Mountain Valley Mortuary

12/25/2025

🎄 A Christmas Message from Mountain Valley Mortuary 🎄

This Christmas, we wish peace, warmth, and moments of quiet comfort for you and your loved ones. We know the season can hold many emotions — joy, remembrance, reflection, and sometimes longing — and all of those feelings are welcome here.

May you find light in small moments, connection in meaningful ways, and gentle hope as the year draws to a close. From our family to yours, we are grateful to be part of this community.

Wishing you a peaceful and comforting Christmas. 💛

12/23/2025

🕯💫This season, we hold space for the loved ones no longer with us. Light a candle, share a memory, speak their name — remembrance is a beautiful way to keep them close.💫💛

12/20/2025

💛Self-care doesn’t always look like spa days — sometimes it’s stepping outside for a deep breath, turning off your phone, or saying “no” to things that feel too heavy. Give yourself the grace to rest this season.🎄

12/20/2025

Judith George

Judith Anne George, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on December 18, 2025, at the age of 83 in Monte Vista, Colorado.

Born on August 7, 1942, in Dillon, Montana, Judy was known for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and unconditional love for her family. As a dedicated homemaker, Judy found joy in nurturing those around her. She valued her role as a caregiver, frequently babysitting for her family and others, offering warmth and love to all in her care. Her passion for family was evident in the way she quietly but fiercely supported her children and grandchildren in all aspects of their lives.

Judy was an avid reader and a talented pianist, who often delighted and entertained family and friends by playing the piano at gatherings. She also enjoyed playing card games, especially pinochle and cribbage, bringing people together with her joyful spirit and wonderful sense of humor.

In addition to her children, Steven George of San Antonio, TX, Eric (Liz) George of Alamosa, CO, and Lori (Scott) Taylor of Monte Vista, CO, Judy is survived by her grandchildren: Elizabeth (Marcus) Dimando of San Antonio, TX, Joshua (Veronica) Pacheco of Los Angeles, CA, Nathan Mondragon of Alamosa, CO, Delrae (Josh Lopez) Mondragon of Denver, CO, Mikael (Rachel Dalke) Salazar of Denver, CO, Matthew Salazar of Monte Vista, CO, and Kirsten Salazar of Seattle, WA. She also leaves behind six cherished great-grandchildren: Dezmon, Jezzlynn, Jaxson, Stone, Railyn, and Remie. Judy is remembered fondly by her sister-in-law, Geni Laden, and her close family friends Mark, Leola, and the extended Luchetti family.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Murray and Betty Laden, her husband Don George and her brother, Mick Laden.

A Funeral Service to honor her memory will take place at Mountain Valley Mortuary on December 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Alamosa Cemetery on January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Judy's legacy of love, laughter, and family will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.

Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Mountain Valley Mortuary

View Judith George's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

🕯💫For those carrying grief through December: Your strength is seen. Your love is valid. Your memories matter. May peace find its way to you, even in small ways.

12/16/2025

❄💫You don’t have to be “festive” to be strong. You don’t have to be okay every day. Healing is not linear — especially during the holidays. Be gentle with yourself. 💛

12/13/2025

🇺🇸 Lights of Valor 2025 🇺🇸

This year’s Lights of Valor program honored more than 100 Veterans, and with the generous support of our community partners, we proudly raised $1,000 for the American Legion Funeral Honors Team.

Our heartfelt thanks to RG Bank, LOR Foundation, OptiMystics Citizen Action Network, Mountain Valley Eye Care, Mountain Valley Medicare, and Troy Plane State Farm for helping make this meaningful evening possible.

We are deeply grateful to be part of a community that shows up with respect, generosity, and heart. 💛

12/13/2025

✨ Our Lunch ’n Learn Series Returns This January ✨

We’re happy to share that our Lunch ’n Learn series will be returning in January. These sessions offer a gentle, welcoming space for meaningful conversation around aging, end-of-life planning, death, and dying.

Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking understanding, we invite you to join us for thoughtful and engaging discussions.

🗓REGISTER HERE! ➡https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B45AEA723A0F58-60631954-lunch

12/13/2025

What a fun and humbling night!

Melinda and I, along with my son Graham, my daughter Teagan, and our amazing office manager Gail, had the opportunity to participate in Bingo Night at the American Legion. Not only did we enjoy great company and lots of laughs, but we were also able to give back to something so much bigger than ourselves.

This year’s Lights of Valor program honored more than 100 Veterans, and with the incredible support of our community partners, we raised $1,000 for the American Legion Funeral Honors Team.

A heartfelt thank-you to RG Bank, LOR Foundation, OptiMystics Citizen Action Network, Mountain Valley Eye Care, Mountain Valley Medicare, and Troy Plane State Farm for helping make this night possible. We are truly grateful for a community that shows up in such meaningful ways. 🇺🇸

12/11/2025

Douglas Messick

Douglas (Doug) Glen Messick, affectionately called “Viejo Loco” by his family, passed away on December 9, 2025 at the age of 68 while riding his bicycle. Doug was born in 1957 in Monte Vista, Colorado. A fourth-generation San Luis Valley farmer, he dedicated his life to agriculture and his family.

Doug had a remarkable zest for life. Whether he was carving down the ski slopes as a competitive racer, going on horse and RV camping trips, ripping through powder on his snowmobile, slalom water skiing at Lake Powell, rafting the Grand Canyon, playing golf with his friends and family, or going on nightly bicycle rides, he loved being outside. He also maintained a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty around him. He would stop a walk or bike ride to marvel at wildflowers and sunsets.

Doug had a true passion for the agricultural community. He retired in 2018 after working for over two decades as the manager of Spud Grower Farms and recently returned to farm management at Myers Farms. A lifelong learner, Doug was always eager to attend workshops or swap farming information with those around him, demonstrating his commitment to innovation. His dedication extended beyond the fields, and he served on multiple community boards, including the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District and the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project.

Doug's friendly nature and infectious humor shone through every aspect of his life. His granddaughter marveled at how Doug knew so many people and would stop and talk to friends everywhere he went. He was a devoted dad and was steadfast in his support for his children. A great day for Doug was one spent with his family. Any friend of his kids was treated as family by Doug, even into their adulthood. His laughter, love, and good hugs will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Doug's legacy will live on through his loving wife of 46 years, Julie Messick; his cherished children, Cory (Carrie) Messick, Heather (Tanner) Dutton, and Christopher (Ian) Messick; his father, Dick Messick; his sister, LeeAnn (Mark) Sisson and sister-in-law, Beulah Messick; his adored grandchildren, Thomas, Justin, and Adyson; his granddog, Marty; and a large extended family. Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Messick, and his brother, Richard Messick.

Cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Life to honor Doug will be held on January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Ski Hi Events Center in Monte Vista, Colorado. Doug wanted a party filled with laughter and rock-n-roll, where family and friends can share stories and good food.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Doug’s name to the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (riograndeheadwaters.org) or a water or agriculture organization of your choice.

View Douglas Messick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

The funeral home office will close at 11:00 tomorrow to allow our staff time to get prepared for the SPARK Speaker Series. Stephen will be presenting on Pre-Planning and also leading an open forum type discussion. Please join us at the Alamosa Senior Center at 1:00pm or the Bridge at Alamosa at 6:00 pm and bring your questions.

12/04/2025

🕯Holiday Grief Tip: Give yourself permission to do things differently this year. Traditions can evolve — and it’s okay to create new ones that feel gentler and more manageable.🙏🏼