Kathleen was born on May 1, 1927 in Pontiac, Mich. to Louis Burns Ward and Elizabeth Dunn. She came from a long line of Irish Catholics from County Meath, the land of the high kings of Ireland, and Dublin. She was the third of four children that included Eleanor (Mimi), John, and Neil. Her father was a World War I Army veteran, historian, biographer, author, poet, educator, lobbyist and politician who staged two U.S. Senate campaigns and wrote Father Coughlin’s biography. Her mother was a nurse and served in World War I with the Red Cross. Childhood memories were highlighted by the annual summer treks to the Adirondacks in upstate New York where the family owned a three story cottage, named Dun Ward. Kathleen cherished the memories of her summers with family at the cottage on Star Lake throughout her life. Her mom passed away when Kathleen was 13 years old and her dad followed just two years later. No one could ever match her tenacity and loyalty in sharing their story and the tales of her storied childhood. Not a day passed that she didn’t tell some story about her parents, siblings or Star Lake. After her mother died, Kathleen and her brother Neil moved to Port Henry, N.Y. with Aunt Marge. After high school she attended Albany Business College and then the all-women’s Catholic school, Marygrove College in Detroit where she earned a history degree. After graduation, she began teaching in the Detroit Public Schools and in 1953 she took a sabbatical where she taught American children in post-World War II Japan. Her principal wanted the very best from her teachers from Monday through Friday but she didn’t want to see them on the weekends, instead they were to explore Japan. Among other activities, she travelled to Bangkok and Hong Kong; she met Mickey Rooney; and she climbed Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji. Before going to Japan she met Charles Brian Magee in 1951. Brian called Kathleen and their first date was epic — starting at 2 p.m. at Pat Flower’s Piano Bar, continuing through the evening and ending at 2 a.m. Brian, who was working on his PhD at Purdue University, put Kathleen on the train to Japan. When she returned from Japan, Kathleen’s and Brian’s romance resumed with her taking many trips from Detroit to West Lafayette, IN. One time she brought the Thanksgiving turkey with her; other trips were to watch the Purdue football games. On Christmas Eve 1954, Brian proposed and they were married on July 16, 1955. They honeymooned in the Bahamas where they enjoyed walks along the moonlit beach. Brian was hired by General Electric in Cincinnati, Ohio so they packed and moved and here their first son, Robert Marion III was born. The next year in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Colleen Margaret was born. Back in Cincinnati, Brian Michael was born the following year. Next stop was Deerfield, Ill. where Christopher John was born. Brian joined the faculty at University of Denver and the family moved to Littleton, Colo. in 1961. They put down deep roots here and raised their family. Three more children were born in Colorado, James Patrick, Patrick Andrew, and Mary Caitlin. Despite all the demands of raising a family, Kathleen was back in the classroom earning her Master’s degree in Special Education in 1968 from University of Denver. In Littleton, the two story Bemis house was pretty crammed with nine family members but the back door, called the Dutch door, was the front door and it was always open to neighbors, friends, and relatives. The home was a gathering place for many and Kathleen’s generosity of spirit was always present. Kathleen loved flowers and gardening and began her crusade of cutting away the lawn to make room for flowers. Later she became an inaugural volunteer for Hudson Gardens and weekly would spend hours weeding and planting the new botanic gardens. Kathleen loved hiking and wildflowers and took her children on many of the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park. Her love of hiking led her to join the Colorado Mountain Club and she regularly participated in many outings along the Front Range with the younger children and later she travelled with CMC on their summer weeklong camp outs and eventually to Alaska, Scotland, and Norway. Her love of nature and recreating in it was passed down to all of her children. The family spent summer vacations touring the western U.S. in a VW bus camping in national parks in the mountains, deserts and along ocean coasts. In 1965, Kathleen won a raffle at Lemke’s Meat Market on Littleton’s Main Street and she spent her winnings on a large, ten-man canvas tent that served as the family’s summer quarters on many trips throughout the Rockies and all the way to Lake Michigan and Carpinteria beach in California. Kathleen was a great camp cook and her favorite meal was fish. While Brian was out fly fishing with very little luck, she was chatting with bait fishing Texan camp neighbors and usually had several trout in the frying pan when Brian returned to camp. At home Kathleen raised her seven children and continued her own career as a teacher. In the early years Mrs. Stone was the indispensable babysitter. Kathleen instilled cooperation and work ethic in her family. Each child, no matter how old they were, helped out with chores. There were seven jobs, no one was a freeloader. Kathleen created traditions for her family. Every holiday was a big deal. Every birthday was celebrated in a meaningful way. At Christmas she started the tradition of making the famous Magee fudge that was delivered to all the neighbors and teachers for years, a half century tradition that continues to this day. Every Sunday the family gathered around the dining room table for a special feast and storytelling. Kathleen was a devoted Catholic her entire life. She was an active parishioner for over 50 years at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Littleton where among other things she joined several trips to the Holy Land (Israel and Egypt), Rome and the Vatican, Greece, Germany and Ireland. Kathleen taught in the Littleton Public Schools from 1969 to 1983 focusing on elementary reading and special education. After Brian passed away in 1983, Kathleen worked for the Air Force and then the Department of Education before retiring in 1993. In retirement she volunteered at Damon Runyon Elementary School working in the third grade for many years. She had a variety of causes and affiliations including 4-H, the Meadowbrook Homemakers Club, the Colorado Mountain Club, Saint Mary’s, Bemis Library, the Denver Zoo, Museum and Botanical Gardens, and Hudson Gardens, among others. She loved reading and belonged to book clubs at Saint Mary’s and the Bemis Library. Kathleen dwelled in Littleton for 55 years in a neighborhood enriched by many wonderful families that were caring friends. Kathleen moved to Gunnison in 2015 and for the last year she lived at the Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center with a compassionate, wonderful, and attentive staff . This hard-working, generous, resilient, nature-loving, adventurous woman died on June 11, 2017 in Gunnison. She was deeply proud of her seven children and their spouses as well as her 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren (with one more on the way), all of whom are blessed to be part of her legacy. A funeral mass was held at Saint Mary Catholic Church on Monday, June 19 and she was buried in the Littleton Cemetery.

