Crippin Funeral Home

Home
United States
Montrose, CO
Crippin Funeral Home

Crippin Funeral Home is proud to have been serving Montrose, CO and surrounding areas since 1988.

Crippin Funeral Home is proud to be a family owned and operated funeral home serving the Montrose area and western slope since 1988. Over the past 20 years we have grown by providing caring, personalized and above all professional service to all of our families. In 1995 we purchased Grand View Cemetery, located west of Montrose. Grand View Cemetery offers a unique resting place, a veteran’s section, scattering garden, gazebo and our latest addition Serenity Cremation Gardens . We have an onsite crematory as well as a newly designed chapel and casket display room. We are honored to serve and make available all of our facilities and services to all the family’s that place their confidence in us. Please feel free to call at any hour to speak directly to one of our members. We believe we have a unique responsibility to honor our Veterans and Military Community. We will help you handle every detail; from military benefits to legal requirements. Our History

In 1957, In Jerome Idaho, Harry Crippin and wife Marion opened their hearts and doors to help families cope with the loss of loved ones. Harry and Marion soon built a family tradition of trust by providing sincerity, understanding and graceful professionalism to all the families they served. In 1987 sons Greg, Kirk and Kelly Crippin joined their father to carry on “A Family Tradition of Trust” when they purchased the Monahan Mansion located in Montrose, Colorado on East Main Street. Since then Greg, Kelly and wives Julia and Carla Crippin have continued to compassionately lighten the burden that one has when planning for and coping with the loss of a loved one.

03/20/2026

Jerry Owen Johnson

Jerry Owen Johnson Passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 11th, 2026. At the age of 76, he was what could be called goofy, honorable, and reliable to those who knew and loved him.

Born to Betty Lou Stringham on January 22nd 1950, loved and also raised by Carl Roy.

Jerry is preceded in death by both his mother Betty Stringham and his stepfather Carl Roy. As well as his late wife Debrah Lynn Boren.

Jerry is Survived by daughter; Dustie Johnson, granddaughters; Tayler Weekly Johnson and Kendra Kasper, husband JD Kasper. Great granddaughters; Rielle Woodden, Elise Kasper, and Kyra Kasper. Sister; Carol Ann Rieher, husband Mick Rieher. Nieces; Lora Leigh Rieher and Suzie Rieher, Great Nephew Jordin Rieher. Along with many close friends that he considered family.

Jerry enjoyed many things in life like working on his Nova (AKA “Wild Thing”) and customizing things like his Harley, Bicycle, Gun, and daily driver. He always stayed busy making the best of things important to him.

Jerry also invested in people important to him, I don’t believe he ever truly met a stranger. Whether telling jokes to receptionists he just met, gas station attendees, or those he congregated with in church. Jerry always had a joke, a story, or a prank to lay on those around him.

Many times, he would prank his friends and family by peaking around a hidden corner with a mask… or just his wonderful face. He would jump scare someone from a makeshift coffin on Halloween or just the nearest hiding spot that could be found. Jerry was always a jokester and kept you on your toes.

He also had a deep love of poetry and finding new and alternate words with different meanings. I think we can all agree he never needed to hide behind poems, jokes, cars, or pranks. Even though those all hold deep meaning when thinking of Jerry… Jerry in the flesh is the one we will miss the most. We can find peace and comfort knowing that he is at home with the Lord.

There Will be a Service for Jerry Owen Johnson on April 11th at 11:00AM at Calvary Chapel. 2201 S. Townsend Ave. Montrose, Co 81401. A Luncheon at Calvary chapter will follow the memorial service.

View Jerry Owen Johnson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

Lance Deforest Vincent

In Loving Memory:

Lance Deforest Vincent was welcomed into the world on April 18 2002 in Montrose, CO to the loving parents of Michelle and Steven Vincent. He was called home to our father in heaven on January 23, 2026 in Grand Junction, CO. He was their first born out of four children. He was a proud big brother to his one sister Kaitlyn and his two brothers, Craig and Alexander.

Lance was known to many as the gentle giant, carrying both strength and kindness, he had a heart that matched his size. He loved video games especially Dungeons and Dragons and pulling practical jokes on his siblings, always teasing them whenever he could. He enjoyed shooting guns whether they were real or Nerf, and having an imagination so vivid, he could write an entire story and paint the picture perfectly. His creativity went further beyond storytelling- he had a poem published outside the Botanical Gardens in Grand Junction, CO where his words could continue to live among nature. During his youth, he had accomplishments that made him a one of a kind. He won an ice cream eating contest at the age of 9 and succeeded in wrestling. He also took a liking for playing the trumpet.

