William J. “Bill” Hallett passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013, at his home, with Marjorie “Jerry,” his loving wife of 70 years, by his side.

He was 90 years old, born April 12, 1923, in Rock Springs, Wyo. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he met his bride and graduated with his degree in chemical engineering. He was subsequently hired to work on the Manhattan project in Oak Ridge, Tenn., from 1944 to 1950. He moved from chemical to nuclear engineering. In 1950, he moved to California, eventually to Simi. There, he was very active in the Methodist Church and was elected to the school board. In 1962, he was one of four men selected by the Department of Energy to spend a year in France as a consultant to their nuclear research staff for a sodium-cooled nuclear power plant. He worked for Atomics International until 1968. He then moved to Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, where he later became division director of the group doing environment impact statements. The DOE required these before a new atomic reactor could be constructed. His group was responsible for writing the report on the Three Mile Island accident. His last assignment was in Washington, D.C.

He soon decided he wasn’t having any fun, so he retired at age 63. His residence in Virