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Hazel Arlene Dunlap Owen
Hazel Arlene Dunlap Owen, who once lived in Durango, died on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, at the age of 81. She died of natural causes, said her husband, Bob Owen.
Mrs. Owen was born on Feb. 11, 1922, in Steeds, N.C., the daughter of Maude (Stewart) Dunlap and James H. Dunlap.
She graduated from City Memorial School of Nursing in Winston-Salem, N.C., in 1945. She joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1950 and completed Anesthesia School at Letterman Army Hospital in 1952. She was discharged as a captain in 1956.
Her marriage to R.W. "Bob" Owen took place on Feb. 19,1956, in Berlin, Germany. The Owens lived in Dumas, Texas, then Mancos and Durango, before returning to Dumas in 1970. Mrs. Owen worked in hospitals in Durango; Dumas; Amarillo, Texas; Plainview, Texas; and public-health hospitals in New Mexico and Arizona.
Mrs. Owen became an AFLAC insurance agent in 1980, retiring in 2002. She also collected and sold antiques. She was a member of Friendship Sunday School at First Baptist Church, Dumas.
She is survived by her husband, Bob, of Dumas; her daughter, Luri Owen of Montgomery, Ala., her son, Jim Luter of Bayfield; her sisters, Madge Priest of Carthage, N.C., and Helen Sherrill of Fayetteville, N.C.; her grandchildren, Heidi and Brandon Luter of Bayfield, Negin Ahmadi of Montgomery, and Lot Ariel Chen of Panama as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Dumas. The Revs. Eddie Tubbs, Keith Bryant and Jeromy Ray will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Hospice, 224 E. Second, Dumas, TX 79029 or Gideons International, Box 1702, Dumas, TX 79029.
Margaret Louise Rockwood
Margaret Louise Rockwood, who has lived in Durango since 1981, died from end-stage Alzheimer’s on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at the age of 92. She was under the care of Presbyterian Kaseman Inpatient Hospice in Albuquerque.
Mrs. Rockwood was born on Jan. 9, 1911, in Greencamp, Ohio, the daughter of Maud O. Watts and Harry R. Watts. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing.
She agreed to marry Shell Oil trainee, Spencer Henry Rockwood, and one night when she was heading the hospital emergency room after a bloody accident, a strange man appeared. He turned out to be a representative of Shell, vetting her to decide whether she was suitable to marry a member of the firm’s staff.
Shell agreed, and the Rockwoods married on April 27, 1935, in Tonkawa, Okla.
The Rockwoods moved to Three Sands, Okla. They brought up two daughters during their 62-year marriage.
"My mother enjoyed her family, her church and her friends," said Mrs. Rockwood’s daughter, Susan Sluss. "But I don’t know if she enjoyed family vacations as much as the rest of us did because she was the one who had to cook on the woodburning stove and catch the mice in the cabins on the first night of every vacation."
Mrs. Rockwood is preceded in death by her husband, Spencer, who died in Durango on March 29,1997.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Louise Porter of Markleton, Pa., and Elizabeth Susan Sluss of Durango; her granddaughter, Margaret Lynn Ozolins of Hemet, Calif., and her twin great-granddaughters.
No services will be held. Donations may be made to the hospice of your choice. Top of Page
Jessie Florence Dunnam
Jessie Florence Dunnam, 91, a Durango native who lived her later years in Farmington, died on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2003. She died of a stroke at the Good Samaritan Village in Aztec, said her daughter-in-law Susan Dunnam.
Mrs. Dunnam was born on Aug. 30, 1912, to Jessie (Freed) Frary and George Frary and lived in Durango until 1992. She traveled from California to Florida, Hawaii and the Philippines with her husband, Douglas Dunnam, who served in the U.S. Navy.
Mrs. Dunnam was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Farmington, where she taught Sunday school. She was also a leader in the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, a member of the Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, in Durango and active in Durango’s 55+ Center.
"She enjoyed going to church and spending time with her family and friends," her family said. "Jessie had a sweet spirit and a bright smile for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed."
Mrs. Dunnam was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas.
She is survived by her children, Margaret Bryan of Fritch, Texas; Douglas Dunnam of Charlotte, N.C.; Ed Dunnam of Farmington, and David Dunnam of Longview, Wash.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Katherine O’Bryhim of Overbrook, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 808 N. Monterey, in Farmington. The Rev. Adrianne Coleman will officiate. Cremation was handled by the Alternative Society.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Women’s fund, 808 N. Monterey, Farmington, NM 87401. Top of Page
Lesley Ray' Hickerson
Lesley "Ray" Hickerson, 88, died on Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center. He died of natural causes, his family said.
Mr. Hickerson was born on May 6, 1915, in Calvin, Okla., the son of Orvell and Maude Hickerson.
