Dana Lee passed away on Jan. 4, after years of struggle against rheumatoid arthritis and other related autoimmune disorders. Dana was born in Delta, Utah, on Oct. 31, 1962, to Richard Austin Bracken and Lois Jean Fowles Bracken. Her childhood was spent in Delta, Hiawatha and Price, Utah. She completed her general education in Price and upon graduation was employed by Commercial Testing Laboratories as a technician running environmental samples.
In 1990, she married Charles V. Anderson and they soon moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo. Living in Colorado was her childhood dream. In Pagosa Springs, she worked for Ponderosa Lumber in the paint department until late 2003, when she attended San Juan Basin Technical College and achieved her nursing certificate. She then was employed at Pine Ridge Extended Care Center for several years and also in the clinic at the Pagosa Springs Medical Center until the arthritis made it impossible to continue. That was the work she loved. Dana was a free spirit who helped others any way she could.
She is survived by her husband, Charles V. (Chuck) Anderson; her son, Jason (wife Nancy), and their sons, Ethan and Anderson; her son, Bryon, and his daughter, Harlee. Also her mother, Lois Jean Bracken; and Dana’s four brothers: Richard (Diana), Jeffery, Michael (Shauna), and Vince (Andrea) Bracken; and all their children.
She will be dearly missed by all who are left behind to mourn her early passing.

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Oct. 18, 1956 to Nov. 27, 2019
Tom Kramer passed on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, with his wife, Monica, at his side.
Tom left on his new adventure to be with the Lord. He was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He believed very strongly in the Bible, the Declaration of Independence, and individual liberty and justice. He helped lead a U.S. Constitution class here in Pagosa Springs.
Tom was known for his amazing adventures with his family and friends, from Alaska to here in Pagosa Springs, where he called home for the last 22 years.
Tom had a strong spirit and loved the outdoors. He was a student of Tom Brown’s survival school. He also taught karate classes.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Monica Kramer, son David, daughter Katherine, honorary son Ren Beloff and his four grandchildren.
Tom will be sincerely missed by family and friends.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

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Billy Ray Eaves went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 9. A resident of Pagosa Springs for 47 years, he co-owned the Rainbow Gift Shop with his wife, Brenda. Bill’s burial and celebration of life took place on Jan. 14 at Pagosa Bible Church.
Brenda, Jamie, Gene and the rest of Bill’s family extend their grateful thanks for the outpouring of love and support from the community.

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Benny Lohman passed away gently in the presence of family and friends on the evening of Jan. 27. She and her late husband, Sandy, were proud residents of Pagosa Springs for many years.
Benny was a tremendous example to us all from her earliest days in Selinsgrove, Pa. — Snyder County 100-yard dash champion and valedictorian of her high school class. She followed that with being selected as captain of the Penn State Gymnastics Team and president of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.
After college graduation, she volunteered for duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II. While stationed in Arizona as a Navy recruiter, she met her first husband, Capt. Richard Seigler, USAF, who was tragically killed in a fighter plane crash during inclement weather over the island of Formosa.
She later met and married Sandy Lohman. During their 64-year marriage, they raised three sons — Chuck, Ric and Chip — during Air Force assignments around the world. Benny joined Sandy in attending Portuguese Language School and was a tremendous help to him during two assignments to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to the Azores Islands.
Benny enjoyed social events and, with little coaxing, would perform an enthusiastic rendition of the Charleston! While in Pagosa Springs, Benny loved to tackle the slopes at Wolf Creek — particularly when she learned that she had reached the age threshold to ski for free! At age 92, she placed second in the Senior Nationals in the Women’s 100-meter dash. She was a proud Life Member of the Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County. She was also a lifetime member of the Pagosa Springs Women’s Golf Association (PGWGA) and a role model for women golfers for many decades, on and off the course. The PGWGA ladies were delighted to honor Benny at a luncheon in celebration of her 100th birthday last July (one of six birthday celebrations that week).
The world will never know a sweeter, more dedicated, more compassionate lady. We are so lucky that she was a part of our lives for so long. Hers was truly a life worth living.