Memorial Service for Fritz Yaklich will be Saturday, July 8 at 10 a.m. at the Crested Butte Cemetery. Followed by lunch at noon at Queen of All Saints Parish Hall in Crested Butte. Let's celebrate his mighty big dash!

William J. Schmalz (Uncle Bill to many) was born in Olathe, Colo. to immigrant parents Tony and Mollie Schmalz on June 7, 1935. He was born in the house across the road from where he was raised. He was the youngest of four children, having two brothers Bud and Don and a sister Virginia. Bill graduated from Olathe High School in 1953 and left his farming life to attend Western State College graduating with a teaching degree in English. While at Western, Bill participated in many sports including track, wrestling, football and also rodeo. Bill was known locally as a unique character bringing laughter and fun to all that knew him. He became known nationwide when he broke Red Grange's football record 30 years to the day by scoring seven touchdowns in seven carries, however one was called back due to a clipping penalty so only six touchdowns counted but it was still a record that stood for many years. He was inducted into the Western State College Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 for Football: 1953-1959. Bill was part of the 1954 football team that won the school's first ever RMAC Championship in any sport and he and the team were inducted into the RMAC Hall of Fame in 2003. Many professional football teams showed interest in Bill including the young Denver Broncos. He received a letter from the famed George Halas to tryout for the Chicago Bears which he declined and instead accepted an offer to play for the Ottawa Roughriders in the Canadian Football League in 1958. After playing football, Bill returned to Gunnison where he began working. He initially cowboy'd for local ranchers, after which he operated the Sleepy Hollow Resort with his brother Don and Don's wife Patsy June. While a group of priests came to stay at the resort, Bill took them on pack trips into the mountains. Patsy thought she should cook a nice dinner for the priests so she asked Bill to go to town and get some chickens. Bill had an old open top jeep so he took his adored young nephew Fred with him. They picked up the chickens and Bill decided to bring his horse "Lady" back out to the resort. He took the front passenger seat out of the jeep and loaded the horse; front feet in the front and back feet in the back. He put Fred on the hood holding the chickens and drove the seven miles back out to the resort. Needless to say people practically drove off the road as they passed Bill on the highway. They made it without incident and as far as Bill was concerned that was not something unusual, it was just what you did when you needed to get something done. After leaving the resort he then operated "The Alamo" a Wild West cafe and local watering hole with weekend music, dances and usually a fist fight or two. Anyone who went to college or worked in Gunnison during that time would have a story or two about their experience there. Bill had a very well trained German Shepherd dog that worked perfectly as a bouncer when needed. While in Gunnison, Bill met the love of his life, Connie. "Wild Bill” wooed Connie with his exploits and many adventures including skiing, horseback riding and sleigh rides to name a few. A great deal of the couple's ventures occurred in Crested Butte where they were married at the Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in the spring of 1963. With his new responsibilities Bill decided to get out of the bar business and help build Blue Mesa Dam by high scaling on the high cliffs of the Black Canyon. This required him to hang on a rope over the edge of the Black Canyon and run a jack hammer to loosen all of the loose rock. The job in itself was bad enough but he worked nights and it was sometimes as cold as 50 degrees below zero. To make it worse, the lunch that he took was usually frozen solid and they had to put them on the salamander to thaw. One night Connie got up to pack his lunch in her not awake state as she had forgotten to put anything in it so all he had was two pieces of frozen bread. It was a good thing they were still in the honeymoon stage of their marriage. When he finally had enough of working in the extreme cold he took a job as undersheriff to the highly respected George Cope, Gunnison County Sheriff. While working for the sheriff's office their first child and pride and joy was born; William Patrick "Pat." His time with the sheriff 's office translated to an opportunity to open his own business as a Bail Bondsman and so they moved to Grand Junction in 1965 where he operated the business. This business itself led to many interesting encounters. In March of 1966 they had their second pride and joy, another son; Joseph “Eric.” Around the fourth of July when it is extremely hot in Grand Junction, Bill had been helping his brother-in-law Jack Ritter on a backhoe project when he came into their house and felt he was freezing to death. He laid on the floor and literally could not get up. He had to be picked up by his sister, Virginia, Connie and a neighbor and was taken to the doctor. Old Dr. Bull said "Bill I believe you have rheumatoid arthritis." After tests he was