Anita Kay Vogelaar

Anita Vogelaar, 82, passed away on May 2, 2024 at her home in Montrose with her devoted husband David Figgins by her side. Anita, the daughter of Dorothy and Cecil “Skinny” Vogelaar, was born in Delta and grew up in Montrose, helping her father on the family ranch and excelling at academics, barrel racing, and baton twirling before graduating from Montrose High School in 1959. She attended the University of Northern Colorado where she and her husband started a family, and moved to Oregon, California, and then Michigan while continuing to spend summers on the family ranch on Horsefly Mesa and at Black Lake outside of Ouray. Anita was proud to be a third generation Montrosean, carrying forward her family’s history of ranching in the area since the 1800's.

Throughout her life, Anita demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, managing the family ranch on Horsefly and establishing herself as an expert in the restoration and authentication of Native American baskets. Her passion for antiques, interior design, and her commitment to preserving heritage were evident in the many projects she took on both professionally and personally. She was admired for her intellect, creative skills, and service to others.

Anita is survived by her husband, David, and her children: Shaun Sowle of Montrose, Slade Sowle (Dianne) of Grand Junction, and Tiffany Hegarty (Mike) of Pendleton, OR, and sister Jennifer “Billie” West of Longview, WA. Her family includes stepdaughters Margie Roth (Jay) of Paonia, Rebecca Fortes of Rhode Island, and Ruth Figgins of Kalamazoo, MI. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Arrangements by the Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose. A family service is planned for a later date.