April 23, 1931–Jan. 27, 2013.

Dr. Ralph Rudolph La Varta was born April 23, 1931, in Pagosa Springs, Colo. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1949. He joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Tarawa (CV-40) during the Korean War with honor.

He graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in San Antonio, Texas, and practiced in Memphis, Texas, Amarillo, Texas, and Durango, Colo., for 45 years.

Ralph loved Jesus Christ, working with his patients, and the fellowship of his professional medical colleagues. He enjoyed the great outdoors and occasional hunting and trout fishing adventures.

He will be truly missed by his wife, his family, and a multitude of friends.

Mr. La Varta is survived by his wife, Daphine, with whom he was married to for 50 years; children Carolyn Cook, Tammy La Varta, Charity White, and Rod Cook; Aunt Sophie C. Esch of Canon City; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dea La Varta; aunts, Tillie (Louis) Marquez, Precilla (Frank) Martinez, Inez (Elmo) Dunn, and Corine (Virgil) Stories; uncles, Carlos (Virginia) La Varta, Joe (Nora Bell) La Varta, Julian (Jane) La Varta, and Ted (Doc) La Varta; and grandson Travis Lee Galloway.

At his request, there will be no public services. Online condolences at www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Feb. 9, 1942-Feb. 11, 2012

Come With Me

The Lord saw you getting tired

And a cure was not to be,

So he put his arms around you

And whispered, “Come with me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you suffer

And saw you fade away.

Although we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Your beautiful smile at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove

He always takes the best.

It’s lonesome here without you,

We miss you so each day.

Our lives just aren’t the same

Ever since you went away.

When days are sad and lonely

And everything goes wrong,

We hear you gently whisper,

“Cheer up and carry on.”

Each time we see your picture,

You seem to smile and say,

“Don’t cry, I’m in God’s keeping,

We’ll meet again some day.”

6/12/42-2/2/13.

Becky was born in Arboles, Colo., and was raised in Pagosa Springs for the majority of her youth. She attended schools in Pagosa Springs and received a high school diploma.

She married Max Salazar and had four children. She moved her family to California in 1966. In California, she was employed as a bookkeeper/accountant for Stater Bros. Inc., Sierra Madre Lumber Co. and Todd’s Auto Warehouse, retiring after 35 years of service.

Becky is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Todd Waddell; her mother, Flora Barbo; her son, Maxie; and her nephew, Shane Houghton. She is survived by her daughters, Joyce and Bernadette; her son, Charles; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; six siblings, Lalo, Gloria, Sarah, Frances, Ruby and Mabel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation services will be private.

Clifford E. Lucero

In loving memory of Clifford E. Lucero — Feb. 13, 2009

This love we have for our Dad

Will never fade away.

We’ll think of him, our special friend

Throughout each passing day.

We’ll walk into the room

And see his empty chair;

Although we know he’s resting,

We’ll feel his presence there.

The memories of his laughter,

His warm and loving smile,

His eyes so full of happiness

Memories are forever

Laughter or of tears,

Memories we will treasure

Through all the forthcoming years.

Deeply missed by his wife Eliza; children Alberta, Bernie, Guzman, Madeline, Clifford Jr., Jimmy, Lucille, spouses; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert V. “Boo” Pargin, 54, of Pagosa Springs, passed away Feb, 9, 2013.

Boo was born in San Antonio, Texas. As the son of an air force officer, he had lived all over the world. Boo graduated from Del Norte high school in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1977. After High school , he worked alongside his father in the construction industry. By the time Boo was in his mid 20s, he was an accomplished contractor in his own right.

Having deep family roots to the Pagosa Springs area, it had long been a dream of Boo’s to be able to move his family back to this area. In 2003, he realized his dream and was able to move his family to Pagosa Springs. There he continued his career in the construction business, while enjoying his passion for everything outdoors that Pagosa has to offer.

Boo was preceded in death by his father, Robert H. Pargin, and cousin Lynn Pargin. He is survived by his wife, Karen, son Ben, daughter Ava, mother Barbara Jean (Dannels) Pargin, sister Debra Kay Blevins, aunt and uncle Margaret and Doyle Pargin, cousin Dan Pargin and his wife Tracy.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Centerpoint Church in Pagosa Springs, with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers the Pargin family has asked that donations be made to Centerpoint Church or the Pagosa Springs Humane Society.

