"It's M-E-L-E-D-Y, because my parents just had to be different." Perhaps Jack and Helen knew exactly what they were doing when they named their youngest child, as her sweet southern drawl was musical even when she was angry (which wasn't often). I could give you all the ordinary details of Meledy's life- where she was born, graduated high school, worked, etc. but I am not sure this captures her extraordinary nature. It also feels too final, like there is only a beginning and an end instead of a song that continues to live in everything she loved. Instead, I would like to tell you where I believe you will still find her. 

Martha passed at the River Valley Rehabilitation Care Center in Del Norte, Colo., where she had resided since March 2019. There she developed many close/loving relationships. She was 73 years old when she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved her Jesus! She fought a long, hard battle against diabetes and dementia.  

Doris Almeda Golden, 89, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side in the Rock Creek Rehabilitation Healthcare Center in Monte Vista, Colo. Born Feb. 2, 1935, at home in Milburn, Neb., to Clarence Herman and Lydia Almeda (Petet) Dye. 

Nancy Ruby Warren, 80, died Oct. 22, 2024, peacefully in her sleep at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. Nancy was currently living with her daughter Brenda and son in law Randy in Battlement Mesa. Born Jan. 27, 1944, in Pilar, N.M., she was the daughter of the late Jose and Adonilia Suazo.

Nicholas B. Lenzini, a devoted husband, loving father, and successful business owner, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Oct. 26, 2024, at his home in Creede, Colo. Born in Walsenburg, Colo., on Sept. 3, 1949, Nicholas led a fulfilling life with his wife in the home they built in the mountains he loved. 

Melvin Gates left this world on Oct. 16, 2024, at Colorado Veterans Community Living Center – Homelake. Melvin was born to Herchell and Emma Gates on Dec. 27, 1931, on a ranch near Saguache, Colo. 

Debra Ann (Puzick) Hallisy passed away on Sept. 24, 2024, at her home in Del Norte, Colo. She was 70 years old.  Deb was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Nov. 26, 1953. She graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs in 1971.  

Wilma Grace Lewis, 77 passed peacefully on the evening of Sept. 16, 2024, in Salida, Colo.  Soon after completing high school in Fairplay, Colo., Wilma married Wilbur G. Lewis in 1965 in Hartsel, Colo. They had two children, Stephanie S. Lewis in 1969 and Jack H. Lewis (Jenny J. Sherburne) in 1972. The family moved to Saguache, Colo., in 1972. 

Kenneth Lee Kane, 84, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. He was born Oct. 31, 1939, in Doniphan, Mo., to the late Earl and Lora (Hayes) Kane. 

Doris Lucile Hathaway has left her earthly journey to celebrate her eternal destination. Doris was born on June 30, 1938, in Monte Vista, Colo., and entered into her eternal rest on Sept. 8, 2024, at Pikes Peak Hospice Care in Colorado Springs. Doris lived at the Tri County Senior Center in Monte Vista, for the past 5 years.  

Richard Earl Baker, a cherished husband, brother, and friend, passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 80, at the Rio Grande Hospital, in the peaceful town of Del Norte, Colo. Born on May 4, 1944, in Muscatine, Iowa, Richard grew up with a spirit of adventure and a heart full of kindness that would define his entire life. 

William Ernest Pearcy left this earth peacefully on Aug. 27, 2024, surrounded by his daughters, in Loganville, Ga., after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past 10 years. William (“Bill”) was born April 27, 1940, in Pueblo, Colo., to Earl and Florence Pearcy. 

Frances Margaret Kolisch, 74, of Creede, Colo., passed away surrounded by loved ones on Aug. 3, 2024. She was born on July 29, 1950, and grew up in South Fork, Colo. Frances made Creede her home in 1970 and quickly became a valued member of the community. 

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our Beloved Lucille B. Garcia. Lucille was called home on July 29, 2024. She passed away at home with her loving family by her side. Lucille was welcomed into the world on March 2, 1955, in Del Norte, Colo., the daughter of Jose V. Martinez and Manuelita A. (Manzanares) Martinez. 

Kenneth George Teunis, 94, of Creede, Colo., passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024. Born on June 3, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kenneth was a man whose warmth and friendliness touched the lives of many. Kenneth's journey led him from the place of his birth, through California, and to the scenic expanses of Creede, where he embraced the community and its natural beauty.

Longtime Monte Vista resident Leola Roberts, 95, died May 24, 2024 at her home in Monte Vista. Leola’s life began in Monte Vista, Colo., on Sept. 5, 1928, the daughter to Delbert Stillings and Blanche M. Jones Stillings. She married James Roberts on Nov. 6, 1949, at the Christian Church in Monte Vista. They enjoyed over 63 years until his death in 2012.

Charlotte Marie Valdez York was called home by her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 17, 1946, in Del Norte, Colo., the daughter of Anna Marie Valdez Gallegos.

Vivian Gay Deitrich-MacLean died suddenly on July 10, 2024, while on vacation in Southern Colorado at the age of 69.  She was born to Richard and Margaret (Burkholder) Deitrich in Del Norte, Colo. She lived her childhood in Baltimore, Md., and Denver, Colo.

Michal Jean Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of July 9, 2024, at her home in Highland Village, Texas. Born to Gladys and Alton Berry on Oct. 24, 1945, Michal’s life was a tapestry of loyalty, kindness, and dedication to her family and friends.

MONTE VISTA – Leonard Martinez, a man of spirited intelligence and profound faith, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, in Pueblo, Colo. Born on Aug. 5, 1950, in Center, Colo., Leonard's life was a testament to the love and dedication he had for his family, his country, and the simple joys that life had to offer.