At the age of 3, Lance had aspired to be in the marines. Always fascinated by their bravery and strength. Over time he looked at what life could hold for him and unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, he decided to pursue a new path in video game development. He went by the name “Rapidfawn” online and would occasionally post videos to youtube and other forms of social media, encouraging his family to do outros with him until they were bright red in the face.

In his last year with us, Lance got to meet his firstborn nephew. Although he was very large compared to the tiny baby, he was always gentle and cared deeply for him. He treasured every moment with his nephew, always taking every chance, he got to hold him or spend time with him.

When he left this world, he was surrounded by his loved ones, family, and friends. His life was an irreplaceable presence, and his spirit will continue to live within his family, friends, and anyone who walked in his path.

Lance, you will never be forgotten, and we will continue to talk about you throughout the rest of our lives and we will always remember you for all the wonderful and dorky times you gave us all.

We love you Lance,

Always and Forever

Lances Service will be held on Thursday March 12, 2026, at Crippin Funeral home in Montrose, CO from 4-6 PM.

If you knew him, please join us in honor of his life.

View Lance Deforest Vincent's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

Mary Lupita Barba

Mary Lupita Barba passed away in the early hours of February 28, 2026, in Montrose, Co. The main event of Mary’s life may be over, but her legacy lives on. Born November 20, 1944, in Monte Vista, Co she was the first-born daughter of Martin Amador Bercillio and Angie Portfillia Duran. Her older brothers Amadeo Bercillio, Fermin Bercillio, Benny Bercillio and a younger sister all preceded her in death. John Bercillio, Annie Velasquez, and Larry Velasquez all currently in Montrose are the younger siblings. She had a special place in her heart for her older brothers while John was her friend whom she called daily to talk to. She will be greatly missed by her children Kathy Lopez, Tony Manzaneres, and Alvin Manzanares as well as her six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Mary loved having fun laughing, dancing, and was one of the hardest workers ever known. She loved watching wrestling and talking with those she held close. She loved her baby Ricco which was her dog that she cooked meals for and would defend him before any human on this earth. Mary’s strength and motivation to raise her kids, work hard, make a good life and have the most immaculate house was incomparable to others. She was loving, kind, supportive and could speak her mind with no hesitation. There was no guessing with her as she would give it to you straight which is why she was a true matriarch of this family. Her nephew Martin Bercillio, her nieces Annie Bercillio, Lori Bercillio Landice and Catrina Bercillio Abeyta will never forget how she laughed and loved them. Mary rededicated her life to God on her last day here and made her way to Jesus where she could reunite with all she longed for especially Garrick who she lost just seven weeks prior, her beloved grandson. Ecclesiastes 7:1 “A good name is better than a fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.” There will be a celebration dinner at the Montrose Elks Lodge on Saturday April 11, from 1pm-5pm. Her daughter has invited all that would like to honor and remember Mary to attend.

View Mary Lupita Barba's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/09/2026

Ardith R. Pulford

Ardith R. Pulford, 88, of Montrose, CO passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 4, 2026. Throughout her life, Ardith was known for her generous spirit, her love of learning, and her deep devotion to the people and communities she served.

She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Loveland, Colorado, where she was especially passionate about supporting students from migrant families and others who needed extra encouragement and opportunity. Ardith believed deeply in education as a path forward and carried that belief into every role she held. Later, she served as registrar at Steamboat Springs High School and worked for the City of Steamboat Springs, where she continued to contribute thoughtfully to the community she loved.

During her college years, Ardith demonstrated early leadership as president of Alpha Phi and as a leader in ROTC Angel Flight. These roles reflected the qualities that defined her throughout her life — dedication, service, and a genuine care for others.

Ardith found great joy in time spent with family and friends. She loved walking with friends, reading books, working puzzles, quilting, playing tennis and bridge, and tending to her flowers and gardens. She was also an active volunteer with public libraries and a proud member of PEO, supporting educational opportunities for women.

Above all else, Ardith treasured her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Pulford; her children, Jill Pulford and Lynn Pulford (George Weber). She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Bob Pulford whose memory remained close to her heart throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Library in Ardith’s name at Support MRLD - Montrose Regional Library District or to Jill’s school at https://givebutter.com/Rf1ukX in honor of Ardith’s lifelong belief in education and opportunity for all.

