Jocey Elizabeth Field (Mills)

Jocey E. Field   1/1/24-10/6/18

Josephine Elizabeth Mills, “Jocey”, was born January 1, 1924, to Claude and Myrtle Mills, in Los Angeles, California. They subsequently returned to Montrose. She was the fourth of five children. Jocey attended Montrose High School, and in 1942 she married Robert Stryker. In the summer of 1943 they welcomed their first son Dee Stryker. In 1945, their second son Dale was born followed in 1951 by third son Keith. In 1960, Robert lost a life-long battle with diabetes and passed away. During this tragic time, she cheered her son Dale on to a 4-time individual state championship high school, and subsequent prolific college wrestling career. November of 1961, she married Ken Field of Montrose. In 1969 they would have their only child, son Stoney Field. Ken had a daughter Sandra, and son Jim from a previous marriage. That same year they moved to Deseret Livestock where Ken was in charge of the entire 20,000 head sheep program. Jocey took on the background logistics of supplies, food and inventory. She took pride in cooking large meals for crews and dignitaries of the one of the largest ranches in the west. By 1978 Ken had retired, and they returned to Montrose and built a house on land they owned. A few short years later she became involved in the Black Canyon Horse Racing Association that put on horse and mule races at the Montrose Fairgrounds. Coming from a horse racing family, it was a natural fit. She became the “go-to gal” and loved all the years that she was the face of horse racing in Montrose. Jocey took immense pride in being a descendant of the Marlow family. Her grandfather was played by John Wayne in “The Sons of Katie Elder”, the movie based on her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Chauncey, Earnest, and Sister Eleanor, son Keith, and husbands Robert Stryker and Ken Field. Jocey is survived by sister Effie Blowers, sons Dee Stryker and wife Carol, Dale Stryker, Jim Field and wife Linda, Stoney Field and wife Trasee, and daughter Sandra Field. She had 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren. Her family was the most important thing in her life and she will be tremendously missed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Pace Provider at 2377 Robins Way Montrose, Colorado 81401.  A Memorial Service in loving memory of Jocey is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 10:00AM at The Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. The service will conclude at the chapel.  Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family.