1951-2012

Beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Ken went to his Lord on July 4, 2012.

Ken grew up in Pagosa, graduating from Pagosa Springs High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army.  He will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Services were held in Long Beach, Calif.

… I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith … (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV)

After a valiant fight of more than 11 years, our beloved David went home to be with the Lord. Dave’s passion for family, friends and life was superseded only by his love for Jesus.

David was born in Coronado, Calif., on Nov. 23, 1939, to Andrew Jennings Brown, Jr. and Harriette Birkhimer Brown. He was raised in Los Angeles along with his siblings Candace, Steven, Robbin and Victoria. David graduated from Loyola High School in 1958 and then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1962. After graduating from Claremont, Dave then attended The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania and was awarded an M.B.A. in 1964.

During that time, he met and subsequently married Virginia McKay Larkin. David and Virginia made their home in northern California where they raised their three daughters Kelly, Melinda and Michelle. David’s business career began in San Francisco with Newhall Land and Farming Company, after which he spent two years with the development team of Holvick, deRegt and Koering in Palo Alto, Calif. In 1969, Dave accepted a position as regional vice president for the acquisitions team of Boise Cascade Building Company. It was this position at Boise Cascade that afforded Dave the opportunity to launch his own real estate development company, Orchard Properties, in 1973 in San Jose, Calif., where he spent the next 20-plus years. Orchard Properties became recognized as one of the foremost developers and managers in the Silicon Valley.

In May of 1993, Dave married Carol Elizabeth Hesse and began the journey of building his beloved Bootjack Ranch in Pagosa Springs, Colo. With southwestern Colorado as part of his genealogical history, Dave set out to create a place of rest, renewal and reconnection to God for friends and acquaintances who were feeling the burn out and busyness of life. Dave poured his heart, soul and creativity into the development of this beautiful 3,200-acre ranch at the base of the Wolf Creek Pass. During that time, David and Carol welcomed their two sons, David J. Brown, Jr. and Michael Sennet Brown. As David’s health challenges took hold of his body, he made the difficult decision to sell Bootjack Ranch and relocate to Phoenix, Ariz., where he received treatment for multiple myeloma at the Mayo Clinic. In true fashion, David became intensely involved in the Leadership Council at Mayo Clinic Arizona. He was passionate about the amazing network of doctors, nurses and staff and keenly interested in supporting and nurturing their spiritual and relational growth as well as their medical expertise.

David was a man of vision, passion and integrity. He was a steadfast and loyal friend, a devoted and loving father, brother and husband. He loved his Lord and Savior with all his heart. David strived to live his life pleasing to others and most importantly to God. His absence leaves an incredible hole in our hearts … but his memory will live with us forever.

David is survived by his wife, Carol E Brown; sons, David J Brown, Jr. and Michael S. Brown; daughters, Kelly B. Doucet (Robert), Melinda M. DiNapoli (John) and Michelle J. Hundley (John); grandchildren Katelyn Mollahan, Sean Mollahan, Shea Mollahan, McKenna Mollahan, Brady Mollahan, Caroline DiNapoli, Charlie DiNapoli, Catherine DiNapoli, Madden Hundley, Abigail Hundley and Lauren Hundley; former wife Virginia Larkin Bowman; sisters Candace Doud (Jim), Robbin Gardiner (Jim) and Victoria Hance (David); brother Steven K. Brown (Candy); and 13 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be designated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.  Gifts can be mailed directly to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 13400 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259.

Nonne Mack Morgan, 86, of Robstown, Texas, and a past resident of Pagosa Springs, passed away Feb. 9, 2013.

She was born Dec. 18, 1926, in Rotan, Texas, to Dane and Jewell Barnette.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Gerald Barnette, and a grandson, Lance Hubbard.

She is survived by her husband, Jack W. Morgan; daughter, Vonda Hubbard Sweeney and her husband Neal Sweeney; grandchildren, Tracey (Brian) Barrett, Morgan Hubbard, Matthew (Briana) Hubbard; great grandchildren, Reece, Reagan, Riggs Barrett, Lexi Hubbard, Rhensler and Beckham Hubbard.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. in the Calallen Baptist Church with Bro. Jack Willoughby officiating.

Interment will follow in the Robstown Memorial Park.

