Obituaries

Sep 3, 2025

Melinda Ortiz (Mel) passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at her home in Ignacio, Colo, at the age of 53. Mel was born in Salida, Colo. on Aug. 23, 1972, to her mother, Vera (Red) and Robert Ortiz. Melinda grew up and attended school in Buena Vista, Colo., and Ignacio, Colo. and graduated from Ignacio in 1990. Mel lived...

Aug 30, 2025

Myrna Ford was born April 17, 1936, at Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colorado, to John and Lucille Ford. She had a deep love and connection to the mountains of Southwestern Colorado where she lived nearly all of her life. Any morning you could find her sitting quietly on her front porch with a perfect cup of coffee, communing with nature...

Aug 27, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Baker, age 50, on the late summer day of August 27, 2025.

Michael took great pride in his family and Southern Ute heritage. In Southern Ute folklore, there is a trickster god known as Coyote, whose curiosity is the origin of humanity. He represents boldness, curiosity, playfulness, and adaptability in the face...

Aug 5, 2025

Patricia Francis Tibbetts, a longtime resident of Durango, passed away in her home, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Patricia was 84 years and 20 days of age at the time of her passing. Patricia was born on July 16, 1941 to John (Johnny Mac) and Irma J. McNamara. Patricia attended school in Durango and was a Spanish Trails Fiesta Queen...

Aug 24, 2025

In Loving Memory of Lucy Estella GreerFebruary 28, 1936 – August 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Lucy Estella Greer, who left this world on August 24, 2025, at the age of 89. Lucy was a radiant presence in the lives of all who knew her—kind-hearted, strong-willed, and full of joy.

Born...

Aug 29, 2025

Aug 13, 2025

Dorine (AKA Dede) died August 13, 2025 at Evenings Porch Assisted Living. She was 91.

Dorine was born to Loy and Vivian McMullen on February 10, 1934, in Liberal, Kansas, in the heart of the Depression era Dust Bowl. While working for the US Soil Conservation Service, her father was helping destitute farmers keep their precious earth from blowing away. Loy...

Aug 16, 2025

The world lost a wonderful, caring, loving and generous soul on August 16, 2025. Don succumbed to complications of a head injury incurred during a fall in May. He was 77 years old. Born in small town Corry, PA, his father was tired of the snow and moved his family of six to California in 1957 in a ’49 Ford....

Sep 13, 2025

Mark E. Stern, M.D. passed away on September 13, 2025 (at 77 years) in Durango, Colorado.

Mark was born November 8, 1947. He grew up in Milwaukee WI, graduated from Washington High School in 1965, and attended the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Stern’s professional life started in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from the University of Southern California Medical School and was...

Sep 8, 2025

It is with saddened hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Joseph "Joe" G Montoya,75, on September 8th 2025. He was born on March 21st 1950, son of Rubel Montoya Sr. and Emma Valdez. He graduated from Durango High School in 1969. He married Josie Martinez, and they were married for 54 years....

Sep 2, 2025

Our dad, James Norton Albright, passed away on September 2, 2025. Dad was born on June 4, 1943, to Francis and Margaret Albright in Utica, New York. He grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with two brothers. Shortly after graduating from Colgate University, dad married his high school sweetheart Virginia Gormley. They moved to Chicago in 1965, where Dad earned...

Aug 24, 2025

Dana loved gardening, fishing,camping,she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved finding "treasures:" at various thrift stores.She grew up on her family ranch as an only child and her horses were her greatest companion. She enjoyed rock hunting and exploring new places. 

She is survived by her life partner of 25 years John Vandermarliar her daughter,Kelly Carl ,her grandchildren...

Aug 16, 2025

Terry Craig Andrus (Art) Born May 25, 1951 – Passed August 16, 2025, at 4:25 PM in Durango, Colorado where he spent his final chapter alongside his cherished friend and companion, Susan Boyd Brightman. Susan’s extraordinary care and unwavering support carried Terry through his brave journey with cancer.

Preceded in death by his parents, Niles J. Andrus and Constance Mae (Cox)...

Sep 2, 2025

Jose Andrew Luis Lucero "Louie" was born on November 3rd 1953 in Durango, Colorado and died peacefully on September 2nd 2025 in his home town. He graduated from Pagosa High School in 1971 and after that went to a Community College where he learned to be a Welder. After sometime, he worked as a Welder in different parts of Colorado...

Aug 29, 2025

Anthony, "AJ", was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on July 28, 1990, and left unexpectedly on August 29, 2025. 

AJ was a compassionate person, willing to help out anyone in need. He always put others before himself and was a real-life angel. He cared deeply, loved unconditionally, and was the kind of person that would never let you down. His personality was...

Aug 21, 2025

Wendy Josephson (Willden), 46, lost her fight with cancer on August 21st, 2025. She was born in Montrose, CO. to RoxAnne Ader and Rick Willden. Wendy grew up around Durango, but also lived in Montrose and Grand Junction. She earned her G.E.D., and went on to be a flagger with her father. They both helped build several roads and passes...

Aug 21, 2025

Carol Ann Ransford ( Henderson) was born in CA in 1943 prematurely , to Titus James Henderson and Eleanor Lajune Snively. and when she came home from the hospital she came home in a shoe box. Carol met the love of her life in 1958 at a Seventh Day Adventist school. Carol and Darel Ransford were married on July 23rd,...

Aug 16, 2025

Ursala Silviana Davies, age 90, of Ignacio, Colorado was called home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2025.

Ursula was born in Bonito Canyon, New Mexico on July 21, 1935 to Sylviano Archuleta and Ceferina (Valdez) Archuleta.

Ursula retired from Mercy Medical Center after 25 years, always connecting people, always offering a warm hello and hug. Ursula will be remembered...

Aug 11, 2025

Joseph "Richard" Montoya passed away on August 11th 2025 at home. 

Richard was born in Durango Co, graduated from Durango High School. He was an Automotive Master Technician. He loved his Broncos, his family, and friends who became his family.

Son, dad, brother, uncle, loyal friend, dedicated employee and a great man who will be missed by many.

He is survived by his...

Aug 5, 2025

Juanita Gallegos passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, peacefully at her home in Durango Colorado.

Juanita was born on November 3, 1944 to John and Matilda Gallegos of Durango. She was the oldest of 13 children. She was raised in Durango Colorado where she graduated from Durango High School, she remained in Durango her entire life.

Juanita married Fernando Gallegos on...