David Paul McGowan
Jul 17, 2026
David Paul McGowan, of Durango, Colorado, died at home on July 17, 2026, after an unexpected illness.
It’s hard to squeeze all of the things Dave was to his family and friends, especially his wife, Ann and sons, Jared and Jack, into a few paragraphs.
A Nebraska native, Dave’s personality was characterized by a strong work ethic, deep-rooted loyalty, and a down-to-earth...
David S. Derfus
Mar 11, 2026
David S. Derfus passed away unexpectedly at home on March 11, 2026.
Dave was born September 16,1960 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to the late Frank and Martha Derfus. He was raised on the family farm and was one of 13 children. In 1981, in search of a new adventure (and a job), he headed to Durango, CO with his friend John to...
John Charles Jordan
May 1, 2026
John Charles “Chuck” Jordan Obituary
John Charles “Chuck” Jordan, 88, of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, passed away on May 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 22, 1937, in Denver, Colorado.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, Chuck lived a life grounded in service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
He proudly served in...
Lauren "Laurie" Elaine Meador
Jun 23, 2026
Lauren “Laurie” Elaine Meador, 65, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away June 23, 2026, in Willard, Missouri at the home of her daughter Nicole, leaving behind a family, circle of friends, and community who will miss her deeply. Laurie was born on September 16, 1960, in San Diego, California, to Frank and Pat Meador.
Laurie was raised in Bayfield, Colorado, and...
Marilyn Ronshausen Holland
Jun 30, 2026
Marilyn Ronshausen Holland
October 20, 1935 – June 30, 2026
Marilyn Ronshausen Holland, 90, died peacefully at home Tuesday night, June 30, 2026, with her cats Bess and Penny by her side.
Marilyn was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on October 20, 1935, to Eloise and ‘Sonny’ Ronshausen. She attended K-12 schools in Port Arthur, the University of Texas in Austin, and Port...
Thomas David McSweeney
Jan 7, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tom McSweeney, who died peacefully at home on the morning of January 7, with family and his sweet dog by his side.
Born Thomas David McSweeney in Elmhurst, Illinois on February 23, 1954, Tom (Tommy) lived life fully and generously. He was a wonderful son, best friend, brother, husband, father,...
Sheryn Lee Young
Jul 17, 2026
On Friday, July 17th, we lost an amazing woman. Sheryn Lee Young passed away and joined Jesus in heaven. She loved her family, animals, quilting, knitting, and baking. She was known as the cookie lady at the Bank of the San Juans. She loved to sing and laugh and pray for people. We will always remember the laughter and joy...
Douglas Snow
Jul 13, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Larry Snow “Doug” on July 13, 2026 at the age of 79 years old. He was born in Durango, CO. to Kinzer M. Snow, and Cleta D. Woolsey Snow. Doug started his early years in Pagosa Springs, CO., later moving to Bayfield, CO. to attend school. Any chance...
Larry L. Barnes
Jul 13, 2026
Larry L. Barnes, long time La Plata County resident and premier log home builder went to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior July 13th 2026.
Larry was born on March 3rd 1932 as the oldest son to Calvin L. Barnes and Thelma Ruby Catherine Smith Barnes.
He spent his childhood in Durango, Cortez, Pagosa, La Boca, and Grandby. The Barnes family...
Mary "Elgin" Hatch Strohecker
Jul 12, 2026
Mary "Elgin" Hatch Strohecker went to live with her Savior in the early morning of July 12, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1935 in Regina, NM to George and Mary Hatch. She was the oldest of seven children with four younger sisters and two younger brothers.
After graduation from High School in Grants, NM she attended nursing school in...
David Eugene Jackson
Jul 10, 2026
With heartfelt sadness we announce the sudden passing of our Father David Jackson on Friday July 10, 2026. Dave was born on 6/17/1945 in Ainsworth, Nebraska. The family moved to Lakewood Colorado and Dave graduated from Lakewood High. After graduating Dave attended Fort Lewis College in Durango and that is where he met Barbara Denison. They were married on November...
Agnes Bertha Owens
Jul 10, 2026
Agnes Bertha Petri Owens
January 27, 1930 - July 10, 2026
Agnes “Aggie” Owens passed away peacefully on July 10th at the age of 96. A learner, teacher, and nurturer, she was a natural caretaker and lived her long, beautiful life with gusto.
Aggie was born in 1930 in Hebron, North Dakota, the fourth of seven children. She was Valedictorian of her high...
Anna Montgomery Price Johnson
Jul 8, 2026
Anna Montgomery Price Johnson. 82, of Durango, CO, co-founder of Durango's Repertory Theatre, took her final bow on Wed, July 8, 2026. A native of Scotland, Anna graduated from Ohio University and worked with the Ohio Repertory Theater for several years before moving to NYC. There, she studied with William Hickey and appeared off-Broadway and in summer stock. She also...
John George Sites
Jul 7, 2026
John George Sites - we say goodbye to our beloved John Sites, loving step-father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. John was born August 30, 1948 and passed away at the age of seventy-seven following an accident in his Side-By-Side/UTV outside of Eureka, Colorado on July 7, 2026 while camping with friends.
He was born to Margaret Ford and Clay Sites who resided...
Bruce Owens Bryte
Jun 25, 2026
Bruce Owens Bryte
Bruce was born May 9,1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii to Anna Rose Owens and Jack Bryte. He lived there for the first few years of his life and loved the ocean. When the family all relocated to Groton, Connecticut, Bruce was in his element. As a boy, he and his friends rode bicycles, played ball and enjoyed swimming to...
Scotty L Whiting
Jun 20, 2026
Scott Whiting was born on August 16, 1964, and passed away on June 20, 2026. Regardless of his circumstances, Scott took great joy in making others laugh, and his unique sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Scott is survived by his wife, Sheerien; his service animal, Bella; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Janis Wood;...
Jessie LaVina Mars
Jun 18, 2026
Jessie LaVina Mars, 86, of Bayfield, died 6/18/2026 at her home in Bayfield. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., July 10, 2026 at Pine Valley Church, 1328 CR 501, Bayfield, CO, 81122. She is survived by her children, James F. Mars (Valerie), JaVina Susie Eavenson (Ed), and Sandra Rue Suazo (Larry); grandchildren Dusty Mars, Adam Mars, Amanda Hughes,...
Charles Torres
Jun 18, 2026
Charles “Charlie” Torres was born in Socorro, N.M., on September 1, 1937, to Cleotilde (Tillie) Torres and Roger Gabaldon, Jr. He graduated from Socorro High School in 1955 and joined the U.S. Air Force in July of 1956. Charles was honorably discharged in August 1960.
Charlie was employed by the Dept of the Interior – BIA in 1961 in Shiprock, N.M.,...
Joyce Elaine Wood (Gannon)
Jun 16, 2026
Joyce Elaine (Gannon) Wood passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 16th 2026 in her home in Bayfield, Colorado at the age of 84. A memorial service will be held on July 17th 2pm at Hood Mortuary Chapel in Durango, Colorado. Joyce was born July 7th, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio to Raymond Gannon and Doris (Belknap) Gannon. She grew...