Pagosa Springs resident Nina (Lena) Bowden was a warm, kind, generous, fun-loving woman who captivated all those around her. She had a zest for life that was evident in her smile, her laughter and the colorful clothes she wore. Her fierce spirit, the way she enjoyed the game of Bingo, and her natural playful demeanor will be missed. Nina Bowden died Jan. 22. She was 88.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 16, to Rosario Charles DeSimone, a shoemaker, and Mary Beechiana, a homemaker, Nina was one of six children. She spent most of her life in New York, marrying young and raising four children, the oldest and youngest of which are 26 years apart. She moved to Pagosa Springs with her husband, James Bowden, and youngest son, Jimmy, in 1975. When her husband passed away, Nina dedicated herself to volunteering. Throughout the years, she volunteered at several organizations, but it was Archuleta County Senior Services that gave her the most joy. There she found her purpose. There she got back more than she gave. There, her days were filled with love and laughter and a true sense of family. As a resident of Pagosa Springs for 38 years, she loved every moment of every day.

Nina is survived by her loving family: sons Harold and Jimmy; daughter Mary; grandchildren Angela, Terri, Tracy, Bernard, Brian, Jena, Ariane and Lauren; and great-grandchildren Julian, Isaac, Andrew and Makenzey.

It rained the day Nina left us. We would all like to believe it was because the angels in heaven were crying for joy as they welcomed her home.

Fred Korzon, age 89, of Bloomfield Township, Mich., passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 1, 1924, in Detroit, Mich., to Minnie (Kreeger) and Adam Korzon. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a bombardier with the B-17 Flying Fortress. During that time, he fell in love with Ruth Mathiak, and proposed before he was shipped overseas to Italy. They were married on June 1, 1946, and shared 66 loving and devoted years together.

After they were married, Ruth and Fred moved to rural Bloomfield Township where Fred pursued residential building and started a family. He was instrumental in the development of Fox Croft and Shorewood Hills. Having a need for greater intellectual involvement, at age 38 he earned his B.A. in philosophy while on the dean’s list of the charter class of Oakland University, working full time and raising three children. He then earned his MA from the University of Michigan. Wishing to make a positive impact in the young lives of others, he became a humanities and history teacher at Pontiac Central High School and Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School.

The apex of his career was serving the citizens of Bloomfield Township and maintaining its natural beauty — first as trustee, then treasurer and finally as supervisor. He was Bloomfield Township Supervisor for 18 years and retired at the age of 75 in January 2000. During that time he sat on the board and was president of the South Eastern Michigan Council of Governments, the board of Oakland County Parks and Recreation and was an avid supporter of the Lutheran City Ministries. After his retirement, he taught an honors course in ethics and morality at Lahser High School. Encouraging the intellectual development of young people was one of his passions.

He lived a God-centered life focused on faith, family and high moral values. He was an active member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and later Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. He was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland, Mich., where he built a beach-front home and enjoyed his summers with his family.

Fred cherished his beloved wife and family. He was a small plane pilot and an avid book reader, especially on the topics of Judeo-Christian values, the meaning of life and morality. Fred was always eager to share his books and humor with others. He traveled throughout the world with family and friends creating loving memories. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; children Tim (Sherry) Korzon of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Mark (Madelynn) Korzon of Suttons Bay, Mich.; and Deborah (Ron) Parker of Pagosa Springs, Colo., his beloved granddaughters Kristal (Brian), Shanna (Ian), Marina, Natalie, Hilary (Steven) and Monica and great-grand children Ryder and Sloan.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence Korzon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fred Korzon Scholarship Fund, Concordia University, 4090 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

William T. “Tom” Richards, Jr. passed away peacefully in Bullhead City, Ariz., on Feb. 14, 2013.

Tom was born on Jan. 3, 1934, in Bayfield, Colo., to W.T. and Esther Richards. Tom’s parents, brother and five sisters preceded him in death.

Tom was married for 49 years to his wife, Wyoma. Wyoma passed away in 2006. Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Tom served the great state of Colorado as a Colorado highway patrolman for 32 years. After retiring from the Colorado State Patrol, Tom served as the sheriff of Archuleta County for 16 years.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Mary; son, Bill; and his grandchildren, Lacee and Craig.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at the Ross Aragon Community Center, with interment immediately following at the Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.

James (Jim) Earl Estell, 88, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away in his home on Feb. 7, 2012.