proven right and that was the beginning of Bill's 50 plus years of struggling with the pain and side effects of the disease. Bill always showed a great attitude and never complained about his pain and was an inspiration to many. For three years Bill could not open a car door or dress himself but eventually did start getting a little better. With the gracious aid of his sister Virginia and brother-in-law Jack Ritter opening their home they survived. They eventually moved to Palisade to be near their dear friends Spike and Shirley Sanders, both Gunnison natives. They have remained close friends and become part of the family. It was in Palisade, Colo. in 1968 that their third pride and joy and first daughter Cassandra Jean "Casey" was born. From Palisade they bought a home on Orchard Mesa and Bill began a four year career in teaching and coaching. From this time Bill and Connie made some of their dearest lifelong friends from the teaching community. In June of 1971 the family welcomed pride and joy number four; Jonathon Richard. They were quickly outgrowing their two bedroom home and Bill’s sister and family had recently bought a farm on the Colorado River that needed a farmer and someone to take care of the Heifers. It seemed to be a good fit although after just having a baby, Connie was not up for the move. On a Saturday morning all of their teacher friends and their spouses showed up with trucks and trailers and packed them up, moved them, had everything put away including pictures hung on the walls of their new home by noon. Karen Levad cooked fried chicken for all. It was unbelievable and Bill and Connie express their gratitude toward more wonderful friends. The farm was known as the "Frog Farm" because there was a lake on it that was full of frogs and catfish. There wasn’t a weekend that went by that there wasn’t someone visiting the farm as everyone had fun horseback riding, swimming, floating the river, fishing, frog gigging, water skiing, duck and goose hunting. In the spring of 1972 the heifers started having calves except they had been bred to a bull that produced too big of calves for a first year heifer. That is when the family’s dear and lifelong friendship with Dr. John Harris and family began. Connie put the newest baby, Jon, in a backpack and walked the 200 acres every day to check the heifers. She would call Dr. Harris if it was time to come deliver and Dr. Roy Grady helped. Although Bill loved teaching and coaching after four years and four children it became harder to survive on a teacher’s salary so Bill went to work for Daren Cypher's Hertz auto dealership and sold cars where more wonderful new friendships developed. Bill purchased the upholstery shop located next to Hertz and after a couple of years, he sold it to pursue a career in real estate. Bill and Connie then purchased a home on the Redlands. Along with the new residence the family was blessed with the fifth and final child, a daughter, Michelle Lea. As the family was finished moving and having children Bill tried his hand at cattle ranching for a season and the following year he went back to something familiar, spending 10 years owning and managing the Cameo Corral Restaurant. Bill retired to his garden which was rarely rivaled in production. He entertained many guests who would marvel at his bounty, much of which he gave away. He was fortunate to have wonderful friends always helping him prep and tend his garden. Bill was an avid and accomplished sportsman and he enjoyed activities with his friends and family. He usually had a pretty good bird dog or working Border collie around and also had an affinity for horses. He owned and trained a variety of horses in a variety of disciplines, from bulldogging, to polo, to race horses and ranch horses. Bill was a devout Catholic and accompanied his cousin Charlie Fedler on trips to acquire food for the soup kitchen. He would plow the church/school parking lot, and help with the altar boy camp-outs. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Connie; sons Pat (Julie); Eric (Nikki); Jon (Jessi); daughters Casey (Kelly) Barry; Michelle (Luke) Tucker; sister Virginia (Jack deceased) Ritter; sisters-in-laws Patsy (Don deceased); Barbara (Bud deceased) and Kathy O’Hara; Grandchildren; Simon, Mallory (Joshua) Haney, Mackenzie, Madison, Alison, Hadley, Hyatt, Grayson Barry, Emma and Mena Tucker also greatgrandchildren; Kylar and Mattis Haney. His nephews Fred, Shane, Rod, Mike, Jess and Jim Ritter, Albert Isordia, his Nieces (Sherrie deceased), Vicky Briggs, Jackie Dodart, Jeannine Smith, his Aunt Joyce and oh so many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers. Bill’s family would like to offer a very special thank you to so many friends and extended family that have helped Bill be able to do so many things and that spent so much time with him. He loved you all very much. Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, caregivers and hospice that have taken care of Bill over the years. You made his life so much easier. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507. In memory of Bill and in lieu of flowers please bring love and a smile to those around you, plant a garden and share your harvest or donate to a charity of your choice or hospice. Thank you.