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J. Guilberto Villarreal went to be with his Heavenly Father on Jan.1 at the age of 90. He was a former resident of Pagosa Springs; Hawthorne, Nev.; Yerington, Nev.; Ridgecrest, Calif.; and Delta, Colo. Guilberto was born on Jan. 23, 1929, in Kearns, Colo., to Juan and Emilia (Duran) Villarreal and grew up in Kearns and Pagosa Springs, Colo.
On Jan 23, 1951, he married the love of his life, Eduvijen (Edna) Martinez, in Aztec, N.M. Guilberto and Edna moved to Hawthorne, Nev., in 1951, where they resided for 34 years.
Guilberto worked and retired as a truck driver from the Department of Defense in Hawthorne, Nev. Guilberto was a loving father who enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He especially loved to tinker and build things from scratch. He was a kind-hearted man who loved music, dancing and laughter.
Guilberto was preceded in death by his wife, Eduvijen (Martinez) Villarreal; parents Juan Y. and Emilia (Duran) Villarreal; and siblings Louis Duran, Dora Manzanarez, Ursulita Talamente, Florinda Riss, Antonio Villarreal, Fermin Villarreal, Francisco (Frank) Villarreal, Jose Villarreal, Ophelia Villarreal, Petra Villarreal, Marina Villarreal, Anita Villarreal, Juanita Villarreal, Lupita Villarreal, Antonia Villarreal, Angela Villarreal and Cordilia Villarreal.
He is survived by his four children: Mary (Tommy) McConnell, Juan Villarreal, Richard (Joanna Capazzi) Villarreal and Antonio Villarreal Sr.; grandchildren Duane McConnell, Christina (Anthony) Estrada and Antonio Villarreal Jr.; great-grandchildren Angel (Brook) Ramirez, Tommy Ramirez, Grace McConnell, Skyden Villarreal and Philip Hay; and four siblings: Joe Villarreal, Della Svjacara, Alice Francis and Madeline Martinez.
No services are scheduled, per Guilberto’s wishes.

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The Benny Lohman Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. at Restoration Fellowship, 264 Village Drive.

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Lois Norris was born Lois Marie Groehler to Arthur and Villa Groehler in Kelliher, Minn., on Aug. 2, 1935. She and her husband, E.L. “Jack” Norris, enjoyed living and working in many countries such as Ecuador, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria before settling in Pagosa Springs upon their retirement in 1980. Lois was an EMS volunteer during the 1980s and, later, worked for many years for the Archuleta County School District as a bus driver; she loved the kids she drove and found her job very fulfilling.
Lois was a passionate, life-long equestrian. Her life was never complete without her horses. She enjoyed hunter/jumper, faux fox hunting and stadium jumping when she was younger, and leisurely trail rides as she grew older.
Lois had a great many friends whom she cherished. Her home was always open for a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or just a visit.
Lois lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s on Jan. 28. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Norris, and daughter Janelle “Gidget” Norris. She is survived by her children Blue Norris, Lisa Norris, Laura Stewart/Robert Stewart; grandchildren Skyler Moran, Jade Hughes/Greg Hughes, Zackery Shivers and Chrystal Snow/Charles Martinez. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Hevon and Helliono Martinez, and Mikey and Jenna Hughes.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lois’ caregivers Sonia Aragon, Melissa Snow, Peylin Snow, Courtney Swan and Amber Church. Because of each one of these wonderful people, Lois was able to stay in her home surrounded by her family through her Alzheimer’s journey. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Archuleta County Humane Society or The Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org). There will be a celebration of Lois’ life at the American Legion, 287 Hermosa St., Pagosa Springs Colo., on Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.

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In Loving Memory of Veda J. Ortega
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand. That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready, in heaven far above. And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home. For God looked down, smiled at me. And told me, “Welcome Home.” So when tomorrow starts without me. Don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.
From the children, grandchildren and siblings of Veda

