Margarett W. “Peg” Furey, a former Gunnison municipal judge whose love of animals, friends, and adventure inspired many over the course of a long and colorful life, died Saturday, Jan. 28, at her home in Port Townsend, Wash. She was 76. Born in Coronado, Calif., she majored in French at the University of Colorado, studied and traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East, and received a Master’s in Education from Stanford University before marrying Jim Furey in 1966. He died in 1998. Peg received a J.D. from the University of Wyoming in 1978, and worked for many years as a lawyer and then judge in Gunnison, where she received several awards for her pro bono work on behalf of children. After retirement, in 2005, she moved to Port Townsend. Peg is survived by her brother, Dick Johnson and his wife Sarah; nephew Steve, his wife Karen, and children Emily, Hunter, and Rebecca; niece Lynn Gallagher, her husband Mike, and children Noah, Sam, and Lily; daughter Constance Furey, son-in-law, Jason Fickel, granddaughter Veronica Furey Fickel, and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Olympic Neighbors, Olympic Mountain Pet Pals, or any of the many other organizations Peg supported during her Gunnison years.

Elmer Roy Dunbar passed away peacefully in Gunnison on February 8, at the age of 91. He was born in Gunnison on Sept. 18, 1925 to Alta and Roy (Sandy) Dunbar and made his home in Gunnison his entire life. Elmer moved with his parents to the family ranch in the Tomichi valley at the age of two and grew up learning the ranching way of life. He attended Gunnison Schools, was active in FFA and 4-H, graduating from high school in 1943. Elmer met the love of his life Alva May Gray in 1948 and they were married June 15, 1949 shortly after she completed high school. For 64 years the soulmates shared a love of dancing and spending time with friends and family. He and Alva May lived on and operated the Dunbar Family Ranch from the time they were married until they sold the ranch and moved to town in 1991. He enjoyed his retirement by spending his days driving in his pickup truck through the mountains. He loved spending time on the family properties at Spring Creek and Taylor River. Elmer enjoyed exploring many backcountry roads and locations throughout Gunnison County and stopping occasionally to visit with life-long friends. He especially enjoyed elk hunting, fishing and rock collecting in what he called “his” mountains. Elmer was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, the IOOF Lodge and Gunnison County Pioneer and Historical Society. He served as President of the Spring Creek Cattle Association and Cattlemen’s Days Board of Directors. Elmer was a strong, silent man with a kind and giving heart who lived a simple life. He loved his family first and foremost and his home was filled with love and laughter, where he enjoyed countless family gatherings and holidays. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alva May and daughter Carol Ann. He is survived by his brother Donald Dunbar (Marilyn); children Jolene Sherer (Jeff ), Donalee Dunbar, Larry Dunbar (Debbie) and Greg Dunbar (Christina); grandchildren Cynthia and Vicki Dunbar, Lindsay Thurman (Robert), Eric Dunbar, Nikki Herrera (Mario) and Chelsey Tesky (Kyle); four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. There will be a memorial service Friday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge in Gunnison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Gunnison BPOE Elks Lodge #1623, 123 S. Main Street, Gunnison, CO 81230.

It is with deep sorrow that the family of James LeRoy Chapman, lately of Arvada, Colo., share the news of his death on Feb. 18, 2017, after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife, Ora June (nee Miller) to whom he was married on Sept. 12, 1947, his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Janis Chapman of Colorado Springs, his daughters, Christine Herring and her husband kent, of Pflugerville, TX, and Linda Chapman of Arvada, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Included in the extended family are Albert and Doris Adu-Acheampong and their three children. Jim was born in Littleton on April 26, 1926 to Roy and Mabel Christine (nee Verink) Chapman. He attended Brighton Public schools and graduated from Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University) in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served his country as a Naval aviation cadet between June 1944 and October 1945. After college graduation, Jim went to work for the International Harvester Company in the Agricultural division in Denver. He moved his family to Gunnison in 1952 to assume ownership of Chapman Equipment. He ran the business until 1985 at which time he moved to Grand Junction and worked at Hanson Equipment until he retired. In Gunnison and Grand Junction, Jim was active in the Lions Club, with a particular interest in the vision screening program for children. While in Grand Junction, he received an award from the state Lions Club for his work with school children. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in both cities as a 32nd degree Mason. In Gunnison, Jim was involved in many civic activities such as sponsorship of Future Farmers of America, from whom he received an award, and 4-H. He was a Volunteer Fireman; a member of the local Cattlemen’s association, active in the Chamber of Commerce, served with the Civil Air Patrol and was instrumental, with local ranchers, in founding the Gunnison Conservation District. In Grand Junction, Jim served with Gray Gourmet and received an award for his volunteer service. Jim loved the Lord and had a heart for serving others. He was involved in the church, serving as Deacon in Gunnison for both the First Baptist and the Trinity Baptist Churches. In Grand Junction, he served as Deacon for both Bookcliff Baptist and Emmanuel Baptist Churches. Jim’s service will be at 1 p.m. on Feb. 23, at Chapel Hill Mortuary located at 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO. In lieu of flowers, please send your remembrances to: Salvation Army, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Charity of your choice.

Kenny Howard of Delta passed away on Feb. 14, 2017. Kenny was born in Gunnison on Dec. 4, 1962 to Crandall and Ramona Howard. He was raised in Cathedral, Colo. where he later became the fourth generation Howard to run the ranch, which was established in 1903. He is survived by his parents Ramonia and Crandall Howard, sisters Amy Eifling and Susanne (Scott) King; and numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Prior to taking over ranch duties, Kenny enjoyed riding bulls and catching wild horses in Arizona. During his tenure on the ranch, Kenny treasured working cattle, training horses — Kenny would not have said he broke horses. Breaking suggests a one-sided relationship, whereas training suggests a mutual understanding, which is how Kenny approached a young horse. He was always very calm and relaxed as he and the horse developed a mutual respect. Then there was fixing machinery (although he called that haying and didn’t care for it). Kenny Howard’s presence will be sorely missed but his family and friends will never forget his kind-heartedness and witty sense of humor. A service will be held on Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Rosemont Baptist Church in Montrose.

Born in Virginia on Oct., 5, 1951. Pamela arrived in Gunnison in 1983. She passed away Feb. 28, 2017. Pamela was a Bartender and Hotel Manager at Timbers Pub for 17 years. She worked for several motels in town over the years. The last motel she worked was the Waterwheel Inn. She is survived by two sisters and husband Neal Brady. She will be sorely missed.

Bertha Marie Ross, age 58, a resident of Gunnison, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. She was born on Dec. 28, 1958 to the late Keitha Irene McKinney and the late Russell Floyd Ross from Johnstown, Ohio. She was a resident of Gunnison for 22 years. Marie was a loving and deeply devoted mother who enjoyed spending her time with friends and family. She was kind, caring and an inspiration to all she met. Marie is survived by one daughter, Kayla Marie Ross of Gunnison, countless “adopted” children and her beloved furry friends, Spookey and Precious. She is preceded in death by her brother Larry James Copodonna of Las Vegas, Nev. Memorial Services for Marie are to be further announced. The family requests that any donations be made through The Gunnison Bank and Trust, 232 W. Tomichi, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Delta, Colo. resident and longtime Gunnison resident and fourth generation “Gunnisonite,” Hugh D. “Sonny” Carpenter, passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at his residence. He was 80 years of age. The memorial service honoring Sonny’s life was held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge #116 in Delta, Colo. Inurnment will take place in May 2017 at Gunnison Cemetery in Gunnison. Hugh DeVere Carpenter, Jr. was born on May 5, 1936 to Hugh DeVere and Ida Ruth (Evans) Carpenter in Cebolla, Colo. He grew up on the family ranch at Ohio Creek and at the family’s resort in Cebolla. He graduated from Gunnison High School with the Class of 1955 where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. On December 7, 1957, Sonny married the love of his life, Myra Evonne Wright in Gunnison. To this union, two children were born. They lived in Gunnison then moved to Abilene, Texas in 1990 where they lived for four years then moved to Delta in 1994. Sonny, a carpenter by trade, was a member of Grand Mesa Southern Baptist Church in Cedaredge which he loved and served as a deacon and the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows Lodge #116 in Delta. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and tinkering in his barn. Sonny is survived by his wife, Evonne Carpenter; his two daughters: Diana “Lynn” (Don) Cadrin and Sheila Denise Carpenter, all of Delta; his brother, George (Pat) Carpenter of Salida; and his sister, Joyce Ann (Barry) Bromley of Platteville, Colo.; brother in law Wayne (Jean) Wright, sister in law Pam Wright all of Grand Junction; sister in law Vicki Wright of Louisiana as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Ida Carpenter and a brother, Jack Harry Carpenter, brothers in law Arnold and Larry Wright, father and mother in law Lee (Lucille) Wright. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made in Sonny’s memory to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association at www.billygraham.org. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com.