Rita was born at home on February 24, 1932 in the small village of St. Nicholas on Prince Edward Island, Canada to Stanley and Eva Poirier. She was one of six children. She attended school, walking miles uphill each way in the snow. Rita attended business college in Moncton, New Brunswick and then returned to the island, where she married Wilfred ‘Fred’ Fitzgerald. Together they had seven children, Judy (John Kulka), Mona, (late Tom Flaherty), John (Honey), Karen (late Rob Loomis), Norine (deceased), Lorna and Verna. Soon they immigrated to the United States and chose their home in the Boston area and had another daughter, Lisa (Paul Pike). Rita worked as an account clerk at John Hancock Insurance Company in Boston until her retirement in 1994. She then moved to Gunnison to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Rita had a hard time sitting still in retirement so she soon began working at Wal-Mart, where she became known around town as “Rita the Greeta.” She was always a friendly face around town and was often seen toting a little red Radio Flyer wagon full of her granddaughters Meaghan and Molly. Rita also volunteered in many classrooms at Gunnison Elementary School. Rita loved the peacefulness in Gunnison and lived here until 2014. She lived her last years in Wilmington, Mass. with her son John and wife Honey. She passed away on June 23 surrounded by her loving family and will be missed tremendously by many. She is survived by seven of her children, 13 of her 14 grandchildren and six (soon to be seven) great grandchildren. A small service will be held at Nichols Funeral Home in Wilmington, Mass. on Thursday, June 29 from 4–6 p.m. Memorial donations in Rita’s name may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to our local Gunnison Hospice and Palliative Care, 509 W. Virginia Ave #2, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Maxine Gail Scott Knox, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, will be laid to rest beside her husband of 60 years, Leon William Knox at the Gunnison Cemetery on July 8, 2017. Maxine died on February 14, 2017, after a period of declining health. Maxine was the only child of the late Ferry Wayne and Grace Cardwell Scott. She was born in Gunnison, Colo., on August 6, 1926, where she attended local schools, graduating from Gunnison High School in 1944. Maxine married her high school sweetheart Leon William Knox on June 11, 1946. In 1949, she graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in music and where she became a lifelong member of Chi Omega Sorority. Following graduation, Maxine taught music classes in Grand Junction Public Schools for 15 years. In 1963, Maxine and her family moved to Colorado Springs where she served as a guidance counselor at Wasson High School, until retiring in 1986. Maxine was a lifelong learner and continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Oklahoma. In 1964, Maxine received her Master’s Degree from Western State College in Gunnison. In 1977, she received her Ed.S Degree in counseling from the University of Colorado. After moving to Chandler, Ariz., in 1988, Maxine taught for two years at Mesa Community College where she retired for the last time. She and Leon then moved to Tucson, Ariz., to be closer to their family. In addition to being a caring mother and wife, Maxine was a very talented musician and artist. She especially loved to dance and play jazz on the piano. She was preceded in death by her husband Leon and her beloved dog Brandi. Maxine leaves behind two sons, William Wayne Knox and his wife, Mary Ann and Robert Leon Knox, and his wife Judy as well as six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

David “Dave” E. Field, formerly of Gunnison, passed away November 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Ariz. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Gunnison Cemetery on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 1 p.m.

Announcing a Celebration of Life honoring Kurt Meyer who died November, 2016. He was an '84 GHS grad. We're gathering at the Pavilion in Legion Park, Saturday, July 15 from noon to 5 p.m. Please join us for food, music and memories. Kate Meyer (Mom), Carol Hall Meyer (widow - GHS '82, WSC '86), Laura Meyer Lukassen (sister) GHS '87, WSC '92.

Sandra Lee Rhodes 70, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 8, 2017, in the comfort of her own home with family. Sandra was born November 27, 1946 in Sargents, Colo. to Glenn and Hazel Hicks. She graduated from Gunnison High School in 1963. She married her High School sweetheart Sammy Rhodes the next year in December. Gunnison was her home until 1973 where she moved her family to Sargents on her mother and father’s ranch. She raised her two kids and started Rhodes Upholstery while helping on the ranch. She helped run the family ranch until 2002, when the ranch became hers due to the passing of her parents. Sandra was a long time member of the Jolly Bunch Card Club where she was the secretary until the club was disbanded. Sandra enjoyed going to the mountains to pick wild mushrooms and raspberries. She also enjoyed going and getting firewood with her family. Her favorite past time though was to watch the wildlife from her front window of her house. Sandra always welcomed and enjoyed everyone that would walk in her front door to visit or even stay a few days. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She always made more than enough for everyone. She was well liked in the community and who ever she did business with. She always made sure everyone was taken care of before she took care of herself. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; Glenn and Hazel Hicks and sister; Sue Hutchison. Sandra is survived by her husband, Sammy Rhodes; son, Tommy (Mary) Rhodes; daughter, Tina L. Rhodes; brother, Billy (Charlene) Hicks, brother-in-law Glenn Hutchison, and her aunt Marion Hicks; as well as her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephew, and cousins. A Celebration of life will be held in Sargents, Colo. at the School House on Friday, July 14 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UTHCA (Upper Tomichi Historical & Community Association) P.O. Box 104, Sargents, CO 81248.