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Frank Ratliff passed away on Feb. 7 at the age of 70. He was born in Fort Sumner, N.M., on Dec. 15, 1949. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1967 and attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. He pursued a degree in ag/business.
He began his working career with the city of Albuquerque and surveyed northern Albuquerque, Placitas, Carnuel and Rio Rancho, which was a working cattle ranch at the time. He worked for Bixby Electric and installed the lighting at the Ruidoso Airport. He then bought the family farm in Fort Sumner and farmed for 19 years. Frank moved to Pagosa Springs in 1989 and bought Overhead Door. He started employment at Archuleta County and retired from Archuleta County Weed and Pest after 22 years.
Frank received a Certificate of Recognition from the Colorado Department of Agriculture for demonstrating the highest attributes of public service for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He was given the Archuleta County Employee Distinguished Service Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to Archuleta County. Frank received a Certificate of Appreciation from the San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District for his work ethic, persistence, cooperation and patience in administering the Invasive Species Cooperative Agreement for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest for 2010-2013. He was named Western Slope Weed Manager of the Year for 2001. He was awarded the 2005 Weed Manager of The Year from the Colorado Weed Management Association out of a field of over 350 members. Dec. 21, 2005, was declared Frank Ratliff day in Archuleta County in grateful recognition of his contributions to our community.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, L.C. “Pete,” his mother, Jessie May, and his brother, Stephen. He is survived by his wife, Jolene, of Pagosa Springs; daughter, Kara (Ken); and grandchildren Jordan and Trenton of Rio Rancho, N.M.; his brother, Eddie (DeLynn), of Durant, Okla.; and sister, Nancy Crownover (Russell), of Cloudcroft, N.M.
Please consider a donation to Pagosa Springs Medical Center Oncology Department or your favorite charity in Frank’s name.
There will be no services at this time at the request of Frank. A private service will be held at a later date at his favorite fishing stream on Wolf Creek.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jordan, Dr. Tjan, Kelly Cesary and the staff of the Oncology Department at Pagosa Springs Medical Center, Mercy Hospice, and Ray and Katherine Luna for their loving care of Frank.

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In loving memory of our dad, Clifford E. Lucero, Feb. 13, 2009.
Dad, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure … you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure … we love and miss you.
Eliza; children Alberta, Bernie, Guzman, Madeline, Clifford, Jimmy and Lucille; spouses; grandchildren and
great-grandchildren

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Chris Alan Truax, age 67, passed away Monday, Feb. 17, in Aurora, Colo. He passed away in the presence of his son and close friends. Chris was born Aug. 13, 1952, in Wichita, Kan., to William Truax and Lillian Powell.
Chris grew up in Wichita before his family moved to Colorado in the mid-1960s. Chris attended Golden High School, where he was an active athlete, playing football, baseball and basketball. After graduating Golden High School in 1970, Chris attended Colorado State University, where he studied business administration.
His career started at the Coors Brewery in Golden, Colo. Later, he became a distributor representative for Adolph Coors Company as well as a sales executive for AT&T, Lucent Technologies and AG Communications Systems that moved Chris around the United States. Chris returned to and settled in Colorado in 1991.
Chris was an advocate for wildlife and the outdoors. A lifelong avid hunter and angler, Chris was committed to the conservation of the outdoors for wildlife habitat. Through his love of hunting also came a deep passion for firearms. He enjoyed shooting handguns, rifles and shotguns with family and friends.
Chris was a devoted sports fan. His team was any Denver sports team, but especially the Denver Broncos. He would be able to tell stories of games from years prior and remember vivid details as if they were yesterday.
Chris was a stranger to no one with a personality that would light up a room. Wherever he went, he would strike up a conversation with a stranger and make them feel as if they had been friends for years.
Chris is survived in death by his son, Mark Truax, and daughter-in law Kelsey (Dunigan) Truax, as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles throughout the midwest. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Truax.
A celebration of life will take place in the Denver metro area in the spring.
Expressions of love and condolence can be sent to Mark Truax at www.heflebowerfuneralservices.com/m/obituaries/Chris-Truax or sent personally. If desired, please donate to the American Heart Association with a tribute to Chris through the following website: t.ly/8p3D3.

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Lisa Carol (Baca) Faucette, formerly of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away on Friday, Feb. 21, in Albemarle, N.C., after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 57.
Born on May 1, 1962, to Durwood and Berniece (Trudeau) Faucette in Sanford, N.C., she loved God, being in nature, collecting rocks along rivers, and hiking in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. She was a beautiful person who touched the lives of all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Loretta “Lori” (Morgan) Faucette and father Durwood Faucette. Lisa is survived by three children: a son, Dustin Beaver, and his wife, Christa, and their three children, of Durango, Colo.; daughter Kaitlin Baca, of Durango, Colo.; and a son, Jake Baca, of Albemarle, N.C. She is also survived by her mother, Berniece Trudeau, of Concord, N.C.; three sisters: Michelle Efird, of Albemarle, N.C.; Amanda Comer, of Concord, N.C.; and Amelia Johnson, of Concord, N.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
No services are scheduled at this time.

