Don Chambers passed away on February 20, 2020 from complications with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Oklahoma on December 17, 1932. His family soon moved to the San Francisco Bay area where Don grew up. As a kid he could turn any vacant lot into a football field or a baseball diamond. He was a gifted high school and college athlete, lettering in three sports—football, basketball and baseball—at Hayward High School. He began his college career on a football scholarship at the University of Southern California. His love of sports remained throughout his life. Don met Joan, the love of his life and his soul mate, at college in…

Dillon Gregory Block’s family and friends describe him as kind, thoughtful, caring, funny, hardworking and loving. He died too soon, at age 27, on Feb. 15, 2020. Dillon was born in Grand Junction on April 28, 1992. When he was in elementary school, his family moved to Eagle County and he embraced the area’s outdoors lifestyle. His mother, Tess Werner, said he started dirt biking and snowmobiling when he was just 7 years old. “The last time he took me dirt biking was in 2012, and at one point my bike went one way, and I went the other,” Werner said. Dillon told his mom she wasn’t young any longer…

On the beautiful morning of February 16th, 2020, Peggy Beverly Archuleta-Ramirez entered the golden gates of heaven. She was born on May 22nd 1965 to Jake and Shirley Archuleta. She was raised in Minturn Colorado and was residing in Fruita Colorado. Peggy especially enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, playing bingo, cruising around in her pride and joy, “Paloma Negra” (her truck), collecting bears, but MOST of all she loved her six beautiful grandkids, Santi, Tina’, Sevas, Ali, Ari and Shayla. She fought a long and tough battle, being, stage 4 colon cancer for 13 months, but was unable to overcome this horrible disease. This is her scripture. “I…

Richard Schmelzer July 13, 1957 ~ January 21, 2020 Richard (Rick) Allen Schmelzer, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. He graduated from Madison Lafollette High School in 1975 and later the UW – Madison. made friends easily and had a contagious personality that could light up a room. He moved to the Vail Valley in the early 90’s until 2008 and founded Affordable Painting, enjoyed climbing mountains, competing in biking, snowshoeing and triathlons and founded a club of runners . brought happiness to others and was inspired by adventure and charity work of which examples included Habitat for Humanity, introducing elementary students to snowshoeing, building a golf…

Bruce Douglas Giese passed away peacefully on January 30, 2020 at the Castle Peak Senior Care in Eagle. Born on December 1, 1937 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin he was raised on his parents farm and attended the University of Wisconsin. Bruce moved to Eagle in 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, and survived by a sister and nephew. Uda Peterson, Bruce’s special friend, was by his side when he passed.

Patricia Anne Jacobs, 73, of Eagle, Colorado since 1997 passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 in Eagle. She was born June 14, 1946 in Philadelphia to Frank and Gwendolyn Wolf. She graduated from Palmyra High School in New Jersey and attended Mount Aloysius in Pennsylvania from 1964 – 1968 and Drexel University from 1966 – 1968. Patricia taught interior design and most recently worked at Morning Star Interior Design. She belonged to a book club, was a member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eagle. She enjoyed many hobbies including painting, gardening, touring historic buildings, she enjoyed white wine and prosecco and she loved traveling with her daughters and…

Derek Wesley Neel, 42, formerly of Eagle, passed away February 13 in his home in Royse City, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1977 in Daytona Beach, Florida to William Michael Neel and Mildred “Millie” Joette Barnes. He is survived by his wife, Courtney Strait Kirwan Neel, sons, Greyson and Asher, his parents, his stepmother, Sherry Neel, sisters Katherine Neel and Rebecca Neel (husband, Justin Goavec), Heather O’Cain, Rachel Barnes, Katherine Barnes and brother, Tyler Lewis-Goshen. He was a sports fanatic who loved snowboarding and music. His favorite: Almost any Grateful Dead album. Those wishing to honor Derek’s memory can say a quick prayer as you ski or snowboard…