Tami Jean (Fennern) Dawidowski, 53, of Marquette, Mich., passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, March 1, 2017 in the care of her loving husband Danny, sister Robin and caregivers at UP Health System – Marquette. Tami was born July 15, 1963 in Springfield, Minn. to Joel and Janet Fennern and grew up in Colorado where she graduated from Gunnison High School, class of 1981. Following graduation, she attended Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. Tami married Danny Dawidowski on May 22, 1999 in Harbor Springs, Mich. and they enjoyed 17 wonderful years together. Tami was a selfless community volunteer and enjoyed serving as President of the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee. She was a member of the Marquette Golf Club and the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club. In her free time she enjoyed golfing, hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, pistol shooting and was a master gardener. Surviving are her loving husband of 17 years, Danny Dawidowski; step-daughter, Amy (Morgan) Dawidowski-Wells of Black Hawk, Colo.; grandsons: Hunter and Liam Wells; and her sisters: Robin Fennern of Scottsdale, Ariz., Terri Stradley of Kent, Wash. and her mother, Janet Fennern of Gunnison. Tami was preceded in death by her father. The family kindly asks that any memorial considerations be directed to: Tami’s Garden, C/O Father Marquette Park Fund, Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee Inc., P.O. Box 334, Marquette, MI 49855.