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Charlotte Emma Vlada Foster — daughter, sister, friend — died on Thursday, Feb. 27, at her family home in Pagosa Springs, Colo.
She was 16 years old.
As a young woman with both passion and an intense sense of justice, Charlotte was a beautiful dancer, artist, fashionista, make-up artist, gamer, videographer and animal advocate, until depression and anxiety stole her hope, ambition and dreams.
Although usually quiet and introspective, she had a raucous sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was a delight to all who knew her.
She is survived by her parents Chuck and Carolyn; sisters Samantha and Megan; brother Michael; dog and constant companion HoneyBear; horse Bo; cats Buffy and Jasmine; and a large extended family.
An informal celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held in her favorite place: Town Park along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs on Saturday, March 7, at 1 p.m.

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Elizabeth (Liz) J. Kuhn was born on Oct. 6, 1939, in Quincy, Mass. She entered into the full presence of Jesus on Feb. 22 and is now experiencing the love, acceptance, peace, joy and wholeness for which she was created. Liz was a follower of Christ and a faithful wife to David Kuhn in their marriage of 52 years. Together, they built a healthy and thriving family who miss her dearly.
Liz graduated from nurses training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she met David. They married in 1960 and through the course of their marriage lived in Ponca City, Okla., Wyckoff, N.J., and Houston, Texas. In Houston, she worked as a stockbroker for Oppenheimer & Co. and Kidder Peabody & Co. In 1990, Liz and David retired and moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Liz was a lifelong learner developing skills in tennis, bridge, skiing, equities, options and real estate investing, cattle ranching, handbells, gardening, backpacking and horseback riding. She had a kind and generous spirit that was complemented by her fiery competitiveness. To know her was to love her.
She was active in the community as a member of Community United Methodist Church, supporting Seeds of Learning, hosting the San Juan Shootists, and attending a weekly Walk to Emmaus Bible study group.
She is survived by sisters Priscilla Belcher and Patricia Yoerger; sister-in-law Ginny Kuhn; children and their spouses Martha and Leigh Moore, Eric and Sara Kuhn, Leslie and Tiger Dawson, David and Dana Jeng, and Adam and Wendy Kuhn; grandchildren Mollie and Taylor Stanley, Josh Moore, Abby Moore, Anna and Hunter Taylor, Kimberly Dawson, Hanna Kuhn, Martha Kuhn, Sam Kuhn, Ben Kuhn, Robbie Jeng, Ryan Jeng, Patrick Jeng, Kyle Jeng, Colby Kuhn, Caleb Kuhn, Camden Kuhn and Christopher Kuhn; great-grandson Finn Stanley.
A memorial service will be held at the Community United Methodist Church on March 14, at 2 p.m. in Pagosa Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life at giving.younglife.org or the Community United Methodist Church, Gifts of the Heart Fund, 434 Lewis St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, 264-5508, cumcps@centurytel.net.

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On Friday, Feb. 28, Julie Minyon Taylor-Long went to receive her heavenly reward and went to dwell in the eternal presence of her loving Jesus. She made the great step from faith into vision, she found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen, or the ear of man has ever heard, or the mind of man has ever imagined. She stepped over into eternity in the presence of her son and her mom, surrounded by love and into the place where love began.
She leaves temporarily her sons and daughters: Nicholas (Randi) Long, Bryan (Meggan) Long and Cody (Aubrey) Long; granddaughters Laney Addison Long and Ashlyn Long; grandsons Reed Alexander Long and Jackson Long; parents Don and Marlene Taylor; uncles Steve (Jane) Patrick and Richard (Sue Ann) Patrick; and cousin Linda (Richard) Karanian.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m., at Pagosa Bible Church. Burial will follow at Hilltop Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Pagosa Bible Church.

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In loving memory of Wanda A. Rivas.
In Our Hearts: We thought of you today. But that is nothing new. We thought of about you yesterday. And days before that, too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. Now all we have are memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we will never part. God has you in his keeping. We have you in our heart. — Unknown.
From your loving husband Joseph Rivas Sr.; your children Joseph Jr., Angelica Mendez, Paul Rivas; grandchildren Christopher, Chasstidy, Diego, Gabriel, Mendy, Michael and Vanessa; and great-grandchild Kali. We love you and miss your dearly.