Born Jan. 12, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., to Winifred and Roy W. Estell, Jim attended high school at West High School in Love’s Park, Ill., and Northwestern Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wis., until he was drafted. He served in the U.S. Navy first as a boot camp instructor, then as a gunner’s mate on a destroyer escort in both the Atlantic and the Pacific.

After being discharged in 1946, he farmed until he joined Woodward Governor in 1955, a Rockford, Ill., company that his father helped form. Jim began as a machinist, and then moved into the repair and field service departments, traveling different parts of the country and setting up repair departments in the U.S. and on two other continents. In 1966, Jim was transferred to Fort Collins, Colo., where a new plant had been built.

He repaired different types of governors on planes, ships, dams — any type of engines that needed speed controls. He also spent seven years working on the yard crew because of his love for the outdoors. When he retired after 35 years, Woodward still retained his services to set up more repair departments in other countries.

As Jim drove into Pagosa in 2000 on a trip, he fell in love with the area and knew this was where he wanted to live. He immediately became involved in various activities like hiking, snowshoeing, woodworking and fixing the neighbors’ yard equipment. He volunteered at Pagosa Bible Church, Chimney Rock Archeological Area and Archuleta Seniors, Inc., where he drove seniors to medical appointments in Durango, sold ASI memberships, helped in the kitchen and was a former director. With his engaging smile and happy attitude, Jim loved helping people and will be missed by many.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Kathy (and husband Dave); son, Mike (and wife Corinne); four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte; his brother, Bill; two sisters-in-law, Doris and Shirley; and his parents.

A Remembrance will be held in Jim’s honor at the Senior Center on Feb. 25, at 1:30 p.m. Please come and share your memories and stories with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Archuleta Seniors, Inc.

Adela Marie Golosky, 101, passed away peacefully in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Feb. 17, 2013.

She is survived by her sister, Frances Gallegos of Pueblo, Colo., daughter Delores (Steve) Butler of Pagosa Springs, and son David Golosky of Wheatridge, Colo.; nine grandchildren — John, Barbara, James, Jeffrey and Jason Laydon, Daniel Butler and Oliver, Benjamin and Samuel Golosky. She is survived by eleven great-grandchildren — Abraham and Luke Laydon, Joshua Laydon, Alyssa and Malory Laydon, Daniel, Deanna, Tracey, Zachery, Zoe and Isaac Butler. Four great-great-grandchildren — Ava and Thane Laydon, Elle Laydon and Daniel Butler III.

She is preceded in death by her brother Robert, sisters Odila and Madeline Trujillo, and her beloved husband of 52 years, Morris Wolf Golosky.

Adela Marie Trujillo, was born in Chama, Colo., in the San Luis Valley on Oct. 2, 1911. She and her siblings were raised on the land they themselves cultivated with strong family traditions and very hard work.

After the sudden loss of Delores’ father, Victor DeHerrera, a very young, widowed mother and child moved to Pueblo, Colo. She worked as a waitress, where she met Morris who worked for The Denver Rio Grande Railroad. She became an apartment manager. At age 50 they adopted a new baby boy, David. She worked tirelessly to build a loving family and provide for her grandchildren. A wonderful cook, she enjoyed preparing meals on her old woodburning porcelain stove for many years. She loved gardening and had a large yard filled with herbs and flowers. Active in the Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge traditions, she was always busy tending to the needs of her family and others in her community.

Rarely sick, she attributed her good health and longevity to good food, little stress and clean hands.

Adela lived in Pagosa Springs and loved her apartment at Archuleta Senior Housing since 2002. She helped at Peppers Restaurant, owned by grandson James Laydon, by making pies and shredding pork for green chili. She was very grateful for her caregiver, Sophia Jacobson, and for all the dear friends she made here.

The family held a grand life celebration for her 100th birthday in May 2011.

Memorial services will be held privately. Adela loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The family rejoices she is now at her eternal home in Heaven, with peace, rest and comfort.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Gospel Publishers, 8366 Conifer Rd. Denver, CO 80221.

Robert Roy “Bullit Bob” Moore passed away Feb. 28, 2013, in Pagosa Springs.

Bob was born Oct. 10, 1945, in Greeley, Colo., to Charles and Betty Moore. The family moved to Wheatridge, Colo., and Bob graduated from Wheatridge High School. He entered the U.S. Army in 1967. He owned and operated a motorcycle shop in Wheatridge and finished his career as a Teamster for Local 399, working in the film industry in California.

