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Bob Tomassi
d. January 10, 2012
Bob Tomassi, 91, of Shawnee, KS passed away January 10, 2012. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, his 8 children: Bob, Bill, John, Steve, Mary, Joan, Sue, Jim, their spouses, as well as 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Bob was a WWII vet and a former general manager at a regional office for The Hartford Insurance Group. He retired in 1980. Bob and Barb have been summer residents of Ouray since 1987.
Polly Griggers
08/18/28 – 01/03/2012
On January 3rd, 2012 Polly was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We know Bob, Gene and all who have passed before her were so happy to finally have her home. She was born and raised in Wood County, Texas and moved to Dallas when she was 17 years old where she worked for the phone company before marrying Bob. They were married September 16th, 1950. Bob joined the Army shortly after and was stationed in Germany. In 1954 Polly joined Bob in Germany where they proceeded to travel, as much as possible, all of Europe. In 1955 Bob was honorably discharged from the Army and they came back to Dallas where Polly went to work for Greybar Electric. In the early 1970’s they found Ouray, Co and as most do, fell in love with, not only the town, but the people there. Both Bob and Polly have left their mark on Ouray, as they started to build north of town, which is now known as the North Corridor. First, the Timberidge with the restaurant and campground, next was the Riverside Inn and in later years the Lone Star Subdivision and the “little campground” between the Riverside Inn and the Biota Bottling Co. Polly was active in the Baptist Church and the Rebekah’s Lodge in Ouray. She had many, many friends both in Ouray and Dallas and will be truly missed by them all. Virgie Pauline Griggers was preceded in death by her husband Bob, son Gene, brothers Herbert and Roy Bagby. She is survived by her son Rocky, daughter in law Carrie, four grandchildren Chris, April, Aaron and Austin, brother Buddy, sister in law Chris and six great grandchildren.
Richard “Dick” Rion
November 9, 1930 - June 2, 2012
Richard “Dick” Rion of Montrose, Colorado passed away June 2, 2012 as the result of a brain tumor. Dick was born November 9, 1930 in Marion, Iowa the son of Howard and Lola May Rion. His father moved the family to California in 1946 settling in San Luis Obispo where Dick graduated from high school. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he met his future wife Carol Larson. He was a career grocery man with Safeway, beginning in 1955 as a store clerk in Pismo Beach, Ca., advancing to store manager in Lompoc, Ca. and Las Vegas, Nevada and ultimately district manager in southern California until his retirement in 1986. Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol, sons Steve (Janette) of Durango and Doug (Debbie) of San Luis Obispo, Ca, granddaughter McKenzie Carol of Durango and twin sister Rosemary. Older sister Lesta Jean passed away in 1989.
Dick and Carol enjoyed many years at their cabin in Wrightwood, California, moved to Montrose in 1987 and also resided many years in Ouray where they enjoyed their view of Main Street and the surrounding mountains. They recently returned to a new home in Montrose. Dad enjoyed his daily newspapers and watching many sports on television. Dad instilled a strong work ethic in both his sons, taught them woodworking and initiated their love of the outdoors as young boys with camping and fishing trips to Lake Mead, the Colorado River, four-wheeling in the desert surrounding Las Vegas and vacations to Sedona, Grand Canyon and southern Utah.
At his request there will be no services. Dad will be cremated and his ashes scattered on the mountains overlooking Ouray.
His family encourages everyone to contribute to your local Hospice organization.
Thanks Dad. Farewell. Rest in Peace.
(Carlena) Esther (Busch) Lewis
Esther Lewis died at her home in Montrose after 102 years of life in Ouray County. She was the only child of the late Henry Busch and Eleanor (Cooper) Busch of Ridgway. Esther developed a strong work ethic during her early years while she and her mother milked cows and made butter to sell. In 1929, she married rancher Roy Lewis of Ridgway. They lived and worked happily together until Roy’s passing in 1967. Esther was a supporter of 4-H and the Ouray County Rodeo; she was a member of the Rebekahs, the Mt. Hayden Lodge, and the Columbine Club. As recently as 1998, Esther could be seen riding her horse, Tony, in the Ridgway Labor Day parade, or even more recently be seen riding in the passenger seat next to her ranch manager and devoted friend, Lanah Hutt on their way up to Esther’s Baldy pasture, visiting old friends along the way. Esther loved her fellow ranchers who helped her irrigate, cut hay, fix fence, chase livestock, or those who helped with so many other tasks; she loved her horses, dogs, and cats that provided so much pleasure and comfort to her. But most of all, Esther loved the land that provided so much beauty, prosperity, and pride through her lifetime. With Esther passes a great generation of families of settlers who persevered through countless hardships to make our country great. Her life has meant so much to so many throughout the yea
Esther is survived by her niece /cousins Marie Lewis and Bruce Lewis of Laramie, Wyoming; cousins Ann Barnes of Florida; cousin Beth Hughes of Ohio; Lanah Hutt and family. If you wish, donations can be made in Esther’s memory to Alpine Hospice – 924 Spring Creek Rd. Unit C Montrose, CO 81403
A visitation for family and friends of Esther was held Friday, May 11th at Crippin Funeral Home 802 East Main St. Montrose from 12 to2 pm, with a graveside service at Dallas Cemetery at 3 pm. A gathering to celebrate Esther’s life was held in Ridgway following the graveside service.
