Durango Herald Memorials and Obituaries

All Memorials and Obituaries (1746)

Durango Donald Lee Egger 1954 — 2024 The family would like to invite you to join us in celebrating his life August 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Aztec VFW 614, 201 S. Park Ave Aztec, NM 87410. Don didn't like a lot of fuss so we will honor his memory without extravagance. Just bring yourself and your well wishes and the family will be appreciative.

Donald Lee Egger 1954 — 2024 Donald (Don) Lee Egger was surrounded by his loving family when he left this earth to join the angels. Don was born January 20, 1954, to Raymond (Chuck) Kirklin and Donna Irene (Dillon) Egger, in Durango, Colorado. Don was the great grandson of a Colorado pioneer, Daniel Egger. Early in 1972, Don met Cindy Jean Dutton, his lifelong love and companion. They were married October 17, 1972. Don and Cindy had two children, Ray Kirk and Dawna Jean. Don graduated from Durango High School in 1972. After graduating, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably for 4 years. He is a Vietnam Veteran. The first couple of years after Don left the Navy, he and Cindy ran a trading post in...

Donn Kenneth Hicks 1951 — 2024 Donn Kenneth Hicks passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. He was 73. Donn leaves behind a legacy of great stories, adventure, and laughter. Donn was born on January 16, 1951, in Escondido, California to Ken and Ruth (McClung) Hicks. He grew up in Riverside, California with his two younger sisters, Debbie and Dorothy. Donn met his wife, Susan, at Deerlodge Park at the beginning of a 5-day raft drip on the Yampa River. They married in 1989 and led a life of floating rivers and enjoying the outdoors throughout their 35 years of marriage. Donn graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1969 and The University of California at Riverside in 1974 with a degree in Wildlife Biology....

Durango Tim Dionne 1970 — 2024 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Mercy or Hockey Fights Cancer - V Foundation. For full obituary please visit Hoodmortuary.com

Bayfield Patty Dressel 1956 — 2024 For full obituary please visit Hoodmortuary.com

Bill Vega 1931 — 2024 Bill Vega was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from Princeton, Bill served three years in the Navy. Upon leaving the Navy, Bill joined the research and development department of General Dynamics. In his thirty-year career there he rose through the management and leadership ranks, ending his career as Vice President of Research and Engineering. He took early retirement to move to Durango, Colorado where he began his second career in non-profit leadership and fundraising. Bill was driving force in creating the new space for the Durango Arts Center (it still resides there today) and served as President of its board for many years. He was a prime fundraiser for the Women's...

Hesperus, Colorado Arden Loyal Kessel 1938 — 2024 Arden is survived by his daughters, Arlana (Greg) Noisom and Marissa Kessel; grandchildren, Brandon (Iris) and Brittany Noisom; and extended family and close friends. Arden was preceded in death by her wife, Caren; son, Arlyn; and parents Albert and Ruth Kessel. Arden loved working for the National Park Service in Grand Canyon National Park and serving his country.

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

Durango Herald Memorials and Obituaries | We Remember (2024)

All Memorials and Obituaries (1746)