Crippin Funeral Home

04/20/2026

Arla Joan Kessler

Long time local resident, Arla Joan Kessler of Delta, passed away at her home at Willow Tree Care Center on April 16, 2026. Born on August 9, 1940, she was the second child of Joseph and Arla Schmalz who raised eight children in their loving home on Ash Mesa. Although she had no children of her own, she was deeply loved by her 16 nieces and nephews. She attended elementary school at the Delta Catholic School and graduated from Olathe High School in 1958. She worked at the Delta Credit Bureau several years before marrying Ed Kessler on June 20, 1976. They spent several years in Everett, Washington before returning to their small farm near Montrose where they raised a few sheep and a few puppies, while exploring the surrounding countryside and mountains which they both loved. Health issues intervened; Joan lost Ed on June 5, 1998. She had become a skilled care-giver, so naturally moved into the roll of helping her mother and others, as well as continuing working for the American Family Insurance Agency. She dearly loved children, so later joined the Foster Grandparents Organization out of Grand Junction, dedicating at least ten years of her life to volunteering with them. Kids loved her back, filling the void she was experiencing. Joan also loved to cook. When one walked into her home, it emanated wonderful, inviting smells! She also loved to keep her hands busy—and they always were. She knitted countless baby items such as quilts, blankets, hats and booties, keeping many a child warm and cozy. Of course, she always found outlets in order to donate those items! Because of her own disabilities, Joan could relate and be very compassionate to others. In the nursing homes where she became a permanent resident, her company was always in demand at the gaming tables. She was a great conversationalist and could tell interesting stories! Joan is survived by her two brothers, Chad Schmalz and Ray Schmalz of Olathe; sisters Marlene Abbott, Ft. Collins, CO; Rebecca Borg, San Diego, CA; Ramona Wall, Cedaredge; and Julie Fitzgerald, Kayenta, AZ. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, as well as her parents Joe and Arla Schmalz, a baby brother, Mathew Lashley Schmalz and her brother Art Schmalz.

Funeral services to honor Joan will be held at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose at 10:00 A.M, Tuesday, April 21 with Reverend James Conley of the Delta Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Olathe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Willow Tree Care Center, 2050 S Main Street, Delta, CO, 81416

04/14/2026

Patty Jo Arnold (Wahle) Bray

Patty Jo Arnold (Wahle) Bray, born January 7, 1942, passed away in the early hours of March 30, 2026, in Montrose, Colorado.

Patty was born in Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma, to her parents, Joseph Albert Arnold and Mary Catherine Maloney.

Raised as an “army brat,” Patty spent her childhood moving across the country and abroad, living on military bases in Oklahoma, California, Kansas, Germany, and beyond. As a teenager, tired of constant relocation, she chose to put down roots in Junction City, Kansas when her family moved on yet again. There, while still completing her final years of high school, she supported herself financially. Known for both her intellect and her vibrant personality, she even earned extra income by scandalously writing essays to sell to classmates!

Shortly after graduating, Patty married Charles P. Wahle. Though their marriage did not last, they shared two beloved daughters, Christine and Margaret.

She later married James Bray, and they welcomed and raised her third child, James Bray Jr., before later parting ways.

Patty completed programs at Rice University and the International Travel Institute in Houston, and worked in a variety of fields throughout her life, including veterinary clinic administration, banking, caregiving for individuals with disabilities, childcare, and most notably, as a travel agent - a role that perfectly reflected her vagabond spirit.

Patty traveled extensively around the world and was an avid, skilled scuba diver.

She also made her home as an adult in many remarkable places, including Houston, Texas; Grand Junction, Colorado; Telluride, Colorado; and even the great wilderness of Alaska.

She was a devoted animal lover who raised many cats and dogs over the years, with a particular fondness for Siamese cats. Patty was also known for her cooking - especially her fried chicken, biscuits and gravy; and for her love of great margaritas and Mexican food.

She will be remembered for her quick wit and spicy, playful sense of humor; her zest for adventure; her desire to give despite her means; and her resilient nature.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and both of her daughters, Christine Johnson and Margaret Wahle. She is survived by her son, James Bray; her grandchildren, Ian Ashcroft, Heather Wahle, Bridger Johnson, and Madeline Haddow; as well as extended family and dear friends.