He moved to Durango in 1975 where he was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was also a member of the Durango Gem and Mineral Club.
"He was an outdoorsman and gardener," said his daughter, Carol Mallari.
Mr. Hickerson is survived by his wife, Floy Hickerson of Durango; his son, Donald Hickerson of Pueblo; his daughters, Patricia Gardner of Mountain Home, Idaho, and Carol Mallari of Durango; his brother, Frank Hickerson of Enid, Okla.; his sisters, Dortha Shumate of Enid and Ruby Hall of Tulsa; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The Rev. Henry Reid will officiate. Cremation will take place at Hood Mortuary Crematory.
Manuel 'Manny' Gilbert Aragon
Manuel "Manny" Gilbert Aragon, 64, a layout printer for theHeraldfor 14 years, died on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, in Salt Lake City. He died of cancer, his family said.
Mr. Aragon was born on Dec. 15, 1938, in Albuquerque, the son of Aurelia and Eduardo Aragon. He was the youngest of nine children, growing up in Cuba, N.M.
He moved to Durango and began his long employment with theHerald. Then he moved to the Newspaper Agency Corporation where he developed into an accomplished printing pressman.
Mr. Aragon retired from work after 31 years in 2001.
"We depended on him for a number of tasks, from baby-sitting and changing diapers to dispensing advice, which we could tell he thoroughly enjoyed," said Mr. Aragon's son, Jamie Carr.
"He knew when to take charge of a situation and assert himself in a serious manner," Carr continued. "But then he could be so comical and provide a sense of humor that would make everyone laugh."
Mr. Aragon enjoyed watching sports, which he played in his younger days. His family tried to persuade him to buy a new car and travel, but he refused on the grounds that it would take too much time and too many resources away from the family.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela.
He is survived by his children, Gilbert Aragon, Tina Ashley, Dolores Aragon, Jamie Carr, Randy Aragon and Jeremy Aragon, all of Salt Lake City; his grandchildren, Tim, Jennifer and Nicole Ashley, Christopher Johnson, Ian and Mckensie Carr, Maddisen, Ashley, Lynzee and Isabelle Aragon, all of Salt Lake City; his great-grandchild and many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was held Sept. 2 at St. Francis Catholic Church in South Kearns, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Cancer Society.
Frank J. Lambo
Frank J. Lambo, 81, who invaded Normandy with the U.S. Army during World War II, died on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003. He died at Mercy Medical Center after a fall at his home in Durango.
Mr. Lambo was born on April 10, 1922, in Orange, N.J., the son of Philicia (Galarelli) Lambo and Carmine Lambo. At the age of 16, he moved from New Jersey to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He married Ruth E. Brown in Moab, Utah, in 1941. They have four daughters and one son.
After the war, the Lambos lived in New Jersey, Salt Lake City and Durango for the first time before settling in Dove Creek. Mr. Lambo owned and operated DeLuxe cleaners in Dove Creek for many years.
In 1958, they moved to Farmington and Mr. Lambo began his career as an insurance agent. In 1967, the family returned to Durango where Mr. Lambo worked for Prudential Insurance. He retired in 1985.
During his years in Colorado, Mr. Lambo was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Club and the Dove Creek School Board. He delivered Meals on Wheels and led a Boy Scout troop for years. He was also a member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango.
Mr. Lambo is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Durango; his daughters, Rita McDonnell of Dove Creek, Vicky Lambo of Denver, Betty Trembly of Cortez and Anna Pedersen of Durango; his son, Doug Lambo of Lubbock, Texas; his grandchildren, Lara Pelton and David Pelton, Weston Hartshorn, Mary Trembly and Roger Trembly, Aaron Pederson, Jess Pederson and Keleen Pederson and Kaitlin Lambo, Cameron Lambo and Conner Lambo; and five great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at Hood Mortuary. A rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Columba's Catholic Church. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Columba. Cremation will take place after the Mass at Hood Mortuary Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Columba's building fund.
Joe U. Lister
Joe U. Lister, a lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, died at his home Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, of complications of diabetes, his family said. He was 75.
Mr. Lister, prominent businessman and civic leader for many years, was born Dec. 26, 1927, to Joe Rubin Lister and Frances A. Mestas.
Mr. Lister started his business career as partner in a small furniture store in 1956. In 1973, he purchased the Pagosa Hotel, the Liberty Theater and the Continental Trailways depot. He retired in 1981.
In addition to his businesses, Mr. Lister was hired as a deputy police officer in 1960 and in 1973 was interim police chief. He also hosted a weekly radio program featuring music from Mexico and Northern New Mexico.
Mr. Lister was active in civic matters and in Archuleta County politics. He served on the Town Board as police commissioner, on the Southwest Community Action board and he was a member of the Lion’s Club.