Patricia Anne Jacobs, 73, of Eagle, Colorado, since 1997 passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 in Eagle. She was born June 14, 1946, in Philadelphia to Frank and Gwendolyn Wolf. She graduated from Palmyra High School in New Jersey and attended Mount Aloysius in Pennsylvania from 1964-1968 and Drexel University from 1966-1968. Patricia taught interior design and most recently worked at Morning Star Interior Design. She belonged to a book club, was a member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eagle. She enjoyed many hobbies including painting, gardening, touring historic buildings, she enjoyed white wine and prosecco and she loved traveling with her daughters and was particularly fond of…

Cesar “Pollo” Andres Almanza Hernandez, 29, passed away enjoying one of the many activities he loved with one of his best friends — Dillon Block — at his side on Feb. 15 near Vail. He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Nov. 2, 1990, to Librado and Guadalupe (Hernandez) Almanza. Pollo grew up in Eagle, arriving in the community at age 3. He graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 2009. While at EVHS he received several sports awards and was named to the All-Western Slope team. Pollo made sure to live the 29 years of his life to the fullest. He enjoyed many activities such as dirt biking/snow biking,…

Derek Wesley Neel, 42, formerly of Eagle, passed away Feb. 13 in his home in Royse City, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1977, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to William Michael Neel and Mildred “Millie” Joette Barnes. He is survived by his wife, Courtney Strait Kirwan Neel, sons, Greyson and Asher, his parents, his stepmother, Sherry Neel, sisters Katherine Neel and Rebecca Neel (husband, Justin Goavec), Heather O’Cain, Rachel Barnes, Katherine Barnes and brother, Tyler Lewis-Goshen. He was a sports fanatic who loved snowboarding and music. His favorite: Almost any Grateful Dead album. Those wishing to honor Derek’s memory can say a quick prayer as you ski or snowboard…

Grandma,” pealed the voice filled with joy and bubbling pride. “I’m going to be 30 years old. I’m making the big 30.” Her excitement was highly contagious. We immediately started planning a sizable party. Holi, a Hindu festival, on March 10, is the day after her birthday. It celebrates new beginnings with the welcoming of spring. It was the perfect theme. Jordyn Versiellen Driver was born with HIV in Las Vegas, NV on March 9, 1990. She missed her birthday party by 67 days. She passed on January 4, 2020 of a heart attack. Her death was preceded by her mother, KariAnn Driver, in 1993 and her father, David Wesley…

Charles Foster Brown August 19,1943 – February 11, 2020 Longtime Dickens Caroler Dies. Charles Foster Brown (Charlie/Chuck) 76, of Westminster, MD., passed away on February 11, 2020. He retired in 2005 as the Executive Director of a Presbyterian Retirement Community in Maryland. He served 26 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard and retired with the rank of Major. He had many interests, including hiking in the Rockies and gathering on Christmas Day with family and friends at the Tennessee Pass Cookout yurt. Mr. Brown joyfully sang with the Dickens Carolers throughout the Vail Valley during the holiday season for the past decade. On Christmas Eve, he would bless the Covenant…

Charles Foster Brown, also known as Charlie or Chuck, 76, of Westminster, Maryland, passed away on Feb. 11, 2020. He retired in 2005 as the Executive Director of a Presbyterian Retirement Community in Maryland. He served 26 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard and retired with the rank of Major. He had many interests, including hiking in the Rockies and gathering on Christmas Day with family and friends at the Tennessee Pass Cookout yurt. Mr. Brown joyfully sang with the Dickens Carolers throughout the Vail Valley during the holiday season for the past decade. On Christmas Eve, he would bless the Covenant Presbyterian Church at Beaver Creek and Vail Chapel…

