Durango Herald Memorials and Obituaries

All Memorials and Obituaries (1738)

Bremerton, Washington Arthur Roy "Art" Adco*ck 1937 — 2024 Services are being conducted through Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences or to view the full obituary, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Wilfred "Bill" Cortis 1948 — 2024 Wilfred (Bill) Cortis, age 75, passed away peacefully in Durango, CO, on July 8, 2024. He spent the last 3 years receiving exceptional care at Junction Creek Health and Rehab Center after suffering a stroke in 2020. Bill was born August 19, 1948 in Pontiac, Michigan to Wilfred and Marjorie Cortis. He was a stand-out student-athlete at Grosse Ile High School, played football and baseball at Wayne State University and earned a spot on the 1970 Detroit Lions preseason roster after completing his degree. Always quick with a joke and a terrific cook, Bill was a devoted teammate, friend, father, coach, and husband; and worked as a wine importer, advertising salesman and raised horses in Lake...

Bayfield Kathleen Anne Reilly 1937 — 2024 She leaves behind a son David Anastasio and his wife Deborah, Grandchildren Katie Rae James and Tyler James, eight great grandchildren who called her Granny Kat for her love of kitties, and many friends in Maryland and Colorado. For full obituary please visit Hoodmortuary.com

Julia "Judy" Crow 1925 — 2024 Judy graduated from this life into heaven on July 6, 2024 at the tender age of 98+. She was born to Al and Alice Lancaster in Ackman, CO on Nov 3rd, 1925, the second of six children - Mary (Murphy), Judy (Crow), Jimmie (Perry), William, John and Sarah (Foust). During WW2, right after she graduated from Cortez High School, she was called on to be the teacher in a one room schoolhouse at Sylvan CO. Being a teacher would be her career and life love. She attended the old Fort Lewis School south of Hesperus, earning an associate degree. This is where she got to know Roy Crow. She married Roy in 1948 after he returned from the Navy. She earned her B A at Adams State College in Alamosa. While...

Mary Regan Caldwell 1927 — 2024 Mary Regan Caldwell, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2024, in Durango, Colorado. Born on July 10th, 1927, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Mary lived a full and inspiring life. Mary earned her Master's degree in Teaching from Adams State University and dedicated her career to educating and inspiring countless students. She was a beloved and successful teacher, known for her passion for learning and her commitment to her students' growth and success. Mary had a love for traveling, exploring both the world and the United States. Her adventurous spirit took her to many places, creating cherished memories and stories that she loved to share with her family and friends. Mary was preceded in...

James C. Sheppard 1936 — 2024 James C. Sheppard, former mayor and long time Durango banker passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4th. He was 88 years old. Jim was the third of four boys born January 7, 1936 to Don and Ethel Sheppard in Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from Pierre HS and attended the University of South Dakota before volunteering for the draft and receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1959. In 1963 Jim married Loretta A Scarry, and started his banking career in Denver, CO. They later moved to Durango, CO in 1969 to raise their children and continue his career. Jim and Lore were married for forty years before her passing in 2003. Jim's thirty plus years in banking were spent in Southwest...

Farmington, New Mexico Michelle Marie Salazar 1967 — 2024 Michelle Marie Salazar, 56, of Farmington NM was called home by the Lord on July 3, 2024. Michelle was born in Durango, Colorado to Frank and Rose Pacheco on November 30, 1967. She grew up in Durango and later moved to Farmington to start her family. She worked in the medical field for over 20 years as a Certified Central Sterile Technician. She enjoyed spending time with family, doing arts, crafts and baking with her grandchildren, singing karaoke, riding her motorcycle, camping, car shows, music and talking on the phone to loved ones for hours. Michelle is survived by her mother Rose Pacheco, husband Gilbert Salazar, children Devida Shaffer (Chad) and Gilbert Salazar Jr. (Eraya),...

formerly of Durango, CO Donna Kay Willmett 1967 — 2024 in Durango, Colorado. She is survived by her father, Don Willmett (Sheila), brother, Ed Willmett (Sonya), and sisters Jewel Gottschlog (Dennis), Susie Baker (Mike), and Dawn Taylor. She was predeceased by her mother, Diane Shaw, niece, Jadah Willmett, and two children, Tony and Sarah Hodapp.

Vallecito, Colorado Christopher Cozby 1959 — 2024 He is survived by his wife: Joni Cozby; children: Amy (Stephen) Kennemer, Elizabeth Cozby, Kearsty (David) Wegher & Monty (Lyndsi) Taylor;

Dorothy "Dottie" Dodd 1940 — 2024 Dorothy "Dottie" Dodd, 84, of Ignacio, Colorado, passed June 30, 2024 at home peacefully surrounded by family. Born January 30, 1940. Dottie is survived by her sister Marilyn Walter, her children Davie II, Darryl, Debbie and Doug, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and numerous foster children. She was preceded in death by her husband Davie, son Danny, 2 sisters and a brother. Dottie was passionate about helping other people. She was a drug and alcohol counselor. A volunteer EMT, ambulance driver, and employee of Ignacio School District for SPED. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 13, 2024 at Bayfield Church of Christ, 2011 Bayfield Parkway, Bayfield, Colorado 81122.