Marjorie L. Soderquist
August 3, 1925 ~ June 20, 2012
Marjorie L. Soderquist, age 86, passed away at Montrose Memorial Hospital on June 20, 2012. Marjorie was born August 3, 1925 to George O. Baumgardner and Florence M. (Pritchard) Baumgardner in Ridgway, Colorado. She spent her childhood and youth in Ridgway. After graduating from Ridgway High School, she spent one summer in Dayton, OH as teletype operator for The First Air Service Command. She married Andrew A. Soderquist from Colona on Feb 16, 1946. They farmed at Colona until 2003. She had lived in the same house since 1952. During their marriage of 59 years, Marjorie was a devoted housewife raising her family. She also helped in every aspect of running the ranch from feeding cows to disking the fields to baling hay. She always raised a large garden, canning most of the produce. Homemade butter, bread, and raspberry jam were the family favorites.
She was a 4-H leader with the Pride of the Rockies 4-H Club when her children were younger. She was a member of the Colona Grange and the Helping Hand Club. When her boys were in high school she was a devoted supporter of Montrose FFA and was Chapter Mother in 1965. She and Andrew were selected as Grand Marshall of the Ouray County Fair and Rodeo Parade in 1995.
Survivors include her two sons, Larry and wife Carol of Montrose, Dean and wife Linda of Olathe, and daughter Connie Herring and husband Randy of Loveland, CO. She has seven grandchildren, Chandra Mountford and husband Scott of Olathe, Jeff Herring of Loveland, Jared Herring and wife Jessica of Mead, CO, Aaron Soderquist and wife Brittany of Olathe, Vaughn Soderquist of Fruita, CO, John Soderquist of Tehachapi, CA, and Becky of Northridge, CA. She has five great-granddaughters, Kaylie Mountford, Delana Mountford, Joclyn Herring, Jaylyn Herring, and Liberty Soderquist. She is survived by four brothers and four sisters, Tom Baumgardner, Kenneth Baumgardner, Roy Baumgardner, Wayne Baumgardner, Lois Bryan, Nellie Merling, Jean Everitt, and Shirley Broadhead, plus numerous nephews and nieces who knew her as Aunt Marj. Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Andrew A. Soderquist, and 3 brothers, Robert, Ray Keith and Jack Baumgardner.
A memorial service to honor Marjorie’s life will be Monday June 25, 2012 at 11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose. Burial will follow the service at Valley Lawns Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Marjorie’s name to the Colona Grange #259 Restoration Project, c/o of Thelma Caddy, 1625 Leeds Ave, Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory of Montrose.
John Claremont
January 4, 1922 - June 19, 2012
John Claremont entered this world at Hersham, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England on January 4, 1922 first born child of Edward and Winifred Hedditch. He departed over ninety years later at Montrose, Colorado, U.S.A. on June 19, 2012, leaving behind his beloved wife Mildred, niece Terri Epps of West Sussex, England, nephew Allen McDonald of Zionsville, Indiana, and innumerable friends and family throughout Great Britain and the United States.
A diligent student, John won two scholarships to the Kinston Technical College in Surrey, where, with his father’s encouragement, he studied aviation technology. Like most Englishmen of his generation, when World War II erupted, John marched off courageously to shoulder arms against the fascists. He served in the British Army, primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. That experience cost him a great many friends, but earned him many more, some of whom remained dear to him throughout life. He spoke occasionally with great emotion and conviction about his wartime experiences, which obviously formed a very core element of his character.