Donald C. Elterman June 25, 1935 – December 4, 2019 Donald Elterman, a resident of Fruita, CO, died at Hope West Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, CO, December 4, 2019. Don was born in Long Beach, California, the son of the late Walter and Eunice (Riley) Elterman of Laguna Beach, CA. Don was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1958 to 1964, at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM. He was employed by Pacific Bell Phone Company in Southern California and later transferred to Mountain Bell in Denver as a facilities planner in the Denver Metro area. He retired with 30 years’ service, in 1985. He then went…

Donald Elterman, a resident of Fruita, Colorado, died at Hope West Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, Dec. 4, 2019. Don was born in Long Beach, California, the son of the late Walter and Eunice (Riley) Elterman of Laguna Beach, California.  Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1958 to 1964, at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was employed by Pacific Bell Phone Company in Southern California and later transferred to Mountain Bell in Denver as a facilities planner in the Denver Metro area. He retired with 30 years’ service, in 1985. He then went on to work with the town of Vail Police…

John “Tim” L. Tyler Died February 1, 2020, age 97. John was born shortly before Christmas, and his father nicknamed him “Tim” after the character in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. During Tim’s early years, his father, Reverend Tyler, was a missionary to the Arapahoe Indians in Ethete, Wyoming. Tim became an honorary member of the Arapahoe Tribe and was named “Blue Eagle”. After graduation from Salisbury School, he spent two years at Williams College before enlisting in the Army. Despite being trained as a pilot, he was selected for the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale. He became part of the WWII occupation forces in Japan. He returned to Williams…

Dianne Lee Beasley July 19, 1935 – February 5, 2020 Dianne Lee Beasley, 84; passed away on February 5th, 2020. Dianne was born to Harvey and Evelyn Cline on July 19th, 1935 in Gilman, CO. She went to High School in Minturn, where she met her husband, John Paul Beasley Jr. and they wed on December 3rd, 1952. She was the mother of 3 children; Rhonda (Rich) Parker, Bill (Sonja) Beasley, and Danna (George) Gerard; 5 Grand Children; Chelsey Gerard, Lyndsay (Tyree) Woods; Jerad (Kristi) Parker; Cody (Samantha) Gerard; and Whitney (Rodd) Phillips and 8 Great-Grand Children; Elijah Phillips; Jaxon Gerard; Dezen Phillips; Ace Gerard, Carlee Parker, Knox Gerard, Pruitt…

Robert E. Baker Jr. Bob passed way on January 27, 2020 with his family at his side. He was born on March 25, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA. His parents Robert E. Baker and Muriel White Baker preceded him in death. After graduating from Lower Merion High School, he attended Roanoke College. After college he joined the US Naval Reserves in an air transport squadron. After his service he completed his master degree at Case Western Reserve University and had a career in the health care industry. He retired to the Vail Valley in 1995 Where he enjoyed working as a Red Coat volunteer at Beaver Creek Resorts. Bob enjoyed biking…

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Shiffrin, age 65, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2020. He was born on March 8, 1954, in Dover, New Jersey, to Betty and Alan Shiffrin. Growing up, Jeff was always a well rounded young man. He excelled at school and sports, always striving to challenge himself. He was an avid musician, playing the piano, guitar, trumpet and french horn. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and New Jersey College of Medicine. He did his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts, moving on to his fellowship in anesthesia at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. During his residency at St. Elizabeth’s,…

John Dudey May 31, 1957 ~ December 18, 2019 John Gilbert Dudey, 62, a freshly retired CenturyLink Supervisor and Navy veteran, died December 18, 2019, at his Gypsum, Colorado, home after succumbing to illness. was an avid golfer, as well as a former Harley Davidson enthusiast. John had moved to Gypsum from Northwest Montana around 15 years ago to pursue a higher-ranking position within CenturyLink. Prior, he had lived in the Bay Area of California where he worked with PacBell for numerous years. was a Naval Veteran, having worked as an aircraft carrier elevator operator on the USS Enterprise and the USS Oriskany after graduating high school. He loved the…

