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Bernice DeVinny
Had A Great Love For Life
March 30, 1902 - Feb. 14, 2001
MONTROSE - Bernice DeVinny, age 98, a longtime businesswoman and resident of Montrose, died early Wednesday morning, Feb. 14, 2001, at her home in Montrose.
Bernice DeVinny lived all of her nearly 99 years with zest and enthusiasm. She began her great love for life on March 30, 1902 in Essex, Iowa, where she grew up helping her father raise
her siblings after her mother died when she was 15.
Despite the early demands placed on her, Bernice attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. and graduated with a teaching degree in art from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.
She then taught art in Mount Pieler, Vt.; and Grand Junction, Colo. While teaching in Grand Junction, Bernice met George Jewel DeVinny. They were married June 24, 1928 in Essex,
Iowa. They then settled in Montrose where they raised five children: Joan Marie DeVinny, Mikkelsen (deceased), George Fredrick DeVinny (deceased), Carla DeVinny Logan, David DeVinny and Doug DeVinny.
Although a partner in the family business, DeVinny Jewelers,
Bernice was first and foremost a homemaker and mother. Her talents included cooking, cake decorating, flower arranging, gardening, sewing and needlecraft.
After her children were grown, Bernice took an active role in promoting DeVinny's through distinctive floral gift decorating, expanding her expertise to crafting ribbon flower-wedding bouquets. She also used her teaching background to conduct workshops in gift-wrapping throughout Colorado. Bernice continued working in the store after George's death in May 1979.
When she was not working in the store, Bernice enjoyed golfing, bowling and bridge club. She was a past president of the Chapter BL PEO Sisterhood and served as Worthy Matron in the Order
of Eastern Star.
Her joy for the simple pleasures of life will be continued by her children: Carla Logan, David and Jo DeVinny, and Doug and Lana DeVinny and by her 11 grandchildren: Marcia Myers, Randy Berryman, David Zeigler, Mark Zeigler, Curt Berryman, Candace Carmichael, Chris Berryman, James DeVinny, Erika Willard, Gabriel DeVinny and Alexandra DeVinny. Her heritage will also be passed on through 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Bernice's gracious presence touched many people. She was known for an innate sense of hospitality to others, always putting others first. Her quiet strength of spirit and determination was an inspiration for those who knew her as well as an unfaltering optimism in the face of some of life's harshest blows. Bernice leaves rich memories for family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Bernice's life will be officiated by Rev. Virginia Taylor on Monday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Hillcrest Congregational Church, 611 S. Hillcrest in Montrose.
Interment will follow the service in Cedar Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Bernice DeVinny, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804 or Hillcrest Congregational Memorial Church Fund, In Memory of Bernice DeVinny, 611 S. Hillcrest, Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Nancy Margaret Flaiz
Pride and Joy: Family
Aug. 24, 1909 - Feb. 14, 2001
OLATHE - Nancy Margaret Flaiz, age 91, a homemaker and longtime Olathe resident, died early Wednesday morning, Feb. 14, 2001, at the Colorow Care Center in Olathe.
Nancy Margaret Harris was born in Oswego, Kan. on Aug. 24, 1909, the daughter of David Harry Harris and Clara (Welty) Harris. When she was 10 years old, Nancy moved with her family by train from Kansas to Olathe, Colo. She attended the Olathe and Menoken schools .
On April 10, 1929, Nancy was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Rollie Leon Flaiz at Olathe, Colo. Their lives were blessed when they became the parents of four children. Nancy and Rollie had the joy of sharing 40 wonderful years together before Rollie's death on Feb. 7, 1970, in Olathe.
Nancy was a wonderful homemaker and the pride and joy of her life was her family, children, and grandchildren. She took great delight in taking them to the movies or on outings while raising them and in assisting her daughters with their paper route in Olathe and while living in LaJunta for two years. Nancy's family was so special to her. She enjoyed taking scenic drives, visiting with her friends, and making candy or baking.
Survivors who had the honor of sharing Nancy's life include one son, Bill Flaiz and wife, Ruby, of Fortuna, Calif.; and three daughters: Thelma Pettis; Alam and husband Ron Hintz, all of Olathe; and Patsy and husband George Lange, of Riverton, Utah.
Nancy was the proud and loving grandmother of seven grandchildren: Byron Pettis, Laura and husband Jerry Smith, Le Ann and husband Robert Dickerson, Karen and husband Ernie Pires, Bonnie and husband Dick Brekke, Terry and husband Tom Dowdy, Jamie Hoeppner; 10 great-grandchildren: Cole and Jessie Smith, Ryan Pettis, Heather Dickerson, Angel and husband Jack Sharpe, James Brekke and wife Martha, Barry Pires and wife Tammy, Lori and husband Travis Rock, and Tawnya and Tom Dowdy Jr.; three great-great-grandchildren: Cortney Brekke; and twins: Bryson and Samantha Pires; as well as four stepgrandsons and two stepgranddaughters.
Other family survivors include one sister, Dorothy Lee, of Grand Junction.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Nancy's life will be officiated by Minister Allen Miller on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow the service in the Olathe Cemetery
at Olathe, with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Lewis L. Gunn
A Real People Person
Mach 12, 1913 - Feb. 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Lewis L. Gunn, age 87, a resident of Montrose for 22 years, died Thursday morning, Feb. 15, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
Born on March 12, 1913, in Powersville, Mo., Lewis L. Gunn was the son of John Floyd Gunn and Esther Ellen (Wells) Gunn. He spent his childhood years in Kansas and Missouri, receiving his education in Missouri.
Towards the end of World War II, he proudly served his country in the United States Army Light Artillery and was a gunner on a 105 Howitzer from 1944 to 1946.
Lewis was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Marjorie M. Watson on May 28, 1938, in Meeker, Colo. Lewis and Marjorie had the joy of celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary last year in May.
Prior to his retirement, Lewis was engaged in farming and ranching, and most recently was employed with the Colorado Department Of Transportation (CDOT) doing maintenance.
During his lifetime, Lewis lived in Kansas, Missouri, Los Animas and Western Colorado - Meeker, Craig and Whitewater before moving to Montrose 22 years ago where he remained until the time of his death.
He was a member of the Ouray Veterans of Foreign Wars and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, BPOE.
Lewis was a real people person and he had many loves in his life. He deeply loved his family as well as hunting, fishing, yard work, dancing, and was active with the senior citizens in Montrose. When he was younger, Lewis loved horseback riding and rodeos.
Survivors who were blessed to share Lewis' life include his wife, Marjorie M. Gunn, of Montrose; two sons: Evart Thomas Watson and wife Laura, of Olympia, Wash.; Johnny I. Gunn and wife Nancy, of Kremmling; and one daughter, Marjorie Louise Ficco, of Ouray.
Lewis was the proud and loving grandfather of 12 precious grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Along with both of his parents, Lewis was also preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Montrose Valley Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Lewis' life will be officiated by The Rev. Nathaneal Foshage on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. at the Montrose Valley Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow the service in the Valley Lawns Cemetery
south of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Lewis L. Gunn, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
Jack R. Starner
Beloved Husband, Father
July 29, 1930 - Feb. 13, 2001
DELTA - Jack R. Starner, age 70, of Delta, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, at his home in Delta.
Jack R. Starner was born in Monterey Park, Calif., on July 29, 1930, the son of John and Helen (Stauffer) Starner.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1956, attaining the rank of Corporal.
On Aug. 27, 1955, Jack was joined in married, for a lifetime partnership, with Thelma Beeson. Their lives together were blessed when they became the parents of two daughters. Jack and Thelma had the joy of celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary last year in August.
Jack graduated in 1957 from the University of Wyoming at Laramie, Wyo., in General Engineering (Petroleum Option). He started his career with Fred Goodstein's Trigood Oil Company in Casper, Wyo., as a drilling and completion engineer. He then joined his father in the Oil Well Fishing Tool business in Casper, Wyo. After the sale of their company, Jack worked for the Fluor Corporation through the United States, Carribean, and South America in construction management of refinery and petro chemical projects. He held a Professional Engineering license in both Wyoming and Texas.
In 1972, the Starner family returned to the United States and entered a new career in the ready mix concrete and aggregate production businesses in Western Colorado as owner and operator of Delta Sand and Grave in Delta, Colo. Jack sold his business in 1997 and retired spending his time raising registered Black Angus cattle and participating in various local and state activities.
Jack was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Delta. He was also a member of the Mine Land Reclamation Board of Colorado, the Colorado Ready Mix Concrete Association - serving as its president twice, once in 1982 and again in 1988; The National Ready Mix Concrete Association, Western Colorado and the American Angus Associations, Delta Elks Lodge No. 1235, and the Masonic Lodge in Casper, Wyo.
Survivors who had the honor of sharing Jack's life include his wife, Thelma Starner; and two daughters: Vicki and husband Mike Ripp; and Shari and husband Richard Barker, all of Delta.
Jack was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Jack's life will be officiated on Monday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Delta in Delta. The service will conclude at the church.
Cremation preceded the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to: University of Wyoming College of Engineering, Starner Family Engineering Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3295, Laramie, WY 82071-3295 or Delta County Hospice Project, In Memory of Jack Starner, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery of Delta; (970) 874-8633.
Zacharia Alan Kiley-Smith
Precious Infant Son
Sept. 26, 2000 - Feb. 10, 2001
MONTROSE - Four-month-old Zacharia Alan Kiley-Smith died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
Zacharia Alan Kiley-Smith, the son of Bruce Alan Smith and Melissa Ann Kiley-Smith, was born on Sept. 26, 2000, in Grand Junction, Colo.
Zacharia's 4 months of life brought a depth of love and warmth into the world of those around him. His death leaves a huge unwanted emptiness in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was such a little fighter and he will never be forgotten. The memories Zacharia left behind will be deeply cherished.
Along with his parents, Zacharia is also survived by his older sister, Anthena Kathleen Kiley-Smith, age 2, all of the family home in Montrose.
A private family service in loving remembrance of Zacharia's life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Joseph Herman Sousa
An Avid Fisherman
Aug. 29, 1928 - Feb. 11, 2001
MONTROSE - Joseph Herman Sousa, age 72, died Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
Joseph Herman Sousa was born in Eureka, Calif., on Aug. 29, 1928, the son of Joseph and Verlma Sousa. He spent his childhood years, received his education, and grew to adulthood in California.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from September of 1945 to August of 1949.
Joe married Velta Ziverts, who preceded him in death in Denver.
Joe lived in Denver for 25 years before moving to Montrose where he made his home for approximately 20 years until the time of his death.
He was a member of the American Legion and a past member of the Knights of Columbus.
Since his retirement, Joe's favorite pastime was being an avid fisherman.
Survivors blessed to share Joe's life include five sons: Joe Sousa; Rick Sousa, of Bailey; Kelly Sousa and Michael Sousa, both of Denver; Steven Sousa; and one daughter, Kathy Jo, of Tennessee.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Al Sousa, of Alaska; George Sousa, of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; and one sister, Dorothy Sousa, of Florida.
At Joe's request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Mary Ann Gay
Beloved Mother, Grandmother
Dec. 25, 1942 - Feb. 10, 2001
DELTA - Lifelong Delta resident and nurse's aide, Mary Ann Gay, age 58, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at her home in Delta.
Mary Ann Rodriguez, the daughter of Pete and Alcaria (Mendez) Rodriguez, was born on Christmas, Dec. 25, 1942, in Delta, Colo. Mary's mother died when she was very young and her Aunt Pola Mendoza raised her. She spent her childhood years, received her education, and lived her entire lifetime in Delta until the time of her death.
On Aug. 6, 1970, Mary was joined in marriage with William "Bill" Gay in Las Vegas, Nev. They were the parents of seven children. Bill and Mary had the privilege of celebrating 22 years of marriage before Bill's death on Nov. 15, 1993, in Delta.
Mary was employed as a nurse's aide.
She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church of Delta and the Lady Elks of Delta Elks Lodge No. 1235.
Mary loved and treasured her family, her grandchildren, caretaking, and gardening.
Survivors very bless to share Mary's life include four sons: John Gay and wife LaDonna, of Delta; Scott Gay and wife Tina, of Montrose; Jeff Gay, of Delta; Michael Gay and wife Darcy, of Germany; and two daughters: Diane and husband Alberto Osuna; and Theresa Abeyta, all of Delta.
Mary was the proud and loving grandmother of nine precious grandchildren: Jeremy Gay, of Denver; Joshua Gay and Lawrence Gay, all of Grand Junction; Paul Gay and Kayla Gay, both of Illinois; Angel and Maria Osuna, both of Delta; Chante Gay, of Montrose; Eric Gay Fedler, of Delta; and two great-grandchildren: Angel Gay, of Montrose; and Anglica Gay, of Grand Junction.
Other family survivors include one brother, Julio Rodriguez, of Delta; and one sister, Bonnie Rodriguez, of California.
Along with both of her parents and her husband, Bill, Mary was also preceded in death by one son, Tracy Lee Gay.
Rosary will be recited by Bill Herrera on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Delta.
Memorial Mass in loving remembrance of Mary's life will be officiated by The Rev. Mark Bettinger on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church.
Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in the Delta City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Delta County Hospice Project, In Memory of Mary Ann Gay, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
William Charles 'Bill' Humphrey
Oldest Family on Log Hill
May 18, 1928 - Feb. 9, 2001
MONTROSE - Lifetime Montrose resident, William Charles "Bill" Humphrey, age 72, died Friday evening, Feb. 9, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
William Charles Humphrey, the son of Roy and Gladys (Snarr) Humphrey, was born on May 18, 1928, in Montrose, Colo., where he spent his childhood years; graduated from Montrose County High School, and lived his entire lifetime until the time of his death.
On Jan. 2, 1963, Bill was joined in marriage with Zona White in Artesia, N.M. They had the joy of sharing 30 years of marriage before Zona's death on Nov. 27, 1993, in Bullhead City, Ariz.
Bill was a lifetime Montrose rancher and stockman and also accomplished other occupations while living in the Montrose area. He and his wife, Zona, owned and operated a restaurant at Colona for 10 years. Bill was a core driller for Connor's Drilling, McPhearson Drilling, and E.S.I. Drilling for many years. He was an Ouray County Deputy Sheriff for five or six years which he enjoyed. Bill was also a crafty carpenter most of his life, making various furniture and many inlaid wood pieces.
He was a member of the Baptist faith.
His favorite pastime was woodworking which he thoroughly enjoyed and he loved to attend the many rodeos in the area.
Survivors very blessed to share Bill's life include five sons: John Mathews and wife Sandy, of Montrose; Roy Humphrey and wife Peggy, of Durango; Al Mathews, of Artesia, N.M.; Marty Humphrey, of Apache Junction, Ariz.; Bill Mathews and wife Eileen, of Azle, Texas; three daughters: Pat and husband Jim McLaughlin, of Bullhead City, Ariz.; Tammy and husband Dan Mills; Donna and husband Mike Moats, all of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four precious grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents and his wife, Zona.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Bill's life will be officiated by Gary Townsley and Pastor Floyd Dobson, of the Immanuel Baptist Church, on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow the service in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Bill Humphrey, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
William E. Hubert
Captain U.S. Navy, Retired
July 30, 1923 - Feb. 9, 2001
MONTROSE - William E. "Bill" Hubert, age 77, of Montrose, died Friday evening, Feb. 9, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
William E. Hubert, the son of Edward and Nettie Hubert, was born on July 30, 1923, in Montrose, where he spent his childhood, attended Montrose schools, and graduated from Montrose County High School in 1941.
After attending Western State College in Gunnison for one year, Bill joined the Navy's V-12 Program and received military training in Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado and in Meteorology at UCLA. He graduated from the Navy Midshipman Program at the University of Notre Dame in 1943, and was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve.
During World War II, Bill served as a weather forecaster in the Southwest Pacific zone, and was in Manila when the war ended. After applying for a commission in the regular Navy, Bill served all over the world before retiring with the rank of Captain in 1969.
While studying for a Master's degree in Aerological Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., Bill married Lynn Kitsmiller of Montrose on April 21, 1950.
Captain Hubert was an internationally-known Marine Meteorologist and Oceanographer with widely diverse experience in these fields. He served as Navy Project Officer under Nobel Laureate Irving Langmuir during early cloud seeding experiments at the General Electric Research Laboratory and as a member of the Carl G. Rossby International Institute of Meteorology in Sweden, where he earned the Filosofi Licentiat degree in Meteorology from the University of Stockholm. While assigned as Senior Navy member of the Joint Numerical Weather Prediction Unit in Washington, D.C., he worked in the world's first operational machine weather forecasting center.
In 1957, Captain Hubert was official U.S. Observer with the Argentine Antarctic Expedition, and logged over 25,000 miles on the Argentine Icebraker, General San Martin. In subsequent Navy assignments, Captain Hubert was Chief Meteorologist of the Pacific Missile Range, Meteorological Liaison Officer for NATO Strike Fleet Atlantic, Executive Officer of the Fleet Weather Center and Commanding Officer of Fleet Weather Central Pearl Harbor.
During his career, Captain Hubert participated in a number of "Forecasting Firsts": transcontinental speed record for the Boeing 707 commercial jet, world distance flight record for the Lockheed P-2 aircraft, world altitude climb record for the F-4 fighter jet, first launch and recovery of an Atlas ICBM warhead, Pacific recovery operations for the Apollo Moonshot capsule, and the operation to recover a sunken Russian submarine from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.
Bill was a member of the Montrose United Methodist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.
His special interests included spending time at the family cabin on the Big Cimarron where he greatly enjoyed fishing, hiking, and reading. He also enjoyed participating in the Senior Olympic Track events throughout the western United States, winning many medals. He was a member of The Regional Athletic Community Koalition (TRACK) which was formed to build a much needed community-oriented track.
Survivors who were blessed to share Bill's life include his wife, Lynn Hubert, of Montrose; two sons: Erik Hubert; David Hubert and wife Lisa; three daughters: Lorrie and husband Jim Hubin; Diane and husband Wayne Cookston; Susan and husband Stuart Steinmark; and eight precious grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, Donald Hubert; one sister, Helen Gray; and one grandson, Chad Cookston.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Bill's life will be officiated on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church. The service will conclude at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: TRACK, In Memory of Bill Hubert, P.O. Box 1443, Montrose, CO 81402.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