Marty was born January 12, 1952 in Chardon, Ohio to Ethel and Alger Dimmick. She is survived by her husband, Marv Weidner, her two children, Christopher and Emily Foster, and her stepson Seth Weidner. Marty and Marv share three wonderful grandchildren Malcolm, Sophia and Ava Grace. Marty is also survived by sisters, Susan Evans, Kathleen Downing, Constance Taylor, brother Merrill Wells and by her much beloved nieces and nephews Lisa, Allan, Steve, Jon, Pam and their families. Marty was a practicing Zen Buddhist and made the ultimate Zen move by letting go of this life for the next on July 4, 2017. She gained her independence from cancer on Independence Day. Marty was not afraid of life or death and lived by the saying — face death at any moment, but live life fully at all times. Consistent with her wishes Marty passed away at home and in the arms of her husband. Marty and Marv enjoyed a 19-year romance. They moved to the Gunnison Valley in 2012, having lived in Austin, Texas previously for nearly 15 years. Every day over the past nine months, she fought for life following a devastating stagefour lung cancer diagnosis last September. She never blinked, never gave up on life and never complained one time in the face of impossible odds and withering physical pain. Marty gave all those who knew her the gift of courage. Her spirit and smile were irrepressible. Everyone who knew her felt her gentle loving spirit. Marty loved playing the piano, was a voracious reader and an excellent writer. She and Marv loved to travel and made several trips in recent months to see family and parts of the country she wished most to see. Professionally, she was a nationally known designer and leader of Managing for Results methodologies for government services. Her relentless intelligence and remarkable ability to solve complex organizational and social problems are well known among those who worked with her. In her earlier years she worked for the State of Texas and the City of Austin. She and Marv have led their company Managing Results, LLC for nearly 20 years, serving governments at all levels across the nation, including Gunnison County and other local jurisdictions. Marty’s maiden name, Dimmick, goes back to William the Conqueror and is of some historical significance. The Dymoke family, as it was originally spelled, was the Keeper of the Crown for England. The head of the Dymoke family declared who the King or Queen of England is at the point of a transition. The official family title was the Dymoke’s of Scrivelsby, King's Champions of England, and of the King's of England through Edward III. Marty’s forefather, Edward, understandably hesitated during the War of the Roses and was promptly beheaded by the King. The King, feeling guilty, gave Eduard’s son, Thomas, a large tract of land. Thomas (Dimmock), sold the land and used the proceeds to come to America as one of the first six thousand Europeans in the New World. He sat on the War Council for Barnstable, Mass., the first town council in America. Marty came to her public service by way of several centuries of her family’s service in England and early America. Marv and the family would like to personally thank Bre Norris, Teree Lange, Aline Jatulis-Wight and Denise Brynda, who locally all gave their hearts, their care and expertise to make it possible for Marty to stay in her home with dignity. Dr. Scott Ross of Pain Management of the Rockies and Dr. Jesal Patel of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, both in Colorado Springs, gave Marty wonderful care and the opportunity to live these past 9 months. She was one of the 15 percent of lung cancer patients who never smoked. A memorial is set up for contributions ‘In Memory of Marty Weidner’ to Living Journeys, PO Box 2024, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Join us as family and friends celebrate the beautiful life of Marty Weidner, Sunday, July 16 from 1:30 –3 p.m. at the West Tomichi Riverway Park. Please bring photos of Marty and stories to share as we commemorate Marty’s vibrant spirit. The park is located in Gunnison at the west terminus of Diamond Lane at the Gunnison River. GPS will guide you there using 130 Diamond Lane, Gunnison though there is not an actual street address for the park. Feel free to bring your food and beverage of choice, lawn chairs and enjoy the afternoon. A graveside service will be held at the Gunnison Cemetery at 4 p.m.