Margaret Louise Warner 1951-2020 Margaret “Peggy” Warner, 68, of Eagle, Colorado (formerly Millis, MA) died peacefully on January 19th, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family and friends. She leaves her husband of 47 years George Warner. Her capacity for faith, hope, and love was incredible and never faltered, even throughout her three-and-a-half-year struggle with cancer. Peggy was born on August 9, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska to James and Marge (Kobida) MulCahy. Raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, her family moved to Needham, MA in 1968. After graduating from Needham High School, she obtained a teaching degree from Salem State College and continued her education to earn a masters degree…

Luther (Trapper) Duett died Friday night at home on January 17 in Eagle, Co at the age of 78. Luther is survived by his wife of 49 years Dora, daughter Ann M. Emmett, and granddaughter Sage Emmett. Luther served in the Air Force for 12 years, after leaving the service he worked for Aramco Oil Company. After eight years in Saudi Arabia Luther and Dora moved back to Texas. Until finally relocating to Colorado to be active grandparents. Luther started a mechanical company; Trapper Mechanical. He was soon serving the community and extremely happy, he absolutely loved working with his customers and repairing appliances; Three weeks before he passed away…

Nola Brock September 18, 1937 ~ January 18, 2020 Nola Brock, 82, passed away peacefully in her home in Lakewood, CO, on Jan 18, 2020. Funeral Service on Sat., February 1, at 10:00 AM at Olinger-Crownhill Cemetery. Survived by sons Vern & Brian, brother Morgan Lee, 8 grandchildren, & 6 great grandchildren. Born in Barnum/Denver, Colo, lived in Lakewood, Eagle, Gypsum, Hotchkiss and Longmont over the years. Donations in her name can be sent to Red Rocks Baptist Church, or flowers to Crownhill.

Ralph McCarroll May 8, 1940 – January 15, 2020 Ralph Leon McCarroll was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 8, 1940. He passed away on January 15, 2020 in Eagle Colorado from complications related to congestive heart failure. Ralph was raised in West Springfield, Massachusetts by Ralph N. and Rosemund (Waters) McCarroll. He was a graduate of West Springfield High School and Springfield College. In 1962, he married Judith Anne Williams of Florida, Massachusetts. They had two sons, Keith of Eagle, CO and Joel of Bend, OR. He spent his career as a physical education teacher and a coach, primarily in South Windsor Connecticut. He was the first head football…

Robert “Bob” Melvin Cohen passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side in Denver on Jan. 11, 2020. Bob was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Feb. 11, 1954. His love for the mountains and skiing led him to Colorado, where he spent most of his life living in the towns of Vail and Gypsum. Bob successfully won the battle against prostate cancer but eventually succumbed to the aftermath of the treatment. Bob loved nothing more in life than his family, including his wife, Susie Wilke, and son, Matthew Cohen. He was an avid musician and a jazz enthusiast. Bob owned a successful wine distribution company which led…

Our amazing dad and grandpa went to be with the Lord after a short but fierce battle with pneumonia and sepsis. Dad is survived by the love of his life, wife of almost 65 years, Joann Ashby Grimm, their two children and spouses, Bill and Christine Grimm of Oak Park, California, and Laura and Bob Turitz, of Eagle, Colorado, and their grandchildren, Billy and Gabrielle Grimm.  He is also survived by four of Joann’s sisters from the Ashby family, along with countless lifelong friends and business associates.   Bill co-founded R/W Specialties in Denver, Colorado, in 1965 with Ronald Pott. Together, with an amazing work family, they grew R/W to be…

David Jackson Shankel passed away peacefully into the arms of his loving Heavenly Father on Monday, January 5, 2020.  Born on the 7th of July 1936 to Sadie Ransom, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and service to all those he touched during his lifetime. David retired honorably as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, earning many awards during his 20 years of service which included the Vietnam War.  After retiring from the Air Force, David moved to Gypsum, becoming the owner and operator of the Shankel family business known as the Gypsum Café & Gas for many years. David is survived by his son Chet (JoAnne), daughter…