Dora Mae Trampe, 92, of Gunnison passed away on March 1, 2017 surrounded by her family in Gunnison. Dora Mae was born in Westcliff , Colo. to William Jacob Entz and Nellie Bly Hoss on Nov. 23, 1924. Dora Mae sought out the opportunity to attend college in Gunnison, working at M.J. Verzuh Insurance Agency allowed her to save up for her dream. On June 17, 1945 Dora Mae married Sheldon Trampe in Gunnison and she soon devoted herself to the ranching lifestyle. Over the years she immersed herself in the daily operations of the ranch, where she found a deeper passion than attending school. Until her husband passed away, Dora Mae found herself ranching north of Gunnison right alongside Sheldon. After losing her husband, Dora Mae worked tirelessly with her children to keep the ranch progressive and made sure it stayed within the family. Over the years her energy only grew for agriculture. She was actively involved in her grandchildren's 4-H projects and was a relentless advocate for ranching, land conservation and the livelihood of agriculture in the Gunnison Valley. All of which led to a passing legacy of ranching and recently resulted in the permanent preservation of the Trampe Ranch. Through the years Dora Mae had enthusiasm for being an active member of the Gunnison community, where she sat on the Gunnison County Planning Commission, The Colorado State Planning Commission, and was on the board of directors for the First National Bank. Furthermore, Dora Mae was an active member in The Rebecca Hall Lodge, Cowbells, Community Church of Gunnison and the Garden Club. Though Dora Mae's ambitions only grew. She traveled the world with her siblings, enjoyed rooting for Denver sports teams, loved the outdoors and became particularly fond of fishing at the family cabin. Dora Mae enjoyed life's simplicities; reading, sewing, needlework, playing bridge and she even became well known for her meringue pies. Dora Mae is preceded in passing by her husband Sheldon, and sisters Blanche Entz Loens, Freida Entz Hanson, Iola Entz Long and brother Lawrence Entz. She is survived by her son William (Bill) Trampe and Barbara East, daughter Bette Mae Rundell and her husband Don, granddaughters Karla Rundell and Shelby Rundell-Le and husband Chris Le, as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers a memorial donations may be made to a fund in Dora Mae's name at Community Banks of Colorado, which will be used to further her passion of education. The family of Dora Mae Trampe wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Porter and staff at the Gunnison Hospital. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Professor John Peterson, 61, suffered a fatal climbing accident on March 5, after a long weekend of adventuring with his family and friends. John led a life rich in both adventure and learning, which he shared (sometimes rather forcefully) with friends, family, students, and chance acquaintances alike. During his youth in the Denver area, he did a lot of hiking around the Rocky Mountains and enjoying nature with his similarly outdoorsy parents and three younger brothers. In his high school and college years, John's passion expanded to include several more outdoor sports, ranging from rock climbing to cross-country skiing to whitewater kayaking, as well as computer programming, classical music, and his soon-to-be wife Marti Peterson. John earned a doctorate degree in Computer Science from the University of Utah, and taught computer science in Tucson, Ariz., before settling down in a research position at Yale University with his wife and two sons, Jay and Eric. In his several years on the East Coast John put countless hours into the research of computer languages, becoming one of the designers and implementers of Haskell, a functional computer language which befuddles and entrances students in equal measure to this day. John also became a well known figure in the comparatively small Connecticut climbing and kayaking communities, dedicating much of his free time to the Ragged Mountain Foundation and Access Fund, and spreading his love of adventure to a new generation of outdoor adventurers. John took a delight in teaching, both in the classroom and outdoors, which eventually led him to his position as Professor of Computer Science at Western State Colorado University. John's students will remember him as an infectiously enthusiastic lecturer, willing to dedicate his evenings to help them tackle his fiendishly difficult assignments, and prone to inviting anyone with the slightest hint of interest in the outdoors to join him on his weekend adventures (occasionally against their better judgment). John's love of classical music drew him to the Western Symphony Band, where he played trombone with the same vigour and enthusiasm he applied to all other aspects of his life. John is survived by his wife Marti, sons Eric and Jay, and "that stupid dog" Bear. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, thirst for knowledge, and passion for inspiring those two traits in others. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. in the Western State Colorado University, University Center Ballroom. We are collecting tributes. If you have a JP story to share, please send it to GRHaynes@western.edu. Try to remember the good times. He was a big supporter of the Access Fund, which helps to keep access open to areas for hiking, skiing, boating, and rock climbing, Donations to the access fund should be in memory of John Peterson of Gunnison. https://www.accessfund.org/join-or-give. Donations to a scholarship fund at the Western State Colorado University Foundation would also be deeply appreciated: Checks may be made out to “Western State Foundation” with “John Peterson Memorial” on the memo line, or make a gift online on the secure site via credit card, paypal or echeck at western.edu/give and put “John Peterson Memorial” in the comments box.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Margarett “Peg” Furey will be held in the Van Tuyl (cement) room of the Fred Field Building at the rodeo grounds tomorrow evening, Friday, March 17, from 6-8 p.m. Please bring finger food and perhaps a “Peg story” to share.

Mary Louise Townsend, 86, of Canyon, TX passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 in Canyon. Mary is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Townsend, to whom she was married for 66 years. They traveled to Gunnison multiple summers to announce The Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo.

