Obituaries

Sep 24, 2025

Eugene Andrew MontanoBorn October 31, 1955 in Pueblo, ColoradoDied September 24, 2025 near Durango, Colorado

Our father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away in a motorcycle accident. His last day was spent enjoying a glorious autumn day exploring our beloved mountains, deep in wilderness on Bolam Pass on his dirt bike. Our sudden loss is deep and profound.

Gene was a...

Sep 23, 2025

Rita Louise Sikes, beloved mom, Nana, great-Nana, sister, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on September 23, 2025, at the age of 74.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Moody’s on Mill Street, 15 E. Mill St., Bayfield, CO 81122. Family and friends are warmly invited...

Sep 20, 2025

Pre-staged at the start line in Altus OK at a whopping 8lbs

September 22, 1975

Casey joined Jesus at the finish line scarred up, out of fuel, parachutes opened with a smoking gear box, four bald tires, a warped block, and a Cheshire grin on Saturday September 20th, 2025.

Casey was, to say the very least, a multi-talented, well-versed, self-educated artist, musician, and...

Sep 18, 2025

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and guiding light, Marquita Gonzales, born March 29, 1972, who passed away on September 18, 2025, surrounded by love.

Marquita was a brilliant, funny, deeply caring soul whose presence lit up every room. A devoted housewife and proud mother, she lovingly raised not only her...

Sep 17, 2025

Our beloved mother, Gloria Eloisa Cook, passed away peacefully on September 17th, at the age of 86, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born in Durango, Colorado on February 10th, 1939.

She was a loving devoted mother of 3 girls and treasured her 5 grandchildren. She is survived by her 3 daughters; Deborah Emrick, Dannette Magedson, Stephanie Slark, and 5 grandchildren;...

Sep 16, 2025

Pamela Jean Wageman, 73, died September 16th at her Durango home. She was born at Mercy Hospital in Durango on November 10, 1951, to Paul and Nyla Shafer.

Pam attended Utah State University for two years after graduating from Highland High School in Salt Lake City in 1970. She transferred to Fort Lewis College in 1973, where she received degrees in...

Sep 16, 2025

Daniel H. Patterson was born in 1957 in Mexico City to Sara Palma Patterson and Donald H. Patterson. Although the family lived in the United States, his mother returned to Mexico to give birth to most of Dan’s five siblings. He enjoyed dual citizenship because of this choice. He spent his first three years in Chicago before moving to his...

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 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...

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...

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 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 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 29, 2025

Aug 28, 2025

Jackson Clark II

Jackson Clark II, beloved owner of Toh-Atin Gallery in Durango, Colorado, and a tireless advocate for Native American art and culture, passed away on August 28, 2025, after suffering a stroke. He was 75 years old.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 29, at 1 pm in the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College....

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 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 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 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...