She will be laid to rest at Lone Tree Cemetery in Telluride, Colorado, alongside her daughter Christine. Their interment will take place on July 11. A small celebration of life will be held as well, with details to be finalized soon.

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04/13/2026

Elma Marie Hepner

Elma Marie Hepner 89, passed away at her residence on March 6, 2026.

There are no services planned at this time.

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04/13/2026

Robert E. Bailey

Robert E Bailey, 82, of Montrose, passed away on March 25th, after a long battle with PSP, a rare neurological disease. Bob is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Frances Bailey.

Robert served his country with an honorable discharge from the United States Army, 14th Armed Cavalry for outstanding service on the U.S. - U.S.S.R Border in Western Germany.

He was an avid horse man, member of the Lariat Club, fisherman, DOW Volunteer, member of Montrose Gun Club, San Francisco 49-ner and Giants fan for life.

So many friends over the years knew and loved Bob. He was a wonderful and compassionate man with a great zest for life.

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on April 22, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Grand View Cemetery in the Serenity Gardens.

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04/08/2026

Madeline Grimes Glatfelder

Madeline Grimes Glatfelder, 77, of Montrose, passed away on April 5, leaving behind a life defined by service, compassion and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Born in Lyons, Georgia, Madeline carried the warmth, strength, and deep sense of community that defined her Southern upbringing throughout her life.

A proud veteran, Madeline served her country in the United States Army with honor and dedication. The discipline and resilience she carried from her time in uniform shaped the way she lived—steady, dependable, and always ready to help others.

After her military service, she continued her calling as a nurse, devoting her life to caring for those in need. As an ER nurse, she was known for her steady hands, quick thinking, and profound empathy. Patients and colleagues alike found reassurance in her presence, trusting her ability to bring clarity and care even in moments of crisis.

Beyond her professional life, Madeline’s greatest pride and purpose was her family. As a mother, she was steadfast and deeply devoted. She instilled values of kindness, perseverance, and integrity in her children, leading by example in all she did. Her love was constant and enduring, a guiding force that will continue to shape the lives of those she cherished.

Madeline will be remembered not only for her service and skill, but for the warmth of her heart, the strength of her spirit, and the not so quiet, powerful way she made the world better for others.

She is survived by her husband Ron, her two daughters (spouses) Jennifer (Jason) and Sarah (Zak), and grandson, Wylder, who will forever cherish her example of faith, strength, and loyalty. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so selflessly.

A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on April 22nd at 1pm at Crippin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites others to carry forward her spirit through acts of kindness or donations to HopeWest Hospice, 725 S. 4th Street Montrose, CO 81401.

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04/08/2026

Gerald D Wilson

A longtime resident of Telluride and Placerville, Colorado, Gerald Wilson passed peacefully on March 21, 2026. Many friends and family were able to see Gerald in the short 8 days before his passing.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Arla Wilson, the love of his life, Sue Wilson, his brother Gary Wilson, nephews Mike Berry and Alfred Berry.

He is survived by sisters, Pearl Berry of West Virginia (formerly of Colorado) and Ruby Gray of Arizonia.

Gerald had several nieces and nephews as well as great and great, great nieces and nephews. His bonus - children, and bonus grandchildren were such a special addition to his family.

So many friends throughout the years have touched his life, if you were a friend of Gerald, it was for life.

All who knew him loved him and he returned that love. He will be greatly missed!

Gerald had a great eye for the beauty of the outdoors and captured that in every photo that he took. He became quite popular sharing his photos to many followers on Facebook. He often would lay in his hammock to scroll and critique his photos before posting them or just wave at the kayakers coming down the river, ok he would throw a few rocks.

He had the ability to tell a story with his photos, especially the ones taken of the scene up the river with the different Seasons and don’t forget the bench in the yard that would be decorated with the Christmas Bear.

His hiking photos were one of a kind and he loved telling you all about where they were taken.

YOU KNEW YOUR PLACE IN HIS LIFE, HOLD ONTO THOSE MEMORIES!

A Family Graveside Service will be held on May 8, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Lone Tree Cemetery – Telluride

Planned Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on May 9,2026 12 – 3 pm at River Bottom Park, Montrose.