Following the war, John emigrated to Canada where he spent a few years working for the De Havilland Aircraft Company. Through Canadian friends he made some contacts in the United States. Seeing a chance to relocate again, he seized the opportunity and realized a life-long dream by settling in the U.S., initially making his home in Cleveland, Ohio. He lived there for many years with two very dear friends, Gertrude and Margaret Dahlwick, who came to think of and treat him as a son.
While living in Cleveland he became involved, as he put it, “gathering intelligence.” Those activities led him to extensive travels throughout the Middle East, where he served as a “special consultant” to the United States government. That service put him on a fast track to U.S. citizenship, a status he wore with great pride for the rest of his life.
Growing up at Walton-on-Thames - known at the time as the “Hollywood of England” – John had quickly learned and developed a keen interest in the motion picture industry, especially the art and craft of screenwriting and writing in general, which he pursued with passion both personally and professionally for the rest of his life. While living in Cleveland he published numerous stories and essays, and wrote as a free-lancer for several American network television production companies.
The Dahlwick Sisters loved quilting and the home they shared with John became a Mecca for like-minded women, including Rosinda Herr. One day Mrs. Herr brought along her daughter Mildred Herr Leachman of Ouray, Colorado. John was quickly smitten and soon proposed to Mildred. The couple married at Ouray in 1978 and made it their home for the next thirty-three years.
Once established in Ouray, John quickly became and for life remained a friend, a fixture and a familiar face in town and around the County. He was active in the Montrose Rotary and St. John’s Episcopal Church, where for many years he edited the parish newspaper, The Communicator. Throughout those years he wrote prolifically, producing voluminous journals, letters and postcards.
Though childless himself, John devoted himself steadfastly to Mildred and grew deeply rooted in her family. He developed a great love for her children, Jim Leachman (Billings, Montana), Joy White (Haiku, Hawaii), Lynn Kircher (Ridgway) and Gay Leachman (Ridgway), her 10 grand sons and her 9 great grand children. John and Mildred travelled together extensively, often by car, with John as driver and Mildred as navigator. They shared many adventures and enjoyed a very intimate circle of friends in Ouray County.
In 2011, John was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His response to the news created a remarkable legacy for those who knew him well. He never seemed troubled by the diagnosis and never fought the disease, choosing instead to live above it. That strategy proved victorious in the end. He died at peace, seemingly untouched by the cancer, passing with astonishing dignity, grace and, above all, gratitude for the friends and family who loved him dearly. A service and celebration will be held for John at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ouray, Colorado on July 7, 2012, 10AM .
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the party and holiday fund for residents of Heidi’s Chateau, an assisted living facility where John lived for the past 8 months. For more information, please call Heidi’s at (970) 252-8228, in Montrose, Colorado.
Robert Stanley Dean
April 1, 1930 ~ June 28, 2012
Robert Stanley Dean, 82, died June 28, 2012, in his home with family at his bedside.
Bobby was born April 1, 1930, to Albert and Lillian (Deaton) Dean in Loveland, CO. He graduated from Loveland High School, where he met and married the love of his life Dorothy (Beard) Dean. They moved to Casper, WY, where Bobby attended Casper Community College before beginning his career as an electrical contractor. Bob and Dorothy enjoyed many years in Jackson Hole, WY, before retiring in Ouray, CO, and later Montrose, CO.
Bobby had a great love for collecting and studying art, wildlife, politics, and cheating at basketball.
He is preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and one grandson. He is survived by his wife (Dorothy Dean), son (Dwight & Kay Dean), daughter (Robin& Tom Connelly), grandchildren (Michelle, Jennifer, Danielle, Alisa, Joshua, & Erica), two great-grandchildren (Ruby & Zara), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service is to be held on July 9, 2012, in Montrose, CO. A reception is scheduled for2:00 pm on July 10, 2012, at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living.
Bobby was a Godly influence to all he met and his sense of humor will be missed by all. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.
Angie C. Henn
February 15, 1918 ~ May 5, 2012
Angie Chapman Henn, 94, passed away May 5th in Montrose, CO. She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Roger also of Montrose, and her three children, Frank C. Henn and wife Janet of Brandon, MS, Patty Ratliff and husband Stephen of Ouray, CO and Alan Henn and wife Linda of Starkville, MS. She had five grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and one surviving sister, Edith Sessums with husband David, of Byram, MS.
Angie was born to Clarence and Minnie Chapman in Hickory, MS. on Feb. 15, 1918. She was the the 8th of 10 children. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1940, went to work in Washington D.C. and met her husband Roger. Eventually she moved to Illinois, where she got a Masters of Education and was administrator and teacher of a preschool.
