Bernice Pauline Deguelle (Vowell)

Bernice Pauline DeGuelle

April 11, 1927 ~ October 13, 2014

Bernice Vowell DeGuelle, age 87, passed away October 13th 2014. Bernice was born April 11th 1927, to Oscar & Leona Vowell in Maher Colorado. Bernice had three sisters; Eva, Delia, Maxine and one brother Waldow. Their father owned and operated a barber shop in Delta, Colorado where she also attended Delta High School.

Bernice married Arthur DeGuelle, Jr. February 19th 1944, in a small unique double ceremony.  They bought and ran a Sinclair service station in Olathe for several years. Here they started their family, had one son Kenneth and one daughter Regina. In 1956 they moved to Dolores, Colorado, where JR was the town Marshall and Bernice raised their family. 1966 they returned to Olathe where they built and ran what is now known as The American Convenience Store, until JR’s health declined. JR preceded Bernice in death on April 15th 1988.

Bernice lived with her daughter Regina and helped her raise her two daughters Alisha and Brittany, and where she had a very full beautiful mid life. Bernice’s entire world was her family, whether they were the ones living right in her home, her son and grandchildren on the eastern slope, or the strays she brought in; she always showed and shared her beautiful heart. To know Bernice was to have your heart and life touched and changed. All who spent time at their home enjoyed her amazing home cooking, beautiful gardening, and as seasons changed her wonderful canned jelly’s and jams. Bernice’s “baby” was to take care of the Olathe Fire Hall and firemen. She had been honored as one of the oldest and longest Olathe Firemen, for which she was extremely proud.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents Oscar & Leona, her brother Waldow, and her husband JR. She is Survived by her sisters: Eva and husband Bob Faudree, Delia and husband Marion Shaw, and Maxine Schull. Her Son Ken and wife Ellen DeGuelle, and Daughter Regina DeGuelle Joens. Grandchildren: Karie and husband Heath Swennes, Kenney and wife Angie DeGuelle, Alisha and husband Nick Barrett, Brittany and husband Aaron Soderquist. Great Grandchildren: Allie and Hayden Swennes, Kylie and Kole Barrett, Liberty Mae and soon to be new Soderquist baby due this May.

Any contributions in Bernice’s name may be made to the Olathe Fire Department would be greatly appreciated, please send to P.O. Box 487 Olathe Co 81425.  A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 17th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.  A Funeral Service in celebration of Bernice’s life is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Crippin Chapel, followed with interment and the Olathe Cemetery in Olathe, Co.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.