James Edward Lewin 1944 — 2024 Jim was born and raised in the San Diego area of California. He joined the Airforce when he was 18 serving 4 years. Upon being honorably discharged in 1966, he joined Pacific Telephone Company in Hawthorne, California. This is where he met Carol Tolle who was to be his future wife. They were married March 5, 1967. They lived in Hawthorne for a few years then moved to Long Beach, California where they raised their two daughters, Kim and Suzanne. In 1974, he joined the Los Angles County Fire Department. Eventually, he rose to the position of Engineer and remained in that position until retirement. On July 1, 1999, they moved to Durango, Colorado. He had many interests, family, Church,...

Oxford, Colorado Arlene Etz 1939 — 2024 She is survived by her husband: John G. Etz; sons: John (Danene) and Ronald (Linda) Etz; sister: Donna (John) Urban; grandchildren: Katie (Cole), Kellie (Jared), Shannon & David (Madyson); great-grandchildren: Peyton, Harper, Thea & Della; and many extended family and wonderful friends. She was preceded by her parents: Bruce and Fay Elliott. Complete obituary at hoodmortuary.com

Helen Craig 1926 — 2024 Helen Craig passed away June 25, 2024 at Evenings Porch Assisted Living Home. She was one week shy of her 98th birthday. She was born July 2, 1926 in Kansas City, Kansas. Her family moved to Santa Paula, California soon after, and she spent her youth there. While in high school during World War II, she and her best friend volunteered on weekends as civilian plane spotters. They would report all plane sightings to the military, as there was a fear of Japanese attack on the coast during the war. After high school, she took flying lessons and learned to fly in an old fabric covered Aeronca airplane. At the same time, she took photography classes, and used that skill later in life when working...

Delta, Colorado Tony Alex Garcia 1942 — 2024 He is survived by children: Mary Jane (Edward E. Lucero) Garcia, Corrine (Steve) Valdez, Anthony A. (Chasity) Garcia, Matthew J. (Amanda) Garcia, Orlando J. (Breanna M. Larson) Garcia; Numerous grand, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He was preceded by Alejandro & Louisa Garcia; Siblings: Rose Serrano, Susie Armijo, Jane Garcia, Esther Pena, Joe Garcia.

Ignacio, Colorado Teresa "Terry" Mottesheard Fontana 1950 — 2024 She is survived by her children: Kelly Williams & Bryan (Teresa) Bagdol; step-children: Shawn Stella, Sandy Andresen & Paul Fontana; brother: Michael Mottesheard; grandchildren: Lauren, Ella, Rachel, Annabelle, Cora, Samantha, Gabe, Micah, Selah & Havilah; great-grandchildren: Leanna, Iris, Eli & Colson. She was preceded by her husband: Joseph Fontana;

Tim Woods 1954 — 2024 Timothy Chandler Woods left this world on June 22, 2024, but also left all who knew him with loving memories and a sense of inspiration for our lives based on how he lived his. He lived his last several years in Durango, Colorado, making new friends on the Animas River Trail during his daily 7-mile walks with his best dog friend, Bronco. He was born on January 23, 1954 in New Hampshire and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his parents, Jean and Robert Woods, and his two younger sisters, Marsha and Kathy. He attended college at Miami University of Ohio and obtained his BA in Public Administration in 1976. After college, he served in AmeriCorps combating poverty before moving west and...

Durango, CO Thomas Goodwind Chippewa, Jr. 1954 — 2024 The Garden is located behind the Christ the King Church, 495 Florida Road, Durango. All are welcome to share, pray and celebrate the life of this accomplished and award-winning Southwest-style artist. Thomas was born Dec. 16, 1954 in Lander, WY and died peacefully June 20, 2024 in Durango. He was Shoshone, Chippewa-Cree, enrolled in the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation in Montana.

Harold F. Pepin 1945 — 2024 Cedar Hill Harold F. Pepin June 24, 1945 - June 19, 2024 Harold F. Pepin went to be with his Heavenly Father on the morning of Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at his home in Cedar Hill, NM, after a long battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 24, 1945, to Willie F. Pepin and Nellie Jane Pepin in Farmington, NM. Harold retired from Triple S Trucking where he was shop foreman and a highly skilled mechanic. In 2004 Harold, with his wife Beveraly, founded the San Juan Mountains Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. Together they organized the annual ATHS Antique Truck Show, held the third weekend in September in Aztec, NM. Harold enjoyed driving and showing his fleet of...

Celina Valdez 2024 — 2024 Celina Valdez passed away peacefully at home with her two children at her side on June 17, 2024 at the age of 91. Celina was born in Tiffany, CO on February 13, 1933. She liked cooking for her family and was also a big fan of the Broncos. Celina had been a business woman in the Durango area for many years managing hotels, making jewlery, silversmithing and much more. Later in life she enjoyed hanging out with her senior group in Arboles. Celina is survived by her daughter Loretta Mestas (Johnny) her son Ron Valdez, daughter Patricia Martinez, sister Emma Herrera (Jesus), sister Claudine Garcia, Rick (Lilly) Duran, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great...

Durango Herald Memorials and Obituaries | We Remember (2024)

All Memorials and Obituaries (1738)