Janet Elizabeth Stegall was born Aug. 25, 1931 to parents, Flora Manette (Chase) Stegall, and Warren Keith Stegall at her grandmother, Jessie (Scudder) Chase’s home in Clarendon, Texas. They moved to Wicket, Texas in 1937, then to Kermit, and Pampa, Texas. In 1943, they moved to Gunnison, where she attended Gunnison County High School, graduating in 1949, and then attended Western State College (Western State Colorado University). Her father, Keith Stegall, was a well-known and respected Gunsmith in Gunnison, who hand-crafted custom rifles. A native of Hart, Texas, Keith Stegall was of the country’s premier custom gunstock makers, and was renowned for his checkering and craftsmanship. Keith Stegall was a member of the Gunnison Valley Masonic Lodge #39, and a member of the Community Church. Janet married James Henry Wuske of Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 9, 1952, the day after he graduated from Western State. They had two daughters, Patricia and Sheryl. In August, 1956, they moved to Alliance, Ohio, where Jim became head track coach and cross country coach at the University of Mount Union (Mount Union College). She taught business courses and typing at Alliance High School from 1968 to her retirement in 1998. Janet was a member of First Friends Church in Alliance. She then moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., in June, 1999, where she had been living since then. She took up teaching as a Title 1 Tutor and thoroughly enjoyed working with children at several elementary schools up until the age of 80. In her spare time she enjoyed her family, her cats, feeding the ducks at the neighborhood lake, and selling mustard seed jewelry online. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Wuske in 1979, and her daughter, Patricia Wuske, in 2005. She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl McKesson of St. Petersburg, grandchildren, Kevin McKesson of St. Petersburg, Molly (McKesson) O’Malley of St. Petersburg, and Angela (Jordan) Kuntzman of Alliance, Ohio. She is also survived by a brother, Keith Stegall II of Leadville, Colo., a sister, Mary (Stegall) Englehart of Cortez, Colorado, great grandchildren, Jordan and Gavin Kuntzman of Alliance, and several nieces and nephews. Services are being held in St. Petersburg and Alliance. Contact info is sherylmck13@msn.com. Memorial donations may be made to the James H. Wuske Endowed Prize Fund at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.

Ronald Lee Young, born Sept. 28, 1950, to George and Jacqueline Young in St. Louis Mo., passed away on March 13, 2017. Ron moved to Gunnison in the early 1970's. He loved golf, fishing, and basketball. He is survived by his three daughters, Lachele Young, Crystal Young, and Nichole Graham; one grandson, Wyatt Kempton; three brothers, Jerry Young, Bobbie Young and wife Janet, Dale Young and wife Louise; nephews, Justin Young and his son Ezra, Jeremy Young and wife Mellissa and their daughter Monroe; niece, Cassidy Young. Until we meet again on the golf course in heaven, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Thomas J. Brady of Ohio City, the love of my life, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brady (now deceased) of Reading, Pa. While living in Florida he met and married Jackie for 42 years. His true adventure was moving to “beautiful Colorado” where camping and hiking was the best. He is survived by his wife, Jackie. Also, several relatives back east. Private family arrangements are pending.

A lifetime rancher and Gunnison native passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017. Gene was born on May 5, 1940 to Matt and Mildred Hollenbeck of Gunnison. He was one of eight children. He spent his entire life in the Gunnison and Mont rose areas. Gene will be remembered for his laugh at a good joke, and his absolute commitment to agriculture. His countless hours spent as a 4-H leader in Montrose, advisor to the Montrose FFA, Montrose County Fair board, or his work on the Gunnison Cattlemen's Days committee where he eventually served as President. Gene knew no stranger and was always willing to help. He took pride in being a father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents Matt and Mildred Hollenbeck, brother Dan Hollenbeck, sisters Mary Loop, Nancy Rundell, Ruth McConnell, and Virginia Crone. He is survived by his daughter Kareen Hollenbeck, her husband Justin Frigetto, and their daughter Kayren. Son William Hollenbeck his wife Amanda and their children James and Sarah. He is also survived by sisters Margret Robbins and Bonnie Allen. A memorial service will be held at Gunnison Community Church at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, viewing will start at 1 p.m. A graveside service to follow at the Hollenbeck Ranch. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. 970.249.2121.