View Ardith R. Pulford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/09/2026

Margaret Waneta (Jones) Beck

Margaret Waneta (Jones) Beck, 89, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026 predeceased by her parents Margaret A. Jones, Charles E. Jones, & brother Charles B. Jones. Margaret was born in Baltimore, Maryland attended Saint Rita’s School & Dundalk High before entering the job force at University of Maryland Hospital, where she eventually retired.

Margaret & Jack enjoyed traveling & all the adventures along the way. Most recent was a European river cruise, an Alaskan cruise, sailing in Panama, & wintering in Arizona. They were also quite active in their local motorcycle & atv club.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband Jack Beck, devoted daughter Sharon Snow, adoring grandsons Timothy & Kyle Snow & their wives, Caroline & Lauren, & her amazing great grandchildren Sam, Sterling, Morgan, & Lily Snow.

Margaret will be remembered for her unconditional love for family, all animals, & putting others first.

View Margaret Waneta (Jones) Beck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/06/2026

Joseph "Joe" Zabriskie, Jr

Joe went home to his heavenly father on February 14, 2026 after a long battle with kidney failure.

Joe was born to Joseph and Ruth (Scott) Zabriskie on September 29, 1956 in Cambridge, Ma. He is proceeded in death by both of his parents. Joe married the love of his life, Cheryl (Muzzy) on July 16, 1977. They shared 49 % years together. Cheryl still resides in their home in Montrose, co.

Joe also leaves behind his sister, Barbara (Kevin) Williams, as well as two nieces, Heather Williams and Amy Williams, two great nieces Alicia Chicas and Joy Nicole Sullivan, a great nephew, Jack who proceeded him in death, all of Malden, MA. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Scott (Kelly) Muzzy, two nephews, Dean (Shelby) Muzzy, and Casey Muzzy, Two great nieces, Meara Ray and Madison Scott Muzzy, all of Townsend, MA.

As a young man, Joe worked for Rogers Foam in Somerville, MA making NERF products. He would always come home with a few nerf balls. He later worked in security, in both the corporate and medical sectors. Cheryl always knew when it was a bad night in the ER because he would tell her, "Please don't touch me."

They moved to Montrose, CO in 1990 after a visit with Cheryl's dad. Joe worked for a time at Russell Stovers. He then was hired on as a baker at Daylight Donuts. They eventually bought the donut shop. They made many friends and memories during that time. One of the best memories was when they decided to hold a "99 cent Dozen Donuts Day." They enlisted the help of local radio station KKXK. They ended up with more than they bargained for when the line went down the block!

The couple moved back to Malden, MA in 1996 and always said they would be back. After some health issues, they returned to Montrose in 2011 where they retired.

Joe and Cheryl loved to explore and thought nothing of going for a ride on a Sunday. They would take the road less traveled, just to see where it leads. Unfortunately, they would find some great places, then not remember the roads that took them there. But it was always an adventure.

View Joseph "Joe" Zabriskie, Jr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Robert D. (Bob) Elsing

Robert passed away at home on March 02, 2026.

Robert was born on June 21, 1934, in Sauk City, Wisconsin to Walter and Lavina (Cross) Elsing. He was raised on the family farm along with 10 siblings.

Robert married JayAnn Bardsley on June 6, 1952. They had 3 children, 2 daughters and a son.

He farmed alongside his brother until 1971 at which time he moved to Montrose, Colorado. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Robert owned and operated Custom Concrete for many years in Montrose.

He is survived by 2 daughters Patricia Grunewald (Daniel) and Jaynie Searcy (Steven). His grandchildren and great grandchildren along with 2 sisters and 3 brothers and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JayAnn and son, Robert Jr. and several brothers and sisters.

Special thanks to his niece, Contance Henthorne, for the many years of care she provided him.

A private service will be held at a later date.

View Robert D. (Bob) Elsing's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Robert C. Barnes

Robert C Barnes of Montrose Colorado passed away peacefully in his home on February 19, 2026 surrounded by his wife, Theresa and beloved Dog Bentley. Robert was born February 29, 1940, in Pawpaw, Michigan. Robert married the love of his life, Theresa A. Pini, they have one child Roberta Williams. Bob was a civil engineer working in Michigan and coming to Colorado to work on the Ridgeway Dam, he enjoyed the challenge of his engineering projects in Colorado. Robert loved building cars and car racing. Robert’s best time in his life was being with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and especially being with his wife and dog Bentley. Robert is survived by his wife Theresa, daughter Roberta, and twin brother Tom (Shirley Barnes).

Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

View Robert C. Barnes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Dr. Richard Daniel Shannon

Dr. Richard Shannon, a long-time resident of Montrose, CO, passed away peacefully at his home on February 28, 2026 at the age of 84.

Richard was born November 23, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. His father was an executive for Ford Motor Company, a job that would take the family from Chicago to Kansas City to Boston and finally back to Chicago as a child and young adult.

At the age of 13, he and his family relocated to Framingham, near Boston, MA. It was there he developed his lifelong love of ice hockey and recalled countless hours spent both on the pond and rink playing hockey with his younger brother Jim. His passion for hockey continued in college, as he and Jim played at Boston College and Northwestern University. He then played recreationally through his early 30s.

In May 1964, Richard graduated from Northwestern. Following undergrad, he attended Creighton University Medical School in Omaha, NE. It was in Omaha that he met his wife Maureen, a student at a nearby women’s college. They married in the fall of 1967 in Rushville, NE. His first daughter Kathleen was born in Omaha the following year.

After graduating from medical school in May 1968, Richard completed an intern year in Omaha before being drafted into the U.S. Navy. He recalled his time spent as a Naval officer fondly. He worked in the anesthesia department in Portsmouth, VA and Bremerton, WA. His son Michael was born during their time in Washington state.

After Richard’s Navy time was completed, he and his young family returned to Omaha so he could complete a residency in Urology. Initially his search for jobs post-residency focused on regions where hockey was available. However, once he visited Montrose, CO for an interview, he fell in love with the town and surrounding mountains. They moved to Montrose in 1975 and his daughter Kelli was born a few years later.

Richard loved practicing medicine and loved being a urologist. He worked in private practice and at the VA Hospital in Grand Junction until his retirement at the age of 80.

Recreationally, Richard enjoyed skiing, boating and travel. He and his family created many wonderful memories on the ski slopes and water, where he was always up for teaching others how to ski and taking another spin around the lake. He and Maureen traveled to every continent except Antarctica, though they saw those shores from a cruise ship. He also loved any reason to celebrate, participating in community theatre both as an actor and

director, and watching the Broncos and any sport his grandchildren participated in, especially soccer.

Richard was an amazing friend, brother, husband, father and papa. He loved engaging with people and hearing their stories. He will be remembered by countless friends and family for his strong faith, commitment to helping others, adventurous spirit, and infectious laugh. He truly embodied a life well-lived.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and James, and brother Jim. He is survived by his sisters Joan and Jeanne of San Diego, CA; wife Maureen of Montrose, CO; daughter Kathy Maness (Mike) of Broomfield, CO; son Mike Shannon (Brandy) of Cheyenne, WY; daughter Kelli Shannon (Kris Kazlauskas) of San Diego, CA; grandchildren Kailey, Jackie and Ryan Maness; Josh Zimmerman, Herbie and Abby Legg, and Bebe Shannon; Jonas, Jakob, Natalie and Lauren Kazlauskas; and nieces and nephews in the US and England.

A rosary service and vigil will be held at Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose on March 19 at 7:00 p.m., with a funeral mass on March 20 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial service will follow at Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HopeWest Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

View Dr. Richard Daniel Shannon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Elva "Lea" Harper

Elva “Lea” Harper, 78, of Montrose, Colorado, passed away on March 1, 2026.

Lea was born on September 25, 1947, in Price, Utah, she spent her early childhood growing up in Mt. Emmons, Ut, surrounded by family and the familiar comfort of small-town life. Her family later moved to Holliday, Utah, where she graduated from Skyline High School before continuing her education at beauty college. She carried her creativity, warmth, and love for helping others throughout her life.

In 1988, Lea made Montrose, Colorado her home, where she lived for the rest of her life. Her days were filled with laughter, love, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. She had a gift for making everyone she met feel welcomed and appreciated.

One of Lea’s greatest passions was her work with Community Options and the Special Olympics program. She poured her heart into supporting the individuals she served, forming lasting bonds and finding deep purpose in the work she loved. Outside of work, she enjoyed road trips with her best friends, especially when the destination involved a little gambling adventure. Bowling leagues, bingo, and crafting were among her favorite hobbies, and family gatherings were the key to her most genuine and radiant smile.

