she met a young man from the Williams Fork area. His name was Leon Green. The first time he asked her out was a disappointment to her. It seems that Frank Temple wanted Leon to come ride a horse for him. The horse fell, his foot hung in the stirrup, and he was dragged for some distance before coming free. Needless to say he wasn’t in any shape to go dancing. He had his mother call Mabel to tell her that he wouldn’t be able to take her dancing and Mabel thought that was just an excuse and was quite disappointed. Things were eventually cleared up and they were married Nov. 27, 1937, in Craig, Colo.
After they were married they moved to the Ralph Pitchforth place on Willow Creek because Leon was feeding a large bunch of cattle for Ralph. In the spring of 1938 they moved to the Miller Place along the East Williams Fork River. They moved their belongings in a wagon pulled with a team of horses which included a bum lamb and some chickens her mother had given her. Their daughter, Sally, was born Sept. 6, 1938, in the Solandt Memorial Hospital in Hayden. Their son, Jerry was born on July 5, 1941, at the Solandt Hospital. That fall they moved one mile down river to the Coffin Place.
Mabel and Leon lived and worked on the ranch until Leon passed away in 1984. They lived in the same house with Leon’s parents and raised their children there. Mabel and her mother-in-law, Babe Green, got along well. Mabel raised turkey and sold dressed turkeys for a number of years. She milked cows, raised a garden, canned fruits, vegetables and meat, worked in the hayfield and helped with the cattle.
She owned a mare named Brown Magic which she rode in many Ladies Cow Horse races at rodeos on the Western slope and they won many of these races. She kept time for ropers when the Hayden Valley Roping Club was started in 1947 and she was also a time keeper at many rodeos in northwestern Colorado for a number of years.
Mabel drove a team of horses on the sulky rake when the family hayed with horses. When the ranch started using a tractor and sidedelivery rake, Mabel was still the primary raker in the hayfield. Her windrows were perfect.
After Leon passed away, Mabel cared for her mother-in-law, Judy. She had a vast knowledge of the area and the people of West Routt County. She could trace family histories for you with much accuracy.
Her love of her family, her friends and the ranch were important in her life. In 2001 when Mabel broke her hip and had a hip replacement, her rehabilitation therapist was Christy Valpey. They became great friends and Mabel and Christy were often seen having lunch together. Christy has remained a dear and dedicated friend and this friendship was treasured by Mabel these last few years.
Mabel is survived by a sister, Mary Ingersoll of Buffalo, Wyo.; a brother, Leonard Yoast of Hayden; her daughter, Sally and husband, Lee Williamson of Craig; her son, Jerry and his wife, Judy of Hayden; her grandson, Jim Williamson and wife Debbie of Windsor, Mo., and their children, Martin, Michelle, Matthew and Mitchell; her grandson Tom Williamson of Denver; and her granddaughter, Lisa Jo Smith and husband, Steve of Windsor and their children, Daniel, Christopher and Cameron. She is also survived by four great-great grandchildren: Hunter and Trevor Williamson, and Tyler and Alyssa Koons. She leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon of 46 years; and four brothers: Milton, Gilbert, Lester and Jim Yoast.
A memorial service was held Feb. 5 at the Hayden Congregational Church.