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04/07/2026

Virginia Mae (Miller) Luttrell

Virginia Mae was born on February 20, 1938 in Arvada, Colorado to Clyde Howard Miller, Sr. and Irene (DeHaas) Miller. Virginia was the 7th of 8 children. When Virginia was a toddler, her family moved to Pea Green, Colorado. The main crop her family grew in Pea Green was strawberries. They sold the fruit as well as the strawberry plants to other growers. Virginia’s father was even known in the area as “Strawberry Miller.” Virginia was very proud of her family’s farming history.

As Virginia was the 7th of 8 children, and her folks were getting older, they moved into Olathe, Colorado, to be closer to schools and activities. The log house they moved to is still in use today. Virginia loved taking rides to Olathe and going by that log house and the Bible Baptist Church. Virginia graduated from Olathe High School in 1956. She had very fond memories of her high school years. Mom had beautiful handwriting and great grammar skills, which she always attributed to her High School English teacher. She maintained that beautiful handwriting throughout her lifetime.

Virginia met and dated Bud Mills while still in Olathe High School. After graduating from High School, they married and had two daughters, Lyna Dree Mills and Tina Sue Mills. Virginia was a very involved mother. She was a Brownie Scout and Girl Scout leader while her girls were involved in those organizations. Virginia and Bud were sheep and cattle producers in the area. Virginia became very involved with the Western Slope Wool Growers Association, even achieving the office of President. She also was involved in a fashion organization called Make It Yourself with Wool. Virginia eventually purchased a Women’s and Teen Girl’s clothing store on Main Street in Montrose. She named the store, The Clothes Horse. That was a great period of time for Virginia and her daughters. Virginia and Bud’s union eventually ended in a divorce.

In April of 1974, Virginia married Ronald Luttrell in Greeley Colorado. They enjoyed and loved each other for a little more than 50 years, until Ron’s passing on 9-7-2024. They both worked hard and were able to enjoy life; traveling, playing golf etc. They even took all of their combined children and their families on several awesome vacations. One trip was to Mazatlan, Mexico and another trip was to Ocean Beach, California (part of San Diego). What a great time we had; so many great memories were made! Virginia was an organizer and liked to plan events, trips, etc. When she and Ron took all of us to Mexico, Virginia planned out the meals, etc. The plan was to eat a lot of our meals at the place we were all staying to save our money for fun things not food. Virginia started preparing for this trip in advance. She froze beef roasts, hams and the like. When it was time for the trip, Virginia packed all of this frozen food in a very large piece of luggage; very heavy! This piece of luggage made it to Mexico with us. But, in the chaos of trying to get all of us on one bus or van, the very large heavy food bag got lost! Somebody sure ate well for a few days in Mexico, as we never did locate that bag of frozen goods!

Virginia worked at Heath Junior High School in Greeley as a secretary in the office when she first moved to Greeley. She then got a job at State Farm Insurance Regional offices in Greeley. Her first position was in the mailroom sorting mail. She moved up to being the receptionist at the Front Entrance at State Farm Regional offices. Virginia took the State Farm recommended classes for many years to move up in the regional office. Virginia worked at State Farm Insurance Regional offices in Greeley for over 30 years. When she retired from there, she had reached and maintained her position as a Senior Life Insurance Underwriter. Virginia achieved all of this on a high school diploma! Virginia was very involved at State Farm by doing lectures to peer groups, to planning and organizing a fashion show sponsored by State Farm highlighting local retailers. She made lifelong friends with a lot of her coworkers at State Farm.

Virginia and Ron moved back to Montrose, Colorado in 2003 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They made Montrose their home until their passing. Virginia is survived by one older sister, Laura (Alan) Ziegel, her daughters Lyna (Danny) Hoey, Tina (Bill) Cordova, and stepchildren Rhonda (Randy) Castle, Chauncey (Jennifer) Luttrell, Rachel (C.L.) Werner and Stephanie (Jody) Moore. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Ron, her parents, 6 of her siblings and 2 grandchildren, Chandra Castle and Sebastian Larsen.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:00AM at All Saints Anglican Church followed by a luncheon reception and burial at Olathe Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Crippin Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 14th from 5:00-7:00PM.

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04/06/2026

John Andrew Haney Jr.

John Andrew Haney Jr, 71, of Montrose, Colorado, passed away on April 1, 2026, after a battle with esophageal cancer. John was born on February 5, 1955, in Niagara Falls, New York, to John Andrew Haney Sr and Mildred Ann Haney (Oakey). He attended Frontier Central High School in Hamburg, New York, and went on to study at Oklahoma Christian College, Denver Institute of Technology, and the University of Colorado. On August 26, 1978, he married Teri Lynn Brewster at Littleton Church of Christ, and together they built a life and family in Colorado.

