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Lila M. Champlin
Retired School Teacher
Sept. 28, 1903 - March 14, 1999
MONTROSE - Lila M. Champlin, age 95, a resident of Montrose for 26 years, died Sunday afternoon, March 14, 1999, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital. Lila was a school teacher, homemaker, and operated a day care from her home in Montrose.
Lila M. Ross was born on Wilson Mesa near Telluride, Colo., on Sept. 28, 1903, the daughter of Henry and Sara Arletta (Bruce) Ross. She spent her childhood on Wilson Mesa, Telluride, and Cedar, Colo. a community located in Disappointment Valley. After receiving her teaching certificate from Western State College in Gunnison, Lila returned to Disappointment Valley to teach school.
On Oct. 7, 1926, she married Henry Clay Champlin in Ouray, Colo. They established their home in Telluride and Lila taught school in Ophir, Telluride, Norwood, Wilson Mesa, and the small community in Disappointment Valley called Cedar.
The Champlin family lived in Naturita from 1939 to 1948 where Henry was engaged in mining. The family then lived in the Telluride area from 1953 until 1972 and Lila taught school in Ophir and Telluride.
Henry died on Jan. 22, 1967, in Montrose.
Lila moved to Montrose in 1972 where she operated a day care from her home for many years until her retirement in 1980.
She was a member of the Montrose Christian Church, and belonged to the Women's Fellowship Group (WOW), and Senior Saints at the church.
In her leisure time, Lila enjoyed crafts, making piggy banks for children and decorative crafts for her friends. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and while she lived in Telluride she made wedding cakes for many years.
Survivors include two sons: Donald Champlin, of Montrose; and Lloyd Champlin, of Salem, Mo.
Lila was the grandmother and mother to Marla Kirk, who is among her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who grew from infancy to adulthood while being cared for in Lila's home.
She was the last surviving member of her family of seven brothers and five sisters.
In addition to her parents, husband, and all her brothers and sisters, Lila was also preceded in death one son, Harold Champlin; and three grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Montrose Valley Funeral Home.
Funeral Services in remembrance and to honor Lila's life will be officiated by The Rev. David Ross on Thursday, March 18, at 1 p.m. from the Montrose Christian Church.
Interment will follow the service in the Lone Tree Cemetery
at Telluride, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home.
Beatrice Frances "Bess" Bouchard
Wife, Mother, Grandmother
Oct. 2, 1913 - March 17, 1999
PAONIA - Beatrice Frances "Bess" Bouchard, age 85, a homemaker and resident of Paonia, died on Wednesday, March 17, 1999, in the Paonia Care & Rehabilitation Center.
Beatrice Frances Fagley was born in Pittsfield, Mass., on Oct. 2, 1913, the daughter of Haven and Elizabeth (Cooper) Fagley. She spent her childhood, graduated from high school, and grew to adulthood in Pittsfield, Mass. She continued to further her education at the San Diego City College in San Diego, Calif.
Bess married Harry Bouchard on June 8, 1934, in Albany, N.Y. Their union was blessed with one daughter. The Bouchards celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last year in June.
Bess and her husband lived in San Diego, Calif., from 1934 until a year and a half ago when they moved to Paonia where Bess made her home until the time of her death.
She belonged to a girls' athletic association that was for girls who played basketball.
Bess was active in sports including swimming, basketball, skiing, sledding, and gymnastics.
Survivors include her husband, Harry Bouchard, of Paonia; one daughter, Carol Ann Bruce, of Quartzite, Ariz.; five grandchildren including granddaughter, Janice and husband Kirk Madariaga, of Paonia; and four great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, Haven Cooper Fagley, of Pittsfield, Mass.; and one sister, Peggy Gaddis, of Merced, Ga.
Bess was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild.
Graveside Funeral Services in remembrance and to honor Bess' life will be officiated by Pastor Don Ford on Monday, March 2, at 11 a.m. in the Bethlehem Cemetery
at Paonia.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.
Lucille C. Bennett
Worked in Nursing
May 12, 1918 - March 17, 1999
PAONIA - Lucille C. Bennett, age 80, a resident of Paonia for three years, died on Wednesday, March 17, 1999, in St. Mary's Hospital at Grand Junction. During her lifetime, Lucille worked in nursing.
Born in Holman, Mo., on May 12, 1918, Lucille C. Carpenter was the daughter of William H. and Mary (Wynn) Carpenter. She spent her childhood, attended Delta High School, and grew to adulthood in Delta. She furthered her education at the Van Buren Nursing School in Phoenix, Ariz.
Lucille was married in 1984 in Pomona, Calif., to Claude D. Bennett, who preceded her in death. She was previously married to Reynold Boyd Atchley and John Latta.
Lucille lived in Phoenix, Ariz., for 23 years before moving to Paonia three years ago where she made her home until the time of her death.
She was a member of the Nazarene Church of Paonia.