Kathy Elaine Adamich passed away at her home surrounded by family members on July 15, 2017 after a courageous battle with ALS. Kathy was born on September 18, 1951 to her parents Ray and Elaine Isard in Omaha, Neb. She was married to William (Bebe) Adamich on September 18, 1973. Kathy and Bebe shared many adventures in their 43 years together. They have two sons, Andrew Ray and Timothy James. Their daughter died shortly after birth. Kathy lived in a variety of places including Florida, Michigan, Kansas, Jamaica, Colorado, Arkansas and Alaska. She graduated from Western State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching and she earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Development from University of Colorado Denver. Kathy taught preschool in Gunnison for many years. Kathy was involved in the grassroots for Tenderfoot Child and Family Center at Western State University in Gunnison. Later in her career, she fulfilled her dream to go to Alaska to teach. After moving to Alaska, Kathy taught special education at Gruening Middle School in Eagle River. She enjoyed participating in Alaskan experiences and cultures. In addition to her full-time teaching, Kathy was a part-time florist in Gunnison and Eagle River where she created floral arrangements for numerous friends and organizations. Kathy and her husband were actively involved with many Gunnison community organizations including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, foster care and their church for years. She was active in Beta Sigma Philadelphia and Delta Kappa Gamma. Family was an important part of Kathy’s life and she was actively involved with her two sons and four grandsons. Kathy was honored to participate in many important events in their lives. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, flower design, gardening, and reading. Kathy is survived by her husband Bebe, sons Andrew and fiancé Ingrid, Timothy and partner Julian, grandsons Andres, DeAndre, Kaleb and Christian, sister Susan Mahaney and her husband Bill, sisters-in-law Jimette Copp-Keenan, Judy Pepper, and Francine Arcieri, many nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. Kathy was preceded in death by her newborn daughter, parents, Ray and Elaine Isard, grandparents, George and Ida Knapp, Ray and Lucille Isard, and sister Connie Nelson. A Celebration of Life for Kathy will take place on Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Good Samaritan, 307 West Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colo. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations can be made to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org/donate) or American Cancer Society.

Rita Agnes Meyer passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Gunnison Valley Health Senior Care Center in Gunnison, Colo. Rita was born on December 25, 1928 in Ashton, Neb. to Stanley and Veronica 'Vernie' (Kwiatkowski) Smedra, and was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rockville, Neb. She grew up on farms in and around Ashton, Rockville, and Loup City, Neb., and graduated from High School in Ashton, Neb. On New Year's Eve, 1947 in Grand Island, Neb., on a blind date she met Don Meyer, the man who was the love of her life. They were engaged in December, 1948, and on May 10, 1949 they married at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island. They lived in Omaha after the wedding and later moved to Denver, Colo. In 1961, they adopted their first daughter, Pam, and in 1962, they adopted their second daughter Michele. They lived in Northglenn, Colo. until the fall of 1967 when the family moved to Loup City, Neb. In the fall of 1969, they moved back to Northglenn, Colo. She and Don loved boating, fishing, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, and spending time at their cabin in Grand Lake She worked for 29 years as a PBX Receptionist at Timpte - a job she loved. In April, 2010, after almost 61 years of marriage, Don unexpectedly passed away, and Rita was devastated by the loss of the love of her life. In 2011, she moved to the Gunnison Valley Senior Care Center. She was a devoted Catholic her entire life and loved dancing, playing bingo, cheating at cards, and making friends wherever she went. She is survived by her daughters Pam and Michele, grandson Rory Magee, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Andy and Lou, sister Mae, and nephew Vern Curtis. Visitation was Wednesday, July 12, from 6-7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Northglenn, followed by Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral service was held Thursday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, followed by a light luncheon in the parish hall at 11:30 a.m. Graveside service was held after the luncheon at 1:30 p.m. at Olinger Highland Mortuary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice or the Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&;32112.donation=form1&. Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery , Thornton, Colo.

Ilene Cranor of Taylor Park passed away the morning of July 24. She leaves many friends and family members behind, including husband Bruce, her mother, sister, daughters and numerous grandkids. Services will be held at Tin Cup Town Hall at 10 a.m. Monday, July 31. A full obituary will appear in next week’s Times.

Ilene was born Ilene Fay Leonard in Montrose, Colorado January 15, 1948 and went to meet her Lord and savior on July 23, 2017 in Taylor Park Colorado. Ilene met Bruce Cranor where they both went to school at Ft. Lewis College in Durango before coming to Taylor Park to work for Sherman and Edna Cranor at the Taylor Park Trading Post. During the three summers there, she was courted by and then married Bruce Cranor in Tincup on July 20, 1969. The two lived most of their married life and raised their family primarily in Taylor Park. Rural life suited Ilene just fine after having grown up on a sheep ranch outside Montrose. They had a place with acreage in Montrose where they spent time for some winters, but Taylor Park always lured them back. In raising their family, she always put God first, trusting she would be guided in raising her family whom she dearly loved. Her love for Bruce and her kids was intense and her children and grandchildren reflect that love for God, their families and the natural world around them in Taylor Park. There is a plaque on a wall in their living room that simply says, “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” and Ilene accepted death without fear. Ilene saw beauty in the world that surrounded her, so prompted by her Aunt she went to college as an art major. As an artist, she could paint beautifully with an attention for detail in what she saw in people’s faces and nature’s soft light and lines. That awareness fueled her passion for interior decorating and guided her through color and lines to the get the best out of any room. Her family described how she could take a random item and make it fit beautifully into a room’s decor. She had an eye for the balanced and that is how she lived her life; a balance between God, family, work and pleasure. Bruce was quick to jump in the Jeep after a hard day’s work and Ilene was always a willing partner in his adventures. They explored most of Western Colorado and spent hours exploring the northeast end of the county in the hills and mountains around Taylor and Spring Creek. Ilene loved to fish, so many evenings or on their few days away from the resort the family could be found in an open meadow casting their lines into the meandering streams of Taylor Park. Bruce’s quest for adventure carried over in a zest for international travel and they explored Canada, Israel, Mexico and France to mention a few. Ilene was proud of her family and they of her. They loved her for her creativity, her smile and they shared her love of God. She is survived by her husband Bruce Cranor, their daughters Heidi (Brian Wiggins), children Colton and Brooke of Payson, Ariz.; Wendy Pierce and children Levi, Seth and Sara of Maui, Hawaii; and Jana (Chris Yoho) and children Christy, Cailey, Justin and Victoria of Taylor Park. She is also survived by her mother Helen Leonard and twin sister Irene Holden of Montrose. A service was held at the Tincup Town Hall on Monday, July 31, 2017 and Interment at the cemetery in Gunnison. A gathering was hosted by the Trinity Baptist Church of Gunnison.