John was a hard-working man with an adventurous spirit. An entrepreneur who started multiple companies across varying industries, he was never one to sit still. He was good with his hands and always had a project going — fixing cars, upgrading motorcycles, woodworking, or improving something around the house. That same restless energy took him all over the United States and as far away as McMurdo Station in Antarctica and Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Every free moment he had was spent outdoors — riding his Harley, 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting, and camping. Above all John loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He made it a priority to study His Word and was spiritually gifted in his service to others.

He is survived by his wife, Teri Haney, of Montrose; children Mindy Wilber (Steven) of Parker, CO, Paul Haney (Sherry) of Evergreen, CO, and Timothy Haney of Evergreen, CO; five grandchildren: Kylie Lynch, Andrew Wilber, Macie Haney, Caroline Wilber, and Jackson Haney; siblings Debbie Whiddon (Bob) of Owasso, OK, Dave Haney of Platteville, CO, Cheryl Thiery (Steve) of Platteville, CO, and James Haney (Janet) of Lodi, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jeffrey Haney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Montrose Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests tribute donations be made to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network in John’s memory.

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04/02/2026

Kathleen M. Tabor

Kathleen cartwheeled into the arms of Jesus with a resounding shout of, “Yeah God!” on April 1, 2026. Kathleen was born February 13, 1947 to John Edward and Peggy Moynihan McCaffrey, the eldest of their five children and a fourth generation Montrose native. She attended Oak Grove Elementary School and graduated from Montrose High School in 1965. She was married to her high school sweetheart, David Tabor, on August 19th, 1966 and they would have celebrated their 60th-wedding anniversary in August.

David and Kathleen were blessed with four children and in 1977 embarked on a life’s journey of Christian Missions, initially with Youth with a Mission. With YWAM they served in Hawaii, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Upon returning to Montrose in 1997, they founded and lead Solid Rock Foundation Ministries, a youth and family ministry. Kathleen traveled to 36 nations teaching, counselling and mentoring. She led King’s Kids, and later Audience of One. Discipling and taking youth teams on Summer Mission trips most often with their children and grandchildren from to 1988 through 2015. She will be remembered for living her life out loud, loving fiercely, nights awake praying, hundreds of haircuts, making bridesmaids and wedding dresses and feeding everyone she loved.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, David Tabor, four children, nineteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren. Lisa (Lance) Rediger, (Daniel, Michael, Jeremy, Katelyn, Jordan and Shannon) Jordan (Karen) Tabor, (Anna, Rachel, Lydia, Hope and Megan) Megan (Geoff) Ila (Teira, Jamie, Shae and Tayne) and John (Daniella) Tabor (Jasmine, Natasha, Tyrone and Yates) and her four siblings, Patti (Chuck) Wagner, Margaret McCaffrey, Ed McCaffrey and Anne (Tim) Gibbins and hundreds of spiritual sons and daughters both in the USA and abroad.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church, 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice.

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04/02/2026

Shakira Berg

Shakira Berg passed away at her home in Montrose Colorado on March 27th, 2026.

Shakira was born in Montrose Colorado to MaRia Gallegos and Robert Wilson on July 19th, 1976, she was named Shakira Seyson Wilson. Shakira grew up in Montrose and attended Elementary, Middle, and Highschool in Montrose. She graduated Montrose Highschool in 1994. She then attended The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley Colorado graduating in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology.

Shakira was a lover of all animals and never met one she didn’t want to take home. She loved books and at last count had over 400 books in her home. She enjoyed traveling with her children and collected unicorns.

She is survived her mother MaRia Moxley-Mann of Nevada; children, Hal Berg and Aidan Paider both of Montrose; sister Meydo (Bob) Cooling of Montrose. Shakira is also survived by many nieces and nephews she adored; Lauren (Ben) Axell of Wrightstown Wisconsin, Emma Cooling (Hank Dougherty) of Fort Collins Colorado, Raevyn (Edgar) Carrasco of Grand Junction Colorado, Sophia Cooling of Montrose, Wyatt Cooling of Montrose. Along with great nieces and nephews; Isla, Callahan, and Oliver Axell, Donavan and Santiago Carrasco.