Lucille's special interests that added meaning and pleasure to her life were needlework, fishing, camping, and yard work.
Survivors include two sons: James H. Atchley and wife Rene, of Paonia; Rex E. Atchley and wife Alice, of Azle, Texas; one daughter, Anna L. Ullrich, of Paonia; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, Everett Carpenter, of Aurora, Ill.
In addition to her parents and three husbands, Lucille was also preceded in death by one son, Reynold Boyd Atchley Jr.; one daughter, Nada Joann Atchley; one brother, Walter Carpenter; and one sister, Helen Higgs.
Memorial Services in remembrance and to honor Lucille's life will be officiated by Pastor Larry Johnson on Saturday, March 20, at 3 p.m. from the Paonia Nazarene Church. The service will conclude at the church.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.
Memorial gifts may be made to: American Heart Assn., Delta County Chapter, In Memory of Lucille C. Bennett, P.O. Box 474, Grand Junction, Colo. 81502.
Nichole Janelle Adair
"A Little Mother Teresa"
Aug. 6, 1984 - March 10, 1999
DENVER - Nichole Janelle Adair was born on Aug. 6, 1984, in Denver, Colo. Except for a year or two spent in Montrose, Nichole grew up in the Denver area. She died on Wednesday, March 10, 1999, at the age of 14 years, 7 months and 4 days.
Nichole's life was far too brief and she faced battles that no little girl should ever have to face. Nevertheless, she packed a lot of life into her 14 years and never developed any bitterness, anger, or animosity. From the beginning to the end, Nichole loved others and was well loved by everyone around her. She never lost her sense of humor, fun loving, life loving, people loving, animal loving . . . enthusiasm. Nichole was always full of life, very alert, aware of everything going on around her. She was one of the bravest, most courageous girls, and was a strong fighter to the very end.
Nichole was known for her creative talents. She was very good with crafts. She was also a talented artist and poet. She loved to make things for other people and loved to collect Beanie Babies and Barbie Dolls.
Nichole was also quite a businesswoman. She became a computer whiz and began creating and selling her own business cards, stationary, and address labels. She was very sharp and creative.
Along with her bravery and persistence, maybe her greatest trait was how she always put others' pain and struggles above her own. She put others first. Even when she was in extreme pain, she would express her concern for others and how they were doing. She would try to pick up their spirits and encourage them. Her focus was never inward on her own problems. Those who were closest to her considered her as a "little Mother Teresa." As put by the one she called Dad this last year, "We lost a big heart and a great mind."
Survivors include her custodial Dad and Mom, Don and Pat Sundgren; a brother, Eric, of Denver; an aunt and uncle, Nikki and Rex Arney, of Casper, Wyo., as well as several other relatives and friends.
Nichole was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Adair; and her grandfather, "Papa" Sundgren.
May Nichole's soul rest in peace with our Lord.
Robert Byron Bell
Businessman/Teacher
Feb. 16, 1916 - March 20, 1999
MONTROSE - Robert Byron Bell, age 83, a resident of Montrose since 1995, died Saturday evening, March 20, 1999, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital. During his lifetime he was a teacher, World War II veteran, and a businessman.
Memorial Services in remembrance and to honor Robert's life will be officiated by Pastor Mike Lundberg, of the Valley Baptist Church of Montrose, on Wednesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. from the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. The service will conclude at the chapel.
Cremation has taken place, with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Robert Bell, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Colo. 81402-1804.
Robert Byron Bell was born in Lincoln, Neb. on Feb. 16, 1916, the son of Victor Ray and Bertha (Beall) Bell. Robert graduated from Hay Springs, Neb. High School in 1933 and from the Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1937.
After graduating from college, Robert taught school in Sarben and Culbertson, Neb.
He married Hazel Wilma Cox on Oct. 26, 1937. Their union was blessed with two sons. The couple celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last year in October.
During World War II, Robert served his country as an Ensign in the United States Navy.
Robert entered the lumber business in Kearney and Grand Island, Neb. and then in Dayton, Ohio. In 1968 he moved to and started an executive personnel service in Toronto, Canada. Robert retired to DeLand, Fla. in 1978. In 1995, he moved to Montrose to be with family.
Robert is survived by his wife, Hazel Bell; two sons: Stephen Bell and wife Virginia; Rodney Bell and wife Irene; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, Joseph Willard Bell and wife Carol Ruth, of Lakeland, Fla.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Franklin Ray Bell, of Montrose.
Fred Harold Burns
World War II Veteran
Oct. 6, 1919 - March 17, 1999
RIDGWAY - Fred Harold Burns, age 79, of Ridgway, died Wednesday morning, March 17, 1999, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital. Fred was a World War II veteran, a farmer for 15 years in the Traverse City, Mich. area, and a retired electronics engineer.
Cremation has taken place and no formal Memorial Service is planned.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home.