He also was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and donated to many Catholic societies. When he could no longer attend Mass, he watched the service on television.
Mr. Lister served as the Democratic Party chairman and worked for local, state and national candidates, including Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell and former Colorado governors Richard Lamm and Roy Romer.
Mr. Lister helped many members of the Hispanic community with tax and legal matters and also loaned money to those in need.
He is survived by his wife, Delfina Lister of Pagosa Springs; and daughters, Peggy Pisano of Yuma, Ariz., and Donna Lister and Pam Lister, both of Pagosa Springs.
Mr. Lister also is survived by four sons, Larry Lister, Joe U. Lister Jr. and Les Lister, all of Pagosa Springs, and Michael Lister of Bayfield. He also leaves three sisters, Ruby Jones of Prescott, Ariz., Linda Buldoc of Phoenix, and Ernestine Trujillo of Denver.
Grandchildren surviving Mr. Lister are, Gina Wasson and Dena Pisano of Chandler, Ariz.; Tina Conley and Jason Pisano of Yuma, Ariz.; Tasha Andrews of Pagosa Springs; Erin, Ryan, Jeremy and Christopher Lister of Pagosa Springs; Eric Lister of West Warwick, R.I.; Jesse, Clinton and Darin Lister of Pagosa Springs; Jenifer Pitcher, Santino and Gabriel Lister of Pagosa Springs; and Tonnie, Tiffany, Nathan, Tabitha, Nick and Nevin Lister of Monte Vista. Mr. Lister also had six great-grandchildren.
A rosary service was held Sunday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs. The Rev. John Bowe will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. today. Mr. Lister will be buried at Hilltop Cemetery beside his mother.
Mabel Lucille Born Bennett
Mabel Lucille Born Bennett, of Pagosa Springs, died Friday, Sept. 5. She was 91.
Mrs. Bennett was born Jan. 28, 1912, and was delivered by her father in a one-room cabin at the family homestead at Born’s Lake in Mineral County. Her parents were "Dutch" Henry Born and Ida Dillabaugh Born.
Mrs. Bennett attended school in Pagosa Springs and graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1930. On Nov. 15, 1933, she married her high-school sweetheart, Donald William Bennett.
While still in high school, Mrs. Bennett began working at the Fil Burns abstracting company. She later bought Archuleta County Abstract Company. She became clerk of the Combined District and County Courts in Archuleta County in 1966. She retired in 1984.
Mrs. Bennett was widowed in 1970. She relied on her love of fishing and hiking and the company of friends to pass the time.
"My mother was an avid fisherman," said her daughter, Lucille Alley. "She fished just locally."
In addition to Mrs. Alley, Mrs. Bennett is survived by daughter Donna Formwalt of Pagosa Springs and son James Donald Bennett of Durango.
She also is survived by grandchildren George Bruce Alley, Jana Alley Candelaria, Pamela and Richard Strunk; Melinda and Don Volger; Patrick and Robyn Bennett; Sheila and Rick Witmer; and Timothy Jay Bennett.
She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and three nieces.
Services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Monday at Community United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs.
Contributions may be made to the Archuleta County Senior Center.
Harold D. ‘Bill’ McCoy
Harold D. "Bill" McCoy died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at his home in Durango. He was 65.
Mr. McCoy was born Sept. 24, 1937, in Durango, the son of Merle and Arnona McCoy.
After serving as a Navy Seal during the Korean War, Mr. McCoy went to work for the city of Durango and later as a policeman.
Mr. McCoy was a police officer for 12 years, worked as a La Plata County deputy sheriff for eight years and, after retiring, was in security for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
"My father was very much a law-enforcement officer," said his son, Mac. "He tried to treat people fairly, but by his action and demeanor he impressed on them the need to do right by everyone."
Mr. McCoy was very proud and never let on how sick he was, Mac McCoy said.
Mr. McCoy loved the outdoors, and he enjoyed fishing and hunting.
In addition to Mac McCoy of Durango, Mr. McCoy is survived by two other sons, Brad McCoy and Bruce McCoy, both of Pea Ridge, Ark. He also is survived by daughters, Dawn VanHestren of Wheat Ridge, and Shannon Teeters of Spokane, Wash.
Mr. McCoy also is survived by two brothers, Clifford McCoy and Leland McCoy, both of Durango; and a sister, Helen Freeman of Freeman, Okla. Other survivors are grandsons Joshua VanHestren and Nathan VanHestren, both of Durango, Cole Dean McCoy of Pea Ridge, Ark., and Benjamin VanHestren of Wheat Ridge; and granddaughter, Cherokee Lynn McCoy of Pea Ridge, Ark.
Private services will be held in Durango and cremation will take place at Hood Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Mr. McCoy died by suicide, according to his family.