Roy Eugene “Gene” Hill, 70, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 after a brief but valiantly fought battle with cancer. Gene was born in Pueblo on Feb.14, 1947, a birthday he shared with his father, Roy, both of them being Valentine’s Day babies. He graduated from Central High School in Pueblo in 1965 where he played basketball and developed a lifelong love for all sports. He later coached children of all ages helping them to also develop their love of sports. Most recently, Gene volunteered for the Athletic Department at Western State University where one of his greatest joys was being an announcer for the Mountaineer football games. If he was not playing, coaching or announcing sports, you could be sure to find him watching a favorite team on television. After graduating high school, Gene joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Vietnam and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from 1965 to 1968 as an MP. After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he joined the police force in Gunnison, beginning a forty-one (41) year career in law enforcement in both Gunnison and Montrose. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Earvin Hill and Odetta Pauline Sumrall. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, the loves of his life: daughter Tara Yvonne Logan, her husband Kevin and his granddaughter Kalee; daughter Kara Yvette Burton, her husband Ollie, his grandson Brenden and granddaughter Brooklyn; and his son, Gregory Scott Hill, his wife Shannon and grand daughter, Emmalyn (arriving June 2017). Gene is also survived by his sister, Peggy Barnett. Gene never met a stranger, had a smile and a joke for everyone and lived for every minute he could share with his family and friends. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Friday, March 24 at 1 p.m. at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center in Gunnison. Crippin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis "Penny" Jean Eilebrecht Kysar, was born in Gunnison on Feb. 25, 1948, to Phillip and Patricia (King) Eilebrecht. She grew up on the ranch and graduated from Gunnison High School in 1966. A year later she married Steve Christensen and they had two children together. They move to Olathe in 1977 at which time she started working for Tri -State Generation and Transmission. She continued working there until 2004. Penny was an avid horsewoman her entire life. Her life revolved around her horses and she would continue to compete in barrel racing until her health no longer allowed. She also loved to watch her children compete. Her husband, Gilbert Kysar, her horse "Yeller" and favorite dog "Rooster" would share her closest company. She was born a tough cowgirl, lived the same and would remain so until her death on Friday, March 17, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents Phillip and Patricia Eilbrecht, and her first husband Steve Christensen. Penny is survived by her husband Gib Kysar, two children and their families, Eric Christensen of Delta, Colo. and Jan and Bill Brown of North Platte, Nebraska. One sister Debra Stegar of Montrose, Colo. She is also survived by her stepchildren and their families, Deanna and Mike Cooper of Lake City, Colo., Joanna Kysar of Springtown, Texas, Barbara and Rick Kaiser of Vero Beach, Fla. and Alek and Margaret Ipatenco of Aurora, Colo. Eleven grandchildren had the opportunity to call her "grandma” or Nana P. Wacey Christensen of Olathe, Colo., Memphis Brown, Clancy Brown, Phoenix Brown, of Nebraska, Clayton Cooper and Jessica Cooper of Missouri, Kadle Murdock and Karson Ferguson of Texas and Lena, Nikolai and Lily Ipatenco of Colorado. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 27 at 1 p.m. at the Gunnison Cemetery in Gunnison. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose, and Gunnison Funeral Service are assisting the family.

Barbara L. Townsend was born Feb. 11, 1933 and passed away March 6, 2017. Barbara lived in Denver and vacationed at her home in Gunnison where she and husband Richard felt was truly home. Since 1955, Barbara, Richard and son Jim spent many a summer camping and fishing in addition to celebrating winter holidays in the Gunnison Valley. Barbara had a long career and retired from Colorado State Employees Credit Union after opening multiple branches throughout Colorado while becoming the organization’s first female Branch Manager. After retirement, Barbara enjoyed traveling internationally with her friends and sisters. Over the years, Barbara opened her home and heart to several young people from Gunnison who relocated to the Denver area. She became affectionately known as Grandma T to many families and generations. As a passionate volunteer, Barbara spent time working with the Alzheimer’s Organization and enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society. Above all she was an avid Bronco’s fan. Many will miss her. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Townsend, sister Maxine, and brother Don. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Dionigi and husband Rudy; son, James Townsend and wife Carol; grandson, Joshua Townsend and wife Audrie; granddaughter, Morgan Townsend and husband Chester Anderson; Kabel Skelton, Karter Skelton and wife Tori; great grandchildren, Brantley and Levi Townsend, and Porter Skelton. Our family would like to thank and recognize the numerous caring staff members of Home Health, Hospice, and the Gunnison Valley Hospital. The kindness and compassion for our family was overwhelming and appreciated.

Arlene Hecht, 92, passed peacefully on March 19, 2017 with her family by her side. Survived by Steven Hecht, Kevin Hecht, Kathy (Rick) Tonnessen, six grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews. Services were held March 25 in Denver.