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Nancy Green was born in Blackduck, Minn., on June 14, 1947, the daughter of Willard and Norma West. Her father was a forester, employed in northern Minnesota, and her mother was a nurse.
She graduated from Alexander Ramsey (currently Roseville area) High School in Roseville, Minn., in 1965 and from the University of Minnesota in 1969 with a degree in sociology. Nancy went on to receive her masters in library science from the University of Denver in 1975.
Nancy worked for a year in Alaska at an early warning radar site before starting her career as a librarian in 1976 with the American Numismatic Association (ANA) in Colorado Springs. She started as a cataloguing librarian and then became librarian from 1979 to 1990, returning from 2001 to 2006. Of the 20 librarians the ANA has had since 1891, Nancy had the longest tenure. She received several awards and was responsible for the ANA’s Boy and Girl Scout Outreach Programs.
After retirement, Nancy and her husband, Ron Green, moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo. There, she began volunteering at the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area removing weeds. She became a tour guide and also worked for some time with the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association. Her particular specialty was giving tours to children’s groups. She continued to volunteer at Chimney Rock for over 20 years.
Nancy had only one child, Andy Green, of whom she was very proud. When his career in astronomy took him to Australia, she regularly went to visit him in the “land down under.” She was also very proud of her nephew, Ben West, and was looking forward to attending his wedding this fall.
Being a librarian, of course Nancy loved to read books on a wide variety of topics and could often be found with her nose in a book even from an early age. She very much enjoyed needlepoint embroidery and won multiple awards in the Archuleta County Fair for her work. She also liked to knit, particularly scarves with unusual patterns and sometimes wild yarns. Nancy sang for many years in the choir at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Ron; son Andy; brother Ron West; sister Valerie West; nephew Ben; step-daughter Julie Moreno; and step-son Eddie Green.
Nancy passed away on March 3 at Saint Mary’s hospital, Grand Junction.
Her memorial service will be held at St Patrick’s Church, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. in Pagosa Springs, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12.

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Hard to believe it has been 20 years, March 12, 2000. Not a day goes by that we do not think about you, wish we could talk or hear your funny laugh. Love you, mom.
Bennie and kids: Della, Theresa, Frances, Raymond, Diane, Monica and Christopher, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

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Steven Dale Oelschlaeger was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Jan. 15, 1954, to Max and Daisy Oelschlaeger. Steve passed away on March 4 after a 4 1/2 year battle with liver cancer.
Steve grew up in Cedar Rapids. He was an intellectual and excellent athlete in high school. He attended Wartburg College on a cross-country scholarship, graduating with a degree in philosophy. He later pursued a graduate degree at Dallas Theological Seminary and became a pastor. He helped plant Grace Bible Church in Granbury, Texas. He blessed many people with his outstanding preaching of the word of God.
After working in the automobile industry becoming a successful salesman, he started his own company, Specialized Training Programs, as a consultant for Ford dealerships.
He loved to ski and hike in the mountains of Colorado. He blessed a lot of people with his ministry in Pagosa Springs while running a halfway house. He was fun, smart, adventurous and charitable.
Steve married Carolin Opheim in 1975 and together they had two children. He married Gail Mickey in 1984.
Steve is survived by his wife of 36 years, Gail Mickey; previous wife Carolin; his son, David, and his wife Alexandra; and his daughter, Erin, and her husband, Jeff Gautney; his grandchildren: Briar, Reagan, Jace, Titus, Micaiah, Jordyn and Jadyn, as well as his brothers: Max, Dennis and Doug. He will be missed. Private family services will be held at a later date.

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May 1, 1928-March 11, 2020
Myrel was born to George Washington Arnold and Hettie Jeffcote in rural Littlefield, Texas.
He moved to Pagosa Springs in 1989 from southern California. He spent most of life as a journeyman plumber and built R.O. systems for Culligan Water. (Hey, Culligan man!)
He was a proud WWII vet and upon passing donated 50 percent of his estate to the Veterans Memorial Park of Archuleta County.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Wanna, Glen and Laoma; and his son, Michael J. Arnold.
He is survived in death by his daughter, Dena Sudden; son-in-law Mark; grandson Ryan, of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren M’Kai Arnold, Jean Lindberg, Breanna Kirsop, of Pagosa Springs; daughter-in-law M’Liss Arnold, of Pagosa Springs; daughter Joanne Banks; son-in-law Ben; grandsons Neil and Robert Smith, of Grover Beach, Calif.; granddaughter Mea La Croix, son-in-law Josh, of Palm Desert, Calif.
He has numerous great-grandchildren.

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