Retiring to Ouray in 1979, Angie’s real passion began to show itself. Together with her husband Roger, she helped to keep open the Ouray Historical Museum, began the Ouray County Arts Association art show, and The Ouray Quilt Club as well as Neighbor to Neighbor. She participated in WISE, was president of Woman’s Club of Ouray, was an original supporter of the Ouray Trail Group and ENOJAH, and organized Ouray’s Twelfth Night.
She and Roger were Ouray’s own ambassadors to countless tourists and newcomers to Ouray as they walked their dog and greeted everyone they knew or didn’t know.
A Celebratory Memorial Service will be held at a later date. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Angie’s name, please send it to The Friends of the Wright Opera House or The United Church of the San Juans.
Wayne Michael Duce
September 12, 1935 ~ May 2, 2012
Wayne Michael Duce age 76, of Boyd, left this world on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 with a fishing pole in his hand, and his dog Patrick by his side; doing what he loved to do best now, spending time at the family’s favorite gathering spot Tippee Canoe Fish Camp. Wayne was born September 12, 1935 at home in Boyd, the son of the late Herbert & Vivian (Larson) Duce. He grew up in Stanley and attended area schools, graduating from Stanley High School in 1953. On September 16, 1955 he married the love of his life, Carole Jo Lodahl, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Yellow River. The couple moved to Milwaukee with Wayne working long hours as a switchman for the railroad at a machine shop and a garage and setting pins at a bowling alley in the evening. In 1957 they moved south of Stanley where Wayne was employed at LaGrander’s Cheese Factory and the Yellowstone Garage. The family survived the tornado of 1958 with the scars to prove it. Later that year Wayne opened his own garage “Wayne’s Standard Service” offering red carpet service to the Stanley area for over 20 years. In 1978 Wayne turned the wrenches and gas pumps over to his son Steve and started a new adventure with Carole and John in SW Colorado. For 16 years Wayne did everything from welding, concrete work, and mechanic work at Hartman Bros. and Sunset Service. He even played a small part in a Dennis Weaver film. (Wayne created countless memories for friends and family with hunting, camping, fishing and horseback riding through the beautiful San Juan Mountains, and also throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada. They then moved to Colfax, WI and later back to their roots in Boyd. Wayne was an excellent horseman doing gaming, racing and hosting horse shows at this home in Stanley. Wayne was instrumental in establishing the Rock & “K” saddle club in Hannibal. He played drums in polka bands and also at his church in Florida, Peace Lutheran. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, was an avid Packer fan, Stanley-Boyd Oriole fan, strongly supporting wresting and football and helped on the chain gang. Wayne and Carole made numerous trips across the country and spent winter in Florida.
Wayne is survived by his wife Carole of Boyd and his five children, Julie (Darrell) Richard of Menomonie, WI; Randy (Laura) Duce of Cologne, MN; Steve (Becky) Duce of Ridgway, CO; LaVonne (Jim) Burns of Colfax, WI; John Duce of Boyd, WI; twelve grandchildren, Nyna, Jesse and Ian Richard, Dana (Dan) Gavin, Steve, Eva, Heidi Duce, Tiffany, Justin (Melissa) and Brittney Acker, Kyle (Kristi) and Derek Duce, four great-granddaughters, Adelyn Acker, Madelyn Duce, Kendyl Acker, August Power, step grandchildren Jessica (Sam) Burns, Jordan Burns, Jeff, Kelsi, and Tessa Scanlon and Kyle Travis, plus twelve beloved brother and sister-in-laws. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Jesse Randahl Acker and brothers, Herbert Jr., and Richard Duce, and sister, Marlene Duce.
A Memorial service will be held on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Plombon Funeral Home, Stanley. Friends and family may call from 4-7:30 p.m. on Monday prior to services.
Wayne was so passionate and proud of his large family and that extended to his “adopted family.” He always made sure that everybody had their fill of his “special recipe” pancakes. He may not still be at our side but he will always be in our hearts. The trail is endless.
Paul Raymond Studley
July 30, 1944 ~ December 8, 2011
Paul Raymond Studley, 67, of Graham, Texas died December 8, 2011 from complications of kidney failure. He was a summer resident of Ouray for over 30 years. Paul’s passion was capturing the beauty and the history of the San Juan mountains and Ouray through his photography. He won many awards with his photographs. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, of Graham, Texas and Ouray, and his son, Bryan, of Witchita Falls, Texas.
Philip Kerner Icke
August 8, 1939 ~ April 23, 2012
Philip Kerner Icke, 72, a longtime resident of Ouray, CO, and nephew of former Illinois governor, Otto Kerner, passed away Monday evening, April 23, 2012, at the Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO, from complications brought on by pneumonia.
Philip was born August 8, 1939, in Evanston, IL, the only child of Philip F. Icke and Rose (Kerner) Icke. At a young age, Philip (known to friends and family as “PK”) moved with his parents to Ouray, where his father began a successful practice as a lawyer, and later, as the county judge. After graduation from the Ouray schools, PK attended the University of Colorado-Boulder, and graduated in 1961. It is there where he met his future wife, Jeri Foster. The two were married on April 29, 1960, and had two daughters, Karen Rose and Jill Susanne. After graduation, PK enlisted in the army, and moved with Jeri to the Washington, DC, area, serving two years at Fort Belvoir. After completing his service, PK moved with Jeri, and now Karen, to the Chicagoland area, where PK had accepted a job with the First National Bank of Chicago (a predecessor bank to today’s JP Morgan Chase Bank), and where PK began a very long and successful career selling municipal bonds. He retired from the bank in 1991, and shortly thereafter, moved back to Ouray, to care for his ailing father, his mother having passed away many years prior.
PK truly enjoyed returning to Ouray, and became a strong supporter and booster for the Ouray County Museum and the Ouray County Historical Society. In his free time, he enjoyed watching the Cubs on TV on his back patio, and taking annual trips to Europe and Florida.
Surviving to mourn his loss are his former wife, Jeri, of Highlands Ranch, CO; his two daughters, Karen, of Lakewood, CO, and Mrs. Jonathan (Jill) Buck of Castle Rock, CO; and two granddaughters, Grace and Eleanor Buck, as well as numerous friends and extended family in Colorado, Wisconsin and Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents.
PK had wished to be cremated. The family honored those wishes, and will plan a memorial service in Ouray this summer, the plans for which will be announced at a later date.
The family humbly requests friends refrain from sending flowers, but would welcome donations on PK’s behalf to the Ouray County Historical Society or to the City of Ouray Fire Department, to help with the funding of The Fourth of July events.
We will miss you dearly, PK.
Edith Noble
d. April 17, 2012
Edith Noble age 94 of Grand Junction, Co passed away Tuesday morning, April 17, 2012 in Grand Junction, Co.
Survivors include her sons James D. (Patsy) Noble of Evergreen, Co, H. Roger (Gail) Noble of Ridgway, Co and her daughters Bonnie J. Noble of Grand Junction and Joan R. (Larry) Johnson of Montrose, Co.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel in Montrose, with burial to follow at Grand View Cemetery, west of Montrose.
In lieu of flowers memorial contribution in loving memory of Edith may be made to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, c/o Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, Co 81401. Condolences may be made to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, Montrose.
Steven McMullen
April 15, 1958 ~ April 14, 2012
Steven McMullen was born on April 15th, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida to parents Samuel and Pauline McMullen. The family moved throughout the Midwest when he was a child before settling in Grand Junction. Steve loved talking about working at a dairy with his father when he was a teenager. But his fondest childhood memories were from spending summers in Ouray visiting his Great Uncle Keith and Aunt Fran Johnson who lived in the Dexter Creek House. He loved listening to the creek at night and fishing in it during the day. His ties to Ouray can be traced back to when his mom was a little girl growing up in Camp Bird. Steve developed a lifelong love for the mountains at an early age.
Steve raised daughters Jessica and Aubrey McMullen in Grand Junction where he owned and operated Stemco Painting/Construction. In 2002, Steve moved to Ouray with daughter Aubrey after building the first of eight specialty homes in town. He held a great amount of pride in his hard work and craftsmanship and passed this trade on to his daughter Jessica. His hobbies included jeeping, camping, grilling and traveling, even once surprising his daughters by visiting them in Peru. Nothing made Steve happier than spending time with his daughters. He openly welcomed all of their friends and had a father-like love for many of them.
Steve is survived by both daughters and his sisters: Patricia Martison, Michelle McMullen and Kathleen Duff; he will be greatly missed by the entire community of Ouray.
A graveside service will be held at 2pm, Thursday the 19th of April at Cedar Hill Cemetery. A pot-luck celebration of life will be help immediately following the service at the Duce residence. Anyone who knew Steve, or knows Jessica or Aubrey is more than welcome to come celebrate Steve’s life. Contributions can be made to the Steve McMullen Memorial Fund at any Alpine Bank location.