J. Keith Stell, 80, of Colorado Springs, Colo. and former Juneau, Alaska resident, passed away on July 27, 2017 after a 17 year battle with cancer. Keith was born on Feb. 5, 1937 in Montrose, Colo. to James Marland Stell and Ruth Esther (Smith) Stell. He was primarily raised in Gunnison, Colo. and graduated high school there in 1955 after excelling in football and track. In 1955 he set a high school record in the 100 yard dash that held for nearly 20 years. As a youth, he was involved in the Demolay organization and the Presbyterian Church. After two years in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, Keith spent the summer of 1961 in Juneau, Alaska working as a surveyor’s assistant on the road system. This launched his lifelong love of Alaska. Keith returned to Colorado and attended college on a football scholarship at both Denver University and Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo. He married Robbie Eggers in 1961 and they graduated from Western State College in Gunnison in 1963. In 1965, Keith received a National Defense Stipend to the University of Denver and graduated with a Master’s in Social Work, following which he moved with his wife and young daughter, Leslie, to Juneau to work for the Department of Corrections for the State of Alaska. Keith’s younger daughter, Laura, and son, Kevin, were both born in Juneau. He devoted his life’s work in Alaska to the field of Corrections, primarily Juvenile Corrections, but Adult Probation and Parole as well. He retired in 1991 as Chief of Probation and Parole for Southeast Alaska. Keith was an avid skier all his life, starting on the slopes of Crested Butte, Colo. and skiing all over the West and Pacific Northwest as his children were growing up. When Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau opened with the first lift in the 1970s he resumed his love of alpine skiing; earning credentials as a Ski Coach and Ski Instructor. He and Robbie were very active with Juneau Ski Club throughout the 1980s. He kept his coaching and instructor credentials current in order to continue skiing and instructing at Vail, Colo. until 2007. As his son, Kevin’s competitive ski career evolved, Keith was active in ensuring top notch training and moved to a number of ski resorts to help provide every opportunity for high level coaching. During his years in Juneau, Keith was also a coach with Gastineau Channel Little League. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and had a wide range of interests. At various times throughout his life, he was a float plane pilot, a sailor, a scuba diver, a horseman, and a novice photographer. He was also a talented cook and enjoyed canning and preserving food for friends and family. He was a devoted Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan and caught nearly every game, unless he was busy hunting or fishing. Keith loved dogs, always had one at his side, and is survived by his beloved German Shepherd, Tango. A passionate poet on occasion and avid reader always, Keith loved every book on the wild west that he could find. He was a student of the history of the Western U.S. and the “cowboy days”. Descended from settlers of the West, he proudly displayed Colorado Pioneer license plates, as he could trace his ancestry in Colorado back to 1872, prior to statehood. Keith spent most of his retirement living in Colorado Springs, Colo. with frequent visits returning to Juneau, Alaska. He married Sharon Herrick in 2005, and learned to play golf. Th ey traveled around the western United States and overseas and are members of the Colorado Springs Country Club. Keith is survived by his wife, Sharon (Herrick) Stell, his sister, Sharon (Stell) Cox of Montrose, Colo., and his daughters, Leslie Scranton (Matt) and Laura Scholes of Juneau; and his son, Kevin Stell (Dulcey) also of Juneau. Keith enjoyed his time with, and is survived by, his six grandchildren: Dillon Scranton (Samantha) and Dakota Scranton; Kye Scholes and Kate Scholes, and Ava Stell and Spencer Stell. He is also survived by his two stepchildren, Amy (Chris) Elnicki and Becky (Chris) Clabaugh, and five step-grandchildren, Taylor Elnicki, Dillon Elnicki, Connor Clabaugh, Kendall Clabaugh, and Meredith Clabaugh. Keith was preceded in death by his father, James Marland Stell and mother, Ruth Esther (Smith) Stell. A celebration of life service will be held at the Colorado Springs Country Club, 3333 Templeton Gap Road, 1 p.m. on Aug. 20, Internment of ashes will be during a family service at the Shrine of St. Therese Columbarium in Juneau, Alaska. Memorial donation in the name of Keith Stell could be made to Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 or online at www.hsppr.org.

