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Maurice Jason Crail
Maurice Jason Crail died of natural causes on Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at his home in Bayfield. He was 62.
Mr. Crail was born Nov. 15, 1941, in Covina, Calif., the son of Jason and Pauline (Polin) Crail. Mr. Crail lived most of his life in El Monte, Calif. He also served in the Marines.
He enjoyed southern Colorado and built a three-story log cabin in Vallecito about four years ago and spent half of the year living there. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and NHRA (drag racing), and absolutely loved fishing, hence his association with Vallecito Lake.
He is survived by his son Kevin Crail of El Monte, daughters Kerry Wheeler of Happy Valley, Ore., and Kim Myers of Upland, Calif., and five grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Pine River Fire Department, 75 S. Clover, Bayfield, CO 81122.
Violet Irene Weaver
Violet Irene Weaver died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. She was 65.
Mrs. Weaver was born January 26, 1939, in Dulce, N.M., to George and Anna Elot'e Serafin.
She was a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Nuuciu Baptist Church in Ignacio.
Her family remembers her as a devoted mother who loved all her children equally.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Newton, her son Jeffrey Price, and two daughters, Marlene Carel and Yvonne Price.
She is survived by a son, James Price Jr., daughter Georgianna Price, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of Ignacio.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Hood Mortuary in Durango. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Nuuciu Baptist Church in Ignacio with Pastor Mike Harjo officiating. Burial will follow at Ignacio West Cemetery.
Mary Andrews Powers
Mary Andrews Powers died peacefully at her home south of Durango on Friday, Oct. 8, 2004. The cause of death was a stroke. She was 73.
Mrs. Powers was born on Manhattan Island in New York on Nov. 7, 1930, the daughter of DeLano Andrews and Adeline Lovell Hatch.
She attended Sara Lawrence College, where she majored in art and psychology, then moved to Chicago to attend graduate school at the University of Chicago.
She met William T. Powers and they married on April 7, 1956. She worked as a substitute teacher at New Trier East High School, was an active member of the League of Women Voters and was a strong advocate of the environment. She had a 17-year career with the Northbrook Public Library.
Mrs. Powers dedicated a great deal of her time to her husband's work with living control systems. In 1985, she helped organize the Control Systems Group and managed its meetings for 13 years. CSG members are creating a scholarship fund in Mrs. Powers' name.
In 1991, Mrs. Powers and her husband packed up and found themselves a home in Durango. Their association with the CSG continued to this day. Mrs. Powers became a Friend of the Library, continuing to lend her expertise as a volunteer.
An avid reader, she was fascinated with science and history. She created comical Christmas cards each year, and enjoyed painting outdoor scenes and sketching live models, said her family.
Mrs. Powers' greatest joy was found in time spent getting silly with her grandchildren, baking, sewing and helping them find answers to all their many questions.
She loved nature and animals, looking forward to her daily visits from the deer, foxes, birds and other wildlife that enjoyed the quiet sanctuary of their property.
She could always be found working crossword puzzles in pen and received recognition as a Crossword Expert from the American Crossword Federation.
She is survived by her husband, William T. Powers, of Durango, son Denny Powers of Lyons, daughter Allie Powers of Lafayette, daughter Barb Powers of Durango, two grandsons Derek and Ethan Webb of Durango, and a granddaughter as well as her brothers Avery Andrews of Washington, D.C., and Denny Andrews of Amherst, Mass., and her sister Addie Hamm of San Diego.
A private family memorial was held at her home Monday. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango.
Gorm Brock Petersen Lerner
Durango resident, Gorm Brock Petersen Lerner, died at his home Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, after a six-month struggle with a malignant brain tumor. He was 46.
Mr. Lerner was born in Plymoth, Wis., on April 10, 1958, to Jorgen Brock Petersen and Igner Boiesen Bennicke. He married Mary Halter on June 16, 1984, in Milwaukee. He and his family moved to Durango in 1994 from Oconomowac, Wis. He remodeled homes and was a carpenter.
Mr. Lerner is survived by his wife, Mary Lerner, son Lukas Lerner, two daughters Hannah Lerner and Aren Lerner, all of Durango. Also surviving are many other family members.
Recitation of the rosary will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1 p.m. Both services will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church. The Rev. Jim Koenigsfeld will officiate. Interment will be at Greenmount Cemetery.
Ty Sterling Strain
Ty Sterling Strain died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, in Port Charlotte, Fla. He was 43.
He was born in Golden on Oct. 9, 1960. His death was unexpected.
Mr. Strain became a Christian through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship at 10. He joined Pine River Valley Baptist Church in Bayfield with his family in 1976. When he moved to Colorado Springs, he was a member of Circle Drive Baptist Church.
Mr. Strain was a welder by trade.
He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Strain Jr.
He is survived by three children, Sherry Morris, Jedidiah Strain and Russell Strain, all of Colorado Springs; his mother, Leah Belle Strain Neil of Ignacio; his stepfather, Joe Neil of Ignacio; and his sister, Rita Bridget Adams of Sandpoint, Idaho.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Novalee Justice Johnston-Sickich
Novalee Justice Johnston-Sickich died Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango. She was 15 days old. The probable cause of death was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Novalee was born Sept. 19, 2004, in Durango to Roy Johnston and Jasmine Sickich.
"Even though we had her for only a short time, she will be loved and missed by many," said her family.
She is survived by her father, Roy Johnston of Colorado Springs; her mother, Jasmine Sickich of Durango; her grandmother Wendy Sickich of Durango; her great-grandmother Kay Sickich of Colorado Springs; her brothers, Christopher Sickich of Durango and Anthony Sickich of Colorado Springs; her grandmother Betty Johnston of Colorado Springs; her grandfather Ken Johnston of Colorado Springs; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Greenmount Cemetery.
Mary Elizabeth Schoenfeld
Mary Elizabeth Schoenfeld died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at Four Corners Health Care Center in Durango. She was 82.
"She was a loving, compassionate person," said her daughter. "She loved music and her grandchildren, and was a real special person."
Mrs. Schoenfeld was born in Durham, N.C., on July 22, 1922, to Frank and Wilhelmina Upchurch. After marrying Morton G. Schoenfeld on Aug. 15, 1943, they moved to Albuquerque. She was involved with the music community in New Mexico. She sang at numerous concerts and taught music. She also taught music at Taos public schools for 25 years.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan E. Schoenfeld, and granddaughter Rachel Light.
Mrs. Schoenfeld is survived by her daughter Jane M. Schold of Durango; her sons, Jerry Schoenfeld of Pahrump, Nev., and David Schoenfeld of Albuquerque; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
A family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Howard Murray Mallett
Howard M. Mallett, 89, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, in Englewood.
He was born Oct. 6, 1914, in Mancos to Delphia Murray Mallett and Erskine Charles Mallett.
Mr. Mallett graduated from Mancos High School in 1933 and from Colorado State University in 1940 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, fighting in the Pacific. He was married three times.
He lived in Durango for more than 25 years, where he was owner of Basin Frosted Foods. He sold frozen foods to a lot of Four Corners-area markets and restaurants. He retired in 1976, after which he dabbled in various businesses including solar and ozone water treatment.
For the past 11 years, Mr. Mallett lived with his son, William Mallett, in Lakewood.
He is survived by one sister, Esther Bell of Santa Fe; three sons, George E. Mallet of Springfield, Mo., William L. Mallet of Lakewood and Richard W. Mallett of Bayfield; a daughter, Barbara A. Doolin of Kirkland, N.M.; eight grandchildren, including Ryan Mallett and Sam Mallet of Bayfield; several cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge. Burial will be at 11 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. He will receive full military honors. Another memorial service will be held locally next summer.
Jasper Fermin Vallejos
A southern Colorado local and Durango police officer, Jasper Fermin Vallejos died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, near Cortez as a result of injuries he received in an automobile collision on U.S. Highway 160. He was 64.
Mr. Vallejos was born Sept. 16, 1940, in Dolores, where he was raised and graduated from Dolores High School. He was the quarterback for the football team and in the starting lineup for the basketball team. He played baritone for the band until the instrument was run over by a friend.
He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy and National Guard before he moved to in Durango in 1965.
Mr. Vallejos married Margaret Martinez Vallejos on Oct. 13, 1962; they were married for 42 years.
Mr. Vallejos worked at Morehart Chevrolet for about 20 years. He joined the city of Durango Police Department as a reserve officer and achieved full-time status on the force in 1984. He briefly served as a patrolman with the K-9 unit with his German shepherd, Grizzly. In addition to his service as a patrol officer, he worked as an investigator for the Investigations Bureau. His most recent assignment was as a property technician for the Records Bureau Administration.
He was dedicated to his family, living near his mother, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, his family said. He acted as a big brother and mentor to his family and friends.
An avid hunter, Mr. Vallejos led pack trips for his fellow sportsmen who traveled to Colorado from Missouri and other out-of-state locations. He cared for horses and rode throughout the San Juan Mountains. He had a favorite fishing hole in each lake and river in the surrounding area. He discovered the best spots with his brothers, and they remain a guarded secret. Additionally, he enjoyed annual fishing on Lake Powell. He maintained motorcycles and enjoyed trips on them throughout Colorado and New Mexico.
He enjoyed serving as a patrolman in Durango. He served as a mentor to the patrolmen. He never backed down from the opportunity for a good joke.
Mr. Vallejos is survived by his wife, Margaret P. Vallejos of Durango; son Rod Vallejos of Las Vegas; daughter Robyn Vallejos of Fullerton, Calif.; grandson Anthony Vallejos of Mesquite, Texas; mother Fedelina Vallejos of Cortez; siblings Fern Maestas, Laverne Archibeque, Margie Martinez, Bernadine Vallejos, Alfred Vallejos, Louie Vallejos, all of Cortez, and Richard Vallejos of Ignacio; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be at Hood Mortuary between noon and 5:30 p.m. today.
Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. today, and Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, both at St. Columba Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Jasper Vallejos at P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.
Please make checks payable to: American Diabetes Association and indicate that contributions shall remain in Colorado.
Donations may also be made at www.diabetes.org/support-the-cause/make-a-donation.
Ruth Akins
Ruth Akins, a longtime Durangoan who enjoyed the outdoors, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004. She was 80.
Mrs. Akins was born on the Florida Mesa, Aug. 10, 1924, to Michael and Marie Sortais Osten. While growing up on the range, she enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding her horse, Sandy. Mrs. Akins graduated from Durango High School in 1943.
She married George W. Akins in 1946, living on an apple orchard and later owning the Four Corners Plumbing and Heating in Cortez. After George's death in 1966, Mrs. Akins moved back to Durango with her two sons. She loved living in Durango and often told others that she considered herself to be a "true Durango native."
Mrs. Akins was preceded in death by her husband, George, and her son, Jeff.
She is survived by her son, Mike Akins of Garner, N.C.; six grandchildren, including Stephanie Akins of Farmington and MaKenna Akins and Alayna Akins of Alamosa; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Hood Mortuary Chapel with Russell Akins officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Cortez Cemetery on U.S. Highway 160 east of Cortez.
Memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Masterplan Ministries, P.O. Box 1082, Durango, CO 81302.
