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Neil Singer Ford
World War II Veteran
July 18, 1918 - March 15, 2001
CEDAREDGE - Neil Singer Ford, age 82, a resident of Cedaredge for 25 years, died Thursday, March 15, 2001, in the Colorow Care Center at Olathe.
Neil Singer Ford, the son of Charles Elmer and Lula Ford, was born on July 18, 1918, in Denver, Colo., where he spent his childhood years, graduated from South High School, and grew to adulthood.
During World War II, Neil proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
Neil married Anna Samson who preceded him in death in 1971.
On Nov. 22, 1975, he was joined in marriage with Peggy Lewis at Reno, Nev. Peggy preceded Neil in death on Feb. 3, 1998.
Prior to his retirement in 1973, he was employed as a supervisor for Mountain Bell.
Neil lived most of his lifetime in Denver before making his home in Cedaredge for 25 years.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Neil's life include one daughter, Linda Forss, of Chicago, Ill.; one stepson, Jack Tieman and wife Linda, of Colorado Springs; two precious granddaughters: Brennan Forss, of Chandler, Ariz.; Heather Forss, of McDonough, Ga.; two stepgrandsons: Matt Tieman and Toby Tieman, both of Denver; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jack Ford, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Along with both of his parents and both of his wives, Neil was also preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.
Services in loving remembrance of Neil's life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (Lou Gehrig's Disease), In Memory of Neil S. Ford, 21021 Ventura Blvd., Suite 321, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988.
Alva A. Hedrick
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother
Aug. 7, 1914 - March 13, 2001
MONTROSE - Alva A. Hedrick, age 86, went home to be with Jesus early Tuesday morning, March 13, 2001, at the Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose.
Alva A. Hammers was born in Baxter, Mo., on Aug. 7, 1914, the daughter of Moses Hammers and Cordelia (Moore) Hammers. She spent her childhood years in Missouri, graduated from high school in Reed Springs, Mo., where she also grew to adulthood.
On May 20, 1933, Alva was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Deward D. Hedrick in Reeds Spring, Mo. Their lives together were enriched when they became the parents of five children. Alva and Deward had the privilege of celebrating 67 years of marriage last year in May.
Alva and her family moved to Colorado in 1956 where she made her home until the time of her death.
She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy of Montrose.
Alva was an extraordinary woman. Her main focus in life was her Lord, attending church, and reading the Bible. Her favorite pastime was fishing and camping. Alva was a wonderful cook and her love for her children and grandchildren will be deeply cherished.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Alva's life include her husband, Deward Hedrick, of Montrose; and five children: Eutona and husband Hiram Simkins, of Montrose; Chilton Hedrick and wife Anna, of Edwards; Chlorene and husband Robert Deines, of Montrose; Kathalene and husband Richard Dalton, of Chino Hills, Calif.; and Randy Hedrick and wife Debbie, of Montrose.
Alva was the proud and loving grandmother of 16 precious grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
Other family survivors include four brothers: Johnny Hammers and wife Vance, of Oakley, Calif.; Robert Hammers, of McKinleyville, Calif.; Leonard Hammers and wife Ebee, of Monett, Mo.; Herbert Hammers and wife Janelle, of Medford, Ore.; two sisters: Velva Lunsford, of McKinleyville, Calif.; Bonnie and husband Virgil Blake, of Tehachapi, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Euvella Newman; and one brother-in-law, Glen Ecker.
Alva was preceded in death by both of her parents, two brothers, one sister, one grandson, and one great-grandson.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, March 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose.
Funeral Services to honor and celebrate Alva's life will be officiated by Pastor Reed North on Saturday, March 17, 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: Alzheimers Disease - Metro Denver Chapter, In Memory of Alva A. Hedrick, 789 Sherman Blvd., Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Enoch Winchester Jackson
Former Olathe Farmer, Rancher
March 9, 1926 - March 2, 2001
THORNTON - Former longtime Olathe resident, Enoch Winchester Jackson, age 74, of Thornton, died Friday, March 2, 2001, in Denver, just seven days before he would have celebrated his 75th birthday.
Enoch was born on March 9, 1926, in Eckley, Colo. He completed his education through the eighth grade.
On Feb. 12, 1948, he was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Dorothy Elaine Fitzsimmons. Their lives together were fulfilled when they became the parents of two children. They had just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Enoch and Dorothy lived in the Olathe community for 30 years, where Enoch was a rancher and farmer. Due to Enoch's health, the Jacksons sold most of their farm and moved to Thornton where they made their home until the time of Enoch's death.
He was a member of the Lions Club.
Enoch loved and found contentment in hunting, fishing, cooking and was also a history buff.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Enoch's life include his wife, Dorothy Jackson, of Thornton; one son, Randall Mark Jackson, of Thornton; one daughter, Linda June Slyder; one precious granddaughter, Rebecca Anne Slyder; and one precious grandson, Stephen E. Slyder, all of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Other family survivors include four sisters: Ellen Magmuson, of Golden; Mary Ellen Sherffield and Betty Turley, both of Thornton; Mable Denbo, of Holyoke; two brothers: John Jackson, of Crystal Falls, Mich.; Merle Jackson, of Quartzsite, of Ariz.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Enoch's life were officiated on Wednesday, March 7, at noon at the Highland Mortuary Chapel in Thornton.
Interment was held in the Hoxie Cemetery
at Hoxie, Kan.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of the Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant St., Thornton, CO 80229.
Mable Finch Schafer
A Wonderful Homemaker
Jan. 12, 1900 - March 15, 2001
ECKERT - Mable Finch Schafer, age 101, a homemaker and a resident of Eckert for seven years, died Thursday, March 15, 2001, in the Horizons Care Center at Eckert.
Mable Finch was born in Norfolk, Va., on Jan. 12, 1900, the daughter of John Walter Finch and Chloe Caroline (Kinsey) Finch. She spent her childhood years and received her education in Mississippi and Tennessee.
Mable was united in marriage with Edgar Arthur Schafer on July 31, 1920, in Forest City, Ark. Edgar preceded Mable in death on Sept. 18, 1920, in Tampa, Fla.
Mable lived in Memphis, Tenn., before moving to Meridian, Miss. She then lived in Houston, Texas, before relocating to Eckert in 1994 where she made her home until the time of her death.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Meridian, Miss.; the United Daughters of Confederacy (UDC), and was a past president of the Meridian Senior Citizens.
Mable loved and greatly enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, flowers, music, and cats.
Surviving family members who were grateful to share Mable's life include one daughter, Marilyn and husband Herman McDonald, of Cedaredge; two precious grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband and both of her parents, Mable was also preceded in death by one son, Edgar Arthur Schafer Jr.; and three brothers.
Graveside Services in loving remembrance of Mable's life will be officiated on Tuesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. in the Rose Hill-Magnolia Cemetery
at Meridian, Miss.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.; (970) 874-9988; and James F. Webb Funeral Home of Meridian, Miss.
Wallace G. Smith
Lifetime Montrose Rancher
Oct. 2, 1929 - March 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Lifetime Montrose rancher, Wallace G. Smith, age 71, died Thursday morning, March 15, 2001, at his ranch home near Oak Grove at Montrose.
Wallace G. Smith, the son of Ferd A. Smith and Ethel Irene (Woodward) Smith, was born on Oct. 2, 1929, in Montrose, Colo., where he spent his childhood years, graduated from Montrose County High School with the class of 1947, grew to adulthood, and made his home until the time of his death.
On June 1, 1953, Wallace was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Thelma L. Brown. Their lives together were fulfilled when they became the parents of five children. Wallace and Thelma would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year in June.
He was a member of the Montrose Christian Church.
Although Wallace was interested in other activities, especially hunting and fishing when he was younger, his primary interest in life was his ranching activities. His grandfather and father had purchased the ranch in the Oak Grove area early in the last century and Wallace and his children are the third and fourth generation of the Smith family to operate the cattle operation in that location.
Wallace started working on the ranch before completing his education and upon graduation from high school, he took over complete operation of the business and remained active in its operation until the day of his death.
He began with Hereford cattle and moved to cattle with the Hereford base and cross breeds at this time. Wallace worked occasionally with the Holly Sugar campaigns and for the elevator company in Montrose but was always full time with his ranching operation.
He sent his cattle to summer in the Dry Creek area and later in the Powderhorn area of Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. He very much enjoyed summer activities, riding his horse and being with his family in the Colorado high country with the livestock.
Wallace was well known in the ranching community for his quiet demeanor, his quality livestock, his evenhanded evaluation of life, and his fairness. He will be deeply missed and all who knew and loved Wallace know just how fortunate they were to have him touch their lives.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Wallace's life include his wife, Thelma Smith, of the family home in Montrose; three sons: David W. Smith and wife Jennifer; Jerry Smith and wife Laura; Brian Smith and wife Deanna; and two daughters: Linda and husband Don Kennedy, all of Montrose; Laura and husband Louis Beauchamp, of Broomfield.
Wallace was the proud grandfather of 12 precious grandchildren: Mallory Kennedy, Kellyn Kennedy, Wallace "Jeffery" Smith, twins - Audrey and Ashley Smith, Kenny Taylor, Jessica Smith, Cole Smith, Dustin Smith, Kelsey Smith, Lindsey Smith, all of Montrose; and Skyler Beauchamp.
Other family survivors include one brother, Ferd Smith and wife Johnnie May Smith, of Montrose; and one sister, Louise and husband John Sutrina, of Grand Junction.
Wallace was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to say farewell to Wallace will be officiated by Ministers Ronnie Hanna and Alan Miller on Saturday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at the Montrose Christian Church.
Interment will follow the service in Cedar Cemetery
at Montrose, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
Harold Austin Brewer
Greatest Enjoyment: Bowling
Feb. 10, 1902 - March 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Harold Austin Brewer, age 99, of Montrose, died Thursday evening, March 15, 2001, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital.
Harold Austin Brewer, the son of Austin Brewer and Emma (Bezner) Brewer, was born on Feb. 10, 1901, near Shenandoah, Iowa, where he spent his childhood years, attended country schools, and grew to adulthood. Harold graduated from Iowa State College in 1925.
He farmed in Iowa until 1929, during the Depression, then moved to Fort Collins, Colo., to work as a painter and decorator. In 1933, Harold moved to Tellureide and helped reopen the Smuggler Union Mine and Mill.
On Dec. 18, 1941, Harold was joined in marriage with Grace Warner in Telluride. She had a 3-year-old son, Francis, who became Harold's pride and joy from that day forward.
He worked at the Smuggler Union as a power plant operator, tramway operator, warehouse and purchasing agent. Harold also worked two years as a bookkeeper for Four Corners Uranium and Liberty Bell Mines, as well as one year in the San Miguel County Assessor's office.
Harold and Grace purchased Rose Food Mart in 1957, which they operated until 1975. The store was sold to Dave and Lael Fruen, and the Brewers retired and moved to Montrose.
He was a member of Christ Church in Telluride and after moving to Montrose, joined the Montrose Christian Church. He was a member of the Telluride IOOF and Encampment, a lifetime member of Telluride Elks Lodge No. 692, and a past president of Telluride Rotary Club.
Harold enjoyed flowers and yard work. His greatest enjoyment was found in bowling. He was an avid bowling participant until the age of 94. Harold was the greatest at horseshoe pitching. Memories of Harold as a loving husband, a caring Dad, and a loyal and steadfast friend will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving family members who had the privilege of sharing Harold's life include his wife of 59 years, Grace Brewer, of Montrose; three grandchildren: Stanley A., Glenda K., Howard L.; two stepgrandchildren: Ray Moureaux and Vonda Moureaux; and four great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, Clell Brewer, of Jacksonville, Ill.; three sisters-in-law: Jean Richards, of Montrose; Arlene Brewer, of Clarinda, Iowa; Laura Richards, of Denver; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Harold was preceded in death by both of his parents; one brother, Orville; two sisters: Neatha Holland and Phyllis Christensen; and his beloved son, Francis H. Warner.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Monday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Harold's life will be officiated by Minister Ronnie Hanna on Tuesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. at the Montrose Christian Church.
Interment will follow the service in the Valley Lawns Cemetery
south of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold's name to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Ruth B. McMinn
Pioneer Spirit, Will of Iron
April 4, 1923 - March 14, 2001
ROSWELL, Ga. - Former longtime Kemmerer, Wyo. and Montrose resident, Ruth B. McMinn, age 77, of Roswell, Ga., died Wednesday, March 14, 2001, in St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
Ruth B. Chipp, the last of nine children, was born on April 4, 1923, in Sublette, Wyo., the daughter of Willard A. Chipp Sr. and Agnes (Williams) Chipp. Ruth was raised in the coal mining community of Sublette, Wyo., where she and her father pulled the final switch to shut off the mines of Sublette, then they moved into Kemmerer, Wyo., where she attended Kemmerer High School. Ruth was the only woman of her generation in her family to graduate from high school. Her own daughter went on to be the first of her generation to graduate from college.
Ruth married Charles McMinn. They owned and operated "Chuck's Electric" (later Service, Inc.) for many years in Kemmerer, Wyo. After being a lifetime resident of Kemmerer, Wyo., in 1996 Ruth and her husband moved to Montrose for Charles' health. In 1999, Ruth lost her husband of 57 years to death. After Charles' death, she moved to Roswell, Ga., to be with her only daughter and family, where she remained until the time of her own death.
Ruth worked extremely hard all of her life. In addition to their electric business in Kemmerer, she worked as a waitress for over 20 years, was a cook, worked at the Senior Citizens Center and was a school custodian for 10 years among her other jobs.
In Kemmerer, Wyo., she was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Club, was an active member of the LDS Church, and a charter member of the Eagles Club.
She enjoyed all needle work and was excellent at crocheting. Ruth loved reading, rock hunting, fishing, gardening, and the outdoor life, but, the love and delight of her life was her family.
Ruth had a pioneer spirit and a will of iron. She possessed a heart of gold, a great sense of humor and a deep love of children and her countless animals over the years. She had a special way with all children, her touch would stop their tears. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Ruth's life include one daughter, Marsha and husband Steve Copland; and two precious grandsons: Charles Brandon and Daniel Stephens Copland, all of Roswell, Ga.
Other family members include one brother, Harry Chipp and wife Lena, of Rock Springs, Wyo. Ruth was like a second mother to the following nieces and nephews: Jean (Staser) Plouffe, of Billings, Mont.; Connie (Staser) Rose, of Montrose; Larry Staser and Bruce Chip, both of Salt lake City, Utah.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to say farewell to Ruth were officiated by Bishop Bob Heightchew on Sunday, March 18, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell, Ga. The service concluded at the chapel.
Graveside Services will be held this summer in Ogden, Utah, to entrust her ashes to the earth beside her loving husband, Charles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Ruth's memory, to the local humane society; American Cancer Society, c/o Lucille Masden, 715 N. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401; or Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of the Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Rd., Roswell, GA; (770) 645-1414.
Ray L. Cundiff
Passion: Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Dec. 4, 1916 - March 17, 2001
DELTA - Ray L. Cundiff, age 84, a Delta resident since 1969, died Saturday, March 17, 2001, in St. Mary's Hospital & Medical Center at Grand Junction.
Ray L. Cundiff was born in Somerset, Ky., on Dec. 4, 1916, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cundiff.
On Aug. 21, 1961, Ray was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with Julia Slonksnis in Los Angeles, Calif. Their lives together were enriched when they became the parents of one daughter. Ray and Julia would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year in August.
Ray first worked on his family farm in Somerset, Ky., then took over the farming after his father's death when he was young. He later worked in a machine shop for 15 years, and then became a painting contractor for 30 years, until his retirement. In 1969 Ray and Julia moved to Delta and purchased the Texas Bar which they ran until 1983.
Ray's passion in life was Harley Davidson Motorcycles, which he had ridden since the time he would walk. His other hobby was hunting, a hobby which brought him to Delta in 1969.
Survivors very grateful to share Ray's life include his wife, Julia Cundiff, of Delta; one daughter, Carol Hinkle; and one precious grandchild, both of Somerset, Ky.
Other family survivors include one sister, Kathleen "Cub" Mitchell, also of Somerset, Ky.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and two grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Mesa View Mortuary-Cemetery at Delta.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Ray's life will be officiated by Pastor Lee Ponder on Wednesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at the Delta First Assembly of God 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; (970) 874-8633.
