Obituaries

Dec 8, 2024

July 12, 1941, ~ December 8, 2024

Dennis (Denny) Edward Huonder, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, in Longmont, Colorado, at the age of 83. Born on July 12, 1941, in Medford, Oregon, Dennis lived a life marked by dedication to his family and service to his country.

A proud veteran, Dennis served in...

Dec 8, 2024

December 8, 2024

Sterling Leeth Hodges, of Montrose, Colorado passed away on December 8, 2024, at the age of 40. A devoted husband, father, son, and friend. Sterling’s life was defined by his love for his family, his passion for music, his creativity, and his thirst for knowledge. He had a vibrant personality and a deep commitment to the people he...

Dec 5, 2024

Virginia Jane Ast, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at the age of 82. A Kansas native, she spent much of her working career in Wichita, Kansas, before visiting Ouray, Colorado, in the late 90s. Virginia was known for her warmth, generosity, and deep love for her community. She brought joy to everyone...

Dec 3, 2024

November 6, 1940 - December 3, 2024

 

 Hartley Harvey Bloomfield passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on December 3, 2024 in Montrose Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. 

 Hartley was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on November 6, 1940 to Hartley Jackson Bloomfield and Margaret Elizabeth Scott. The early years of Hartley’s life were largely impacted by his family experiences...

Dec 1, 2024

Joseph Martin Hughes, 81, raised in Dorchester, South Boston, long time resident of Belvidere and Wheaton, IL more recently of Montrose, CO, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of the late Josephine "Josie" Hughes & current husband of Romagean Personne Hughes; loving father of Joseph Jr. (Michelle), Cynthia...

Nov 21, 2024

E. Richard Hale

7/26/30 – 11/21/24

 

Richard Hale passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, November 21, at home with his wife Joan “Joann” and one son, Rick, present with him. He was 94 years old.

Richard was born in Decatur, IL to Elmer and Florence Hale on July 26, 1930. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Tustin, CA. in search of...

Nov 16, 2024

Cyril W. Schulz, age 75, passed away on November 16, 2024, at Horizon Care Center. He was a beloved member of the Montrose community, residing in the Montrose area for past 37 years.

 

Born on November 1, 1949, in Buckeye, Arizona, Cyril graduated from Buckeye High School. He dedicated his life to his passions as a woodworker, radiator repair specialist, and...

Nov 15, 2024

Betty was born on September 28, 1930, in Minot, North Dakota to Thomas & Helen Lauder. She was the youngest of three children, with two older siblings, Benita and Harry. She married Rex Lombardi, and together they had 4 children, Rex Daniel, Cheryl Daylene, Adina Rae, and Rexanne (Rikki).

Betty dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on May 8,...

Nov 15, 2024

Robert Raymond Rifley (Bob) passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at home with family on November 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on February 15, 1939, to Raymond Rifley and Florence Ross-Rifley, Robert's early years were marked by his family's move to Lakewood, Colorado. He attended Lakewood High School and later pursued studies...

Nov 14, 2024

Richard Wayne DaLee was born in Upland, California in 1947 to Mary and Allen DaLee during a family vacation for Thanksgiving. Richard spent the first nine years of his life growing up in Grand Junction, Colorado. In 1959, his family moved to Montrose, Colorado where he graduated from Montrose High School in 1965. After graduation, Richard attended UCLA trade school...

Nov 14, 2024

Carol Hendrix Davis was born in Merced, California on Jan 13, 1943, returned HOME to Colorado with her Mother at Age 2. Over her lifetime, she lived in many towns, but all roads lead home to Southwest Colorado because the LORD lives here: in the mountains, canyons, rivers, forests, sunrises, sunsets, changing of the seasons and interesting cloud displays. No...

Nov 11, 2024

Ciel Bottomly, April 4, 1942 - November 11, 2024

 

Ciel Heim Bottomly passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at Colorow Care Center, Olathe, Colorado. 

 

Ciel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 4, 1942. She is survived by her husband, Bill Bottomly of Montrose, her son Charles (Charley) Freeman Burch, of Colorado Springs, and her daughter, Mielle Rose Bottomly, also of...

Nov 9, 2024

Nov 9, 2024

Vera L. Baca, 74, passed away of natural causes on Saturday November 9th, 2024 at her home in Naturita, CO. She was surrounded by her children and made the transition peacefully.

Vera was born the seventh child of Benjamin and Ruth Dunning in Scottsluff, Nebraska on February 28, 1950. She attended her primary and secondary education in Englewood, CO. After a...

Nov 6, 2024

 Carlos Lee Kille passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday November 6,2024 surrounded by his family.

 Carlos was born May 31,1941in Brookfield, Missouri to Frank and Mabel Kille. He was the 14th of 16 children. At the age of 10 years old the Kille’s moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. Carlos graduated from high school in 1959. After graduation he moved to...

Nov 5, 2024

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Mona Marie Jones. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit.

 Mona was born to William Roy & Lydia (Alvey) Woods on August 21,1932 in Texhoma, Oklahoma. Roy and Lydia homesteaded on Summit Point, Utah but...

Nov 4, 2024

Wesley Gene Ashley passed away peacefully at his home in Montrose,

Colorado, on November 4, 2024, after a long struggle with chronic pain and

complications from heart and lung illnesses. He died in the tender care of

his wife and family.

Gene was born in the old St. Luke's Hospital in Montrose, Colorado, on

June 24, 1937, to Wesley Leonard Ashley and Doris Mae Calloway....

Nov 3, 2024

September 16, 1950, to November 3, 2024 

Sundra Hecht passed away peacefully Sunday morning surrounded by her family. Although she was born in Cortez CO, she was a long-time resident of Montrose CO. 

Sundra and Her husband Martin Hecht had many adventures together during their 40 years of marriage. 

Sundra and Martin shared 5 children Jerry Hecht and his wife Mona, Leroy Hecht...

Nov 3, 2024

Betty Arlene Smyle went to be with the Lord Sunday November 3, 2024. 

 

Betty was born to Clint and Freda Driscoll on December 1, 1939, in Ogden, Utah. She was the youngest of 6 children and the only daughter. 

 

Betty was married to Chuck Frey in 1957. They had 2 children. They later divorced. She met and married Pete Smyle in 1993. 

They...

Nov 3, 2024

Larry Grater passed away on November 3, 2024, at his home in Olathe, Colorado, at the age of 77. Born on September 24, 1947, Larry dedicated much of his life to his career at Recla Metal, a field in which he excelled due to his hardworking and diligent nature. Larry served honorably in the Navy, where he developed a reputation...