At this time the family is planning a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Condolences can be sent to 3401 Valley way Montrose Colorado 81401

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04/02/2026

Rebecca "Becky" Susanne Duce

Rebecca (Becky) Susanne Duce passed away on March 20, 2026. She was born in Denver, Colorado on March 17th, 1965 to Earl and Carolyn Peeples and her older brothers David and Tom. The family built their cabin in Pleasant Valley and moved from the Boulder area to Ridgway permanently in 1979 where Becky and David both finished high school. Becky met Steve in Ridgway and they went snowmobiling up Owl Creek Pass as their first date. Even though Steve lost her off of the back of the snowmobile multiple times that day, the rest was history and they were married in September of 1988.

Becky enjoyed the outdoors and loved animals. She told stories about exploring the Ridgway and Dallas Divide area on horseback as a teenager and young adult. She was an accomplished photographer and worked at the llama ranch in Ridgway in her twenties, taking many photos of their show llamas and helping care for the animals. She even had her own mischievous alpaca named RayBan.

While Becky didn’t enjoy actually hunting very much, she loved her community of hunters from Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota who came to visit and hunt with Steve and the kids each fall. She cooked many of her famous hunting camp meals year after year for all to enjoy and opened her home to all who visited.

Although hunting wasn’t her thing, Becky loved fishing and was happiest when sitting on the dock in Wisconsin at the family’s Tippy Canoe fishcamp with sunflower seeds, a beer and a fishing pole waiting for the elusive Northern Pike to strike. One of her proudest and happiest moments was catching the big one with Grandpa Wayne lending a hand.

Becky and her mom Carolyn enjoyed painting, canning, sewing and crafting together and they often shared that love with their friends by teaching them how. Becky gifted all of her crafts and goods to friends and family. Her party mix, elk jerky and special bloody mary mix were legendary. Friends and relatives were often gifted handmade baby blankets and Christmas ornaments. We hope those fortunate enough to enjoy Becky's talents, will look back and remember our mom’s generosity.

Becky’s joy in life were her kids and kids in general. She hated sports but loved watching them when her kids were playing and watched all of the kids games. She once had an entire hotel bar of strangers watching Eva’s basketball team playing in the NCAA tournament. She became an avid fan of the Paralympics after watching Heidi compete in Sochi. She loved collecting the challenge coins that Steven would gift her. Although she never became a grandma in the traditional way, all of the children of friends and relatives adored Aunt B or Bebe as she was called and will treasure the time they spent in her care.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Carolyn and her parents in law Wayne and Carole Duce. She is survived by her husband Steve, her kids Eva (Darian), Heidi (Scott) and Steven (Nora), her brothers David (Brenda) and Tom (Debbie) and nieces, nephews and extended family spread across the country and her beloved mini-Aussie, Scrubby.

In lieu of flowers we encourage you to donate to the Shriners Children's Hospital or Special Olympics Colorado in honor of Becky. Less formally, you can also channel your inner Becky by making a meal or a homemade gift for someone who could use a smile or a helping hand.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 23rd at the Duce House at 7700 HWY 62 starting at 2pm. Bring an app, side or dessert to share along with your best Becky memories. Please carpool if you can.

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04/01/2026

Ronald "Ron" Gene Wing

Ronald “Ron” Gene Wing, passed away in his home in Olathe on March 28, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Irene Wing, nine siblings (Bob, Lloyd, Eileen, Wanda, Dwight, Melvin, Ken, Don (twin), and Diane), and two (twin) great granddaughters.

Ron is survived by the love of his life, Lori Wing, whom he was married to for 64 years. Ron and Lori had three children, Rick (Kristen) Wing, Lisa Wing and Penny (Brad) Harris. Ron was also a grandpa to 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren. Ron was also an uncle, cousin and friend to many, many others.

Ron was a 1958 graduate of Olathe High School. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years immediately after graduating from high school. Anyone that knew Ron would describe him as a hard worker, a skilled carpenter, a prankster and extraordinarily ornery.

Ron, as stated, was revered as husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is also revered as a great man.

Ron will be celebrated at a graveside ceremony at the Olathe Cemetery, on Saturday, April 4th at 1:00 pm. A potluck dinner will be held immediately following the ceremony at 6465 6135 Road, Olathe, CO. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to HopeWest Hospice, 725 S. 4th Street, Montrose, CO, 81401.

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