Bob moved to Pagosa Springs in 1989 and pursued his other passion — opening Bob’s Cabin on North Pagosa Boulevard, constructing the building in 1997 and opening the business in 1998.

Bob had fought a long battle with diabetes and renal disease.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki, and his brother and sister in-law, John and Gail Moore.

At his request, there is no memorial or funeral service. A celebration of life will be held 1-4 p.m. March 9 at On the Rocks, formerly Bob’s Cabin.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to express my feelings, for I feel very honored to share a few memories of this wonderful man.

Tom stopped me and said, “Beatrice, where are you going so fast?” I said, “Was I going too fast?”

“Yeah, that’s why I thought I’d better slow you down.” So he went on and said, “Hita, I have to ask you for your driver’s license,” and I said, “Sure.”

But it was plain and simple I had nothing organized in my purse. After looking and looking for my license, I finally found it among all other papers.

Tom says, “Hita, how can this car go so fast with all that junk you have in your purse?” We both laughed.

He says, “Beatrice, I’ll let you go, drive carefully and take 5# off that right foot, you hear me.”

I said, “I promise.”

Tom was the most pleasant person to talk to, he was very highly respected and that is how I want to respect all state troopers and staff of this department, because they are in the line of duty that is very, very dangerous. And I know because my big brother lost his life in the line of duty in Farmington, N.M.

However, I’m not saying only good things about Tom Richards, because maybe he had some failures, which is natural that we all fail at one time or another. Sometimes we fail our parents, or our husbands or our wives, our teachers, our co-workers or even our children.

Tom! In my books you were great. You taught your family to respect and today they stand on good grounds. You left a wonderful daughter, Mary, following your same career with brilliance and compassion. Also a son, William Jr., and his wife Debora, grandchildren, relatives and many, many friends.

Tom, we’re gong to miss you dearly and we love you.

The Lord has called you home and you’ve gone to join your lovely wife, Wyoma, and how awesome on sweetheart day.

But Tom, because of your courtesy, caring, respect and compassion, I know you have earned a gold ticket, and that’s your ticket to heaven.

Thank you,

Beatrice Espinosa and family

Word has been received that Eldon Kewanyama, a member of the Water Clan from the Hopi Village Shungopovi in northern Arizona, passed away at the age of 81. Mr. Kewanyama was essential in bringing the first Hopi dancers to Chimney Rock in 1995 and he enjoyed friendships with many people in Pagosa.

After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in the 1950s, Mr. Kewanyama returned to his Hopi home and family. He was very generous in sharing his culture. In the 1970s, he was invited to take Hopi singers and dancers to France, where they were very popular. He participated in Hopi cultural programs during the last 40 years at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz., Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Ariz., Mesa Verde National Park, Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Colo., Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Chimney Rock Archaeological Area (now known as Chimney Rock National Monument) and Edge of Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah, to name a few. He has been interviewed and quoted in several southwest archaeological publications and interpretive periodicals, but his most entertaining stories were told from his kitchen table.

Mr. Kewanyama was a katsina carver, however, his dolls were generally not commercially available. He gave them to children during Hopi ceremonies or gave or sold them to his friends.

Mr. Kewanyama was preceded in death by four of his siblings and his wife, Ella Ruth. He is survived by seven daughters and one son, his sister Dora Sakeva also from Shungopovi, dozens of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He led a colorful life, always proud of his heritage. One of his favorite sayings was, “Don’t Worry. Be Hopi.”

Danna Gnazzo Laverty passed away peacefully at her home, March 4, surrounded by her children and husband. A service to celebrate her victory  and life will be held Monday, March 11, at Restoration Fellowship Church at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Obituary to follow.

Carlie June Brown put down her boxing gloves and accepted her angel wings on March 5, 2013. She lived all 2 1/2 years of her life in Pagosa Springs, bringing smiles and giving hugs to everyone she met. She had many challenges in her short life and never gave up trying to overcome each and every one. She will be terribly missed, but we are very proud of all she accomplished, especially the enrichment she brought to our lives. All of her family feels honored to be entrusted with her care.

Services will be Friday, March 8, at 10 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. All are welcome to celebrate her life with us.