Fred Harold Burns, the son of Claude H. and Gertrude (Metcalf) Burns, was born on Oct. 6, 1919, in Traverse City, Mich., where he spent his childhood, received his education, and grew to adulthood.
During World War II, Fred served his country in the United States Army in the European Theatre, and was wounded by a land mine while serving in Italy. He was not only awarded the Purple Heart Medal, but several other commendations while serving his country.
On his 21st birthday, Fred married his first wife, Marie LaLone in Traverse City, Mich. They remain friends.
On March 15, 1975, he married Norma Alleen Weeden in Shorewood, Ill. Fred and Norma had just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary two days before Fred's death.
In the 1950s, Fred developed an interest in the new medium of television. He first became a television repairman and later became an engineer.
During his electronics career, he traveled the world while working with NBC, the RCA Corporation, and later with the Motorola Corporation. While with RCA, Fred was sent to South Vietnam to build and reestablish that country's communication system.
In 1991, Fred and Norma moved to Ridgway, Colo., to be closer to his children, where he made his home until the time of his death.
During most of his life he was active in raising and showing dogs, and was an enthusiastic member and contributor to the Ouray County Animal Humane Society.
Fred enjoyed electronics and during his idle time he would tinker and improve on existing technology. Survivors include his wife, Norma Allene Burns, of Ridgway; two sons: Robert Burns, of Ridgway; Michael Burns, of Hotchkiss; and two daughters: Sharon Wilcox, of Ouray; and Suzanne Burns, of Ridgway.
Fred was the proud grandfather of three grandchildren and the great-grandfather of two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four stepgrandchildren, and 13 stepgreat-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Ruth Emmaline Imhoff
Homemaker/Excellent Seamstress
July 23, 1900 - March 21, 1999
DELTA - Ruth Emmaline Imhoff, age 98, of Delta and a resident of Western Colorado since 1938, died on Sunday, March 21, 1999, in the Integrated Health Services of Delta.
Born in Shelbyville, Ill., on July 23, 1900, Ruth Emmaline Crowder was the daughter of Athol Smith Crowder and Elizabeth (Crowder) Martin. She moved with her family from Illinois to South Dakota and in 1910 moved to Two Buttes, Colo. where she attended school through the 10th grade.
Ruth was married in Two Buttes, Colo., on Feb. 14, 1918, to William Franklin Imhoff, who preceded her in death on March 22, 1967, in Delta.
Ruth was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Delta, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
Ruth was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed crocheting afghans, making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, and tatting. She also enjoyed raising a large garden until she was 92 years old.
Survivors include two daughters: June and husband Willard Bull, of Cedaredge; Elsie and husband Dee Crockroft, of Delta; three grandsons; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was also preceded in death by one son, Wilson Imhoff; one daughter, Grace Mortensen; and one brother, Howard Crowder.
Funeral Services in remembrance and to honor Ruth's life will be officiated by Pastor James Conley on Thursday, March 25, at 11 a.m. from the First Baptist Church in Delta.
Interment will follow the service in the Delta City Cemetery, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery of Delta.
Norma Jean Shoemaker
Proud of Native Heritage
July 20, 1940 - March 18, 1999
MONTROSE - Norma Jean Shoemaker, age 58, died Thursday evening, March 18, 1999, in her home at Montrose.
Norma Jean Trahern, the daughter of Willie M. and Alda Fay (Ward) Trahern, was born on July 20, 1940, in Montrose, Colo., where she spent her childhood and grew to adulthood.
Norma was a homemaker and attended the Olathe Baptist Church.
She was a member of the Friends of the Ute.
Norma was a loving mother and was proud of her native heritage. She especially enjoyed making crafts of all kinds and loved animals. She is survived by her dog, Poncho.
Survivors include her mother, Alda Fay Erickson; one daughter, Anna and husband Dennis Hooven and their children: Morning Star, Steven Richard, Shaun David, and Michelle Ann; one son, Rockie Shoemaker and his wife Susan and their children: Caroline and Victoria and granddaughter, Misty Frye, and her mother Chris Wandell.
She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Willa E. Foster and her children: Sheila Foster and her son Michael Foster and Sandy Foster and her children; Albert Shoemaker, Eva Baker and her three sons; her stepchildren: Janeen Figeieroa and her son Frankie; Vickie and her daughter Reanna; Gary and his son Shane; Debra and her son Dwayne; and Chris Morgan.
Other survivors include her friends: Clay Campbell, Nettie McCormick, C.J. Brafford, Edgar and Miram Hotchkiss, Don and Atta Fay Dixon, and Nick Resovich.
Norma was preceded in death by her father, Willie M. Trahern; Dan Kelly, Ray Foster, and Jocey Martin.
Memorial Services in remembrance and to honor Norma's life will be officiated on Tuesday, March 30, at 2 p.m. from the Olathe Baptist Church. The service will conclude at the church.
Cremation has taken place, with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose.