Lea is survived by her three children: Lonnie (Margaret) Adair, Wendy (Jody) Knifer, and Justin Adair; her seven grandchildren: Jake Adair, Taliya Robinson, Cody (Courtney) Giles, Marcie Giles, Taylor Epperson, Blake Adair, and Savannah Adair; and her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Georgia Dunham and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Dwain and Elva Hope Harper, and her two brothers, Boyd Harper and William “Billy” -Dale Harper.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 13, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Montrose, Colorado, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lea lived with a carefree spirit that lifted those around her, and her family takes comfort in knowing that her laughter, her warmth, and her joyful way of moving through the world will continue to echo in the hearts of all who loved her.

View Elva "Lea" Harper's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Gerald Eugene Morris

Gerald Eugene Morris died on February 23, 2026, at Montrose, Colo., at the age of 92. Born at Owensboro, Ky., he lived most of his life in Ohio. He earned degrees from University of Kentucky and Murray State University, and served as an educator in the military, and at the high school and college levels. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.

He was active in historic preservation, having painstakingly researched and restored an early American homestead from the pioneer era in southern Ohio. He was a gifted gardener, baker, linguist, and raconteur, and an avid horseman, ice skater, and skier.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Priscilla Alden (Alley) Morris, and his parents Edgar Morris, and Clareen (Hunt) Morris. Survivors are his son Bennet Alden Morris, his wife Sandra L. Morris, their daughter Abigail, and several cousins.

View Gerald Eugene Morris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Tamara Michelle Gardner

Tamara Michelle Gardner, age 56, of Montrose, Colorado, died February 19th, 2026 in her home surrounded by family. She was born June 4th, 1969, to Shirley Vassar and Junior Jackson. She was a daddy’s girl and has 2 brothers, Thomas and Spike Jackson. She resided in California, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado; and spent most of her life in Montrose. She had 3 boys, CJ, Robert and Matthew Gardner with her late partner, Corwin Allen Gardner. Her sons were the center of her world, and gave her 3 daughters through marriage, Saraya, Julianna, and Sarah. Her family grew exponentially with 3 beautiful grandchildren, McKinley, Gabriel, and Corey. Tamara enjoyed paddleboarding, spending time with family, spoiling her grandbabies, and was always the life of the party. She was a CNA for over 30 years and her laughter will always be remembered. She’s preceded in death by her mother, father and brother, Bobby.

The memorial service will be held from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, March 8th, at the Montrose Elks Lodge, feel free to bring a potluck dish if you are able to attend. If you would like to donate to help with the memorial service please reach out to Matthew Gardner at (970)-209-6813.

View Tamara Michelle Gardner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

802 E Main Street
Montrose, CO
81401

Telephone

+19702492121

Website

http://www.crippinfuneralhome.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Crippin Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Crippin Funeral Home:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Montrose?

Our Story

Crippin Funeral Home is proud to be a family owned and operated funeral home serving the Montrose area and western slope since 1988. Over the past 20 years we have grown by providing caring, personalized and above all professional service to all of our families. In 1995 we purchased Grand View Cemetery, located west of Montrose. Grand View Cemetery offers a unique resting place, a veteran’s section, scattering garden, gazebo and our latest addition Serenity Cremation Gardens . We have an onsite crematory as well as a newly designed chapel and casket display room. We are honored to serve and make available all of our facilities and services to all the family’s that place their confidence in us. Please feel free to call at any hour to speak directly to one of our members. We believe we have a unique responsibility to honor our Veterans and Military Community. We will help you handle every detail; from military benefits to legal requirements. Our History In 1957, In Jerome Idaho, Harry Crippin and wife Marion opened their hearts and doors to help families cope with the loss of loved ones. Harry and Marion soon built a family tradition of trust by providing sincerity, understanding and graceful professionalism to all the families they served. In 1987 sons Greg, Kirk and Kelly Crippin joined their father to carry on “A Family Tradition of Trust” when they purchased the Monahan Mansion located in Montrose, Colorado on East Main Street. Since then Greg, Kelly and wives Julia and Carla Crippin have continued to compassionately lighten the burden that one has when planning for and coping with the loss of a loved one.

Crippin Funeral Home

03/20/2026

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story