Annabelle Washburn Swaim, Aug. 1923 - Aug. 2017. She was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, married James H. Swaim Jr. in 1946. Jim and Ann spent their lives in Colorado. Ann moved to the GVH Senior Care Center in May 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by son, Jim Swaim, daughter-in-law Missy Kizer, daughter Julie Bornschlegel, son-in-law Hal, two granddaughters Holly and Amanda, and four great grandchildren as well as her extended family, daughter Christie Halverson. Ann’s passion was growing roses and flowers. In the past two years she could be found helping Missy with her gardens. Ann will be buried in Fort Logan National Cemetery next to her husband, Jim. She was very proud of her Dad, Pearle Archibald Washburn, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served in three wars. Ann served in the army during WW2 as an aircraft tech photographer. Her beautiful smile and precious love will forever be in our hearts. Friends, please hug your loved ones, share a bouquet flowers with them and enjoy a piece of chocolate cake together (Ann’s favorite.) Support your local VFW or GVH Senior Care Center. God bless and thank you to everyone who loved, played and cared for mom.

It is with an immeasurable sadness and absolutely broken hearts that we share the news that our 16 year old son Jackson passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Aug. 13 due to complications from his disease, Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome. Jackson touched many lives and his life was touched by many in the entire Gunnison Valley. We will be holding a ceremony to celebrate Jackson’s life at our house at 218 Butte Ave. in Crested Butte this Saturday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. Please join us and feel free bring a side dish or dessert to share if you wish.

Dr. Paul Schlegel, retired dentist, passed away late Monday, Aug. 14 at his home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 25 at the Community Church. A full obituary will appear in next week's paper.

Vic Norris’s friends and family will gather at Three Rivers Resort 130 Co Rd. 742, Almont, Co 81210 on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. If you have any questions or would like more information call Todd Norris at 970.389.2115. If you would like to make a donation in Vic’s name please consider Trout Unlimited www.tru.org.

Memorial services for Carolyn Harmon were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Las Animas, Colo. Reverend Charles Kelly officiated. Inurnment will take place Aug. 26 at 3 p.m. in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Paonia, Colo. Carolyn Kay Harmon, known to most as Kay, was born on June 9, 1933 in Paonia, Colo. to Harvey and Bessie (Galpin) Bryan and passed away on May 8, 2017 in Las Animas, Colo., surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 83. Kay graduated from Western State College in 1955 with a degree in teaching. On June 4, 1958, she was married to Forrest Harmon in Denver, Colo. They moved to La Junta, Colo. and had two sons, they were divorced in 1976. Kay then moved to Las Animas, Colo., where she lived until her passing. She began teaching seventh grade math in 1965 in Las Animas, Colo. Her teaching career spanned 33 years, allowing her to teach two generations of local families. She loved to play cards, work in her yard, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Kay is survived by her sons, Mitchell (Margaret) Harmon of Whitewood, South Dakota and Ross (Stacie) Harmon of Bristol, Colo.; sister, Jackie Porter; grandson, Jett Harmon; many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Bessie Bryan. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Arkansas Valley Hospice in care of Horber Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 431 Las Animas, CO, 81054. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit http://www.horberfuneralchapel.com.

Barbara Hannah Pendergraft, age 84, of Gunnison, Colo. passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, Aug. 17. Born as Barbara Hannah Laubhan to Lillie and John Laubhan of Follett, Texas in Shattuck, Okla. as it was the closest hospital and doctor. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 66 years, Jim who she met at a basketball game in high school; sons, Bradly (Laurie) of Parishville, N.Y., Stanley of Denver, Colo. and Kevin of Colorado Springs, daughter Stacy (Tex Bradford) of Gunnison, Colo., grandsons Kyle of Lowville, N.Y., Evan of Charleston, S.C., and Jakob of Parishville, N.Y., and loved and cherished family, Wilma Duffy and Jack Woodward of Gunnison, Colo. She graduated from Follett High School, Follett, Texas in 1951 and received her BA in Education from Western State College in 1971. After living many places in Texas they spent 11 years in Spearman, Texas, then moving to Gunnison in 1968, which Barbara thought was the best place to raise four children and she managed to obtain a college degree at the same time. Barbara met and made many friends during her years as an insurance representative for ANICO. Following their retirement James and Barbara enjoyed traveling to most states and much of Canada. After seeing most of the country they settled during winters at Orangewood Shadows in Mesa, Ariz., making it a big part of their lives and where they made many close friends. She was active in numerous community affairs in Gunnison including starting the cleanup of the Palisades subdivision; neighborhood watch on Irwin Street; and yearly block parties. She volunteered at Six-Points and many places where she traveled. She was always ready to help a good cause. Barbara will be remembered for her love of arts and instilling this love in her children; as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; for her great joy in gardening; and helping those in need. Private services will be held with family and close friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1834 Gunnison, CO 81230, where Barbara fostered many cats and Jim fell in love with everyone. Thank you to everyone for all your prayers and thoughts in our time of loss.