She is survived by her parents, Dr. Bob and Jennifer Brown, her siblings Amanda, Will and Karina Brown, her grandparents Bill and MJ Brown and John and Susan Guthrie, her great-grandmother Mary Wilcox and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to 1p36 Deletion Syndrome Support and Awareness at 1p36dsa.org/donate-now, or Brian Brown Medical Expense Fund, c/o ExtraCo Bank, 2706 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77802.

Jose Julian Elias Archuleta, 67, passed away with his family by his side on Feb. 27, 2013.

Julian was born in Pagosa Springs on Nov. 19, 1945, to Ike and Clara Archuleta. He was the youngest of six children. His siblings included three brothers, Elias, Toby and John, as well as two sisters, Della Montoya and Martina Sanchez.

In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army for two years. During his service, he traveled to many different places, including Vietnam. When he returned to Pagosa, he worked at the local sawmill.

He soon married his wife, Matilda, and they started their family. They had seven children together: Cindy, Julian, Ike, Phil, Val, Kristy and John.

Julian was a member of American Legion Post 108. He helped them fund a scholarship for a high school senior through a softball tournament that was held annually for 14 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family playing cards around the kitchen table, watching the Denver Broncos and outside in the yard with the barrel burning, talking and catching up with friends and listening to music. Julian had a heart of gold and always welcomed all.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Matilda, his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his seven children, 19 grandkids and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Julian are Wednesday, March 6, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, March 7, at 10 a.m., both at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Following burial at Hilltop Cemetery, the family asks all who knew Julian to attend lunch at the Parish Hall and to share any favorite memories.

Danna Gnazzo Laverty went to be with the Lord, the One she trusted in so much, March 4, 2013, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her husband and children. She stands victorious over cancer, a disease that never quenched her spirit or strong faith.

Danna was born in Minnesota on a warm sunny day, on Jan. 26, 1959, to Daniel John and Maxine Gnazzo. In 1963, she moved with her family to Aurora, Colo. Danna was confirmed at St. Marks, Lutheran Church in Aurora, and was very active in church activities. Danna also was a gifted athlete and participated in sports including track and volleyball. In the fifth grade, she set a record in the long jump with a leap of 13 feet 11 inches, a record that may still stand today.

She graduated from Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, and was a member of their charter graduation class of 1977. She attended and graduated from Northern Colorado with a degree in psychology and Adams State with a master’s degree in family counseling and social work. After graduation, Danna moved to Fort Collins and was employed as a sheriff’s deputy. Danna moved to Pagosa Springs in 1984, a place that she loved and that became her home for the next 30 years.

Kurt and Danna were married March 19, 1988, on the banks of the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs. Danna had the dream of living in the country and raising a lot of kids, and that was a dream which she lived out. She loved being a mom, and stayed at home to homeschool all six of her kids for over 20 years. She was an active member of the local homeschool group and made many of her friends there.

Her greatest joys in life were found in her children, and she pushed them all to live their passions and dreams. She supported them in many of their international missions trips, sports ventures, drama and singing ventures, and was always their biggest fan. She had a passion for mission work and the local church, Restoration Fellowship, that she was a part of. Danna loved the Lord, and shared her faith and passion with everyone that she met. Her faith was strong and she believed in the goodness of God and His faithfulness, and instilled this strong faith and passion in her children. Her strong walk of courage and strength was an inspiration and encouragement to many, and she always believes that each day was the “perfect opportunity for a miracle.”

Danna was a much-loved friend and could often be found talking on the phone, encouraging others, and helping people live life to the best of their potential. She made the world a little smaller of a place, as she loved to get people connected and share resources with others.

One of Danna’s lifelong passions was fishing, as she said that being out in the quiet of nature and in the sunshine made her feel alive. She loved the sunshine, and her Italian heritage was seen in her sun-kissed complexion, passionate “talking” with her hands, boldness, and joyful personality.

Danna is survived by husband, Kurt, and loving children, Benellen, Allison, Mason, Johannah, Jesse and Caleb, mother Maxine, brothers John and Paul, and numerous nephews and nieces She is preceded in death by father Daniel and baby “Grace.”

In lieu of flowers, an account has been created in Danna’s honor at Restoration Fellowship Church in Pagosa Springs. Donations to this account will go to various missionary and ministry organizations that Danna believed in and loved to support. Checks can be mailed to 264 Village Drive, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, with “Danna Laverty” in the memo line. If you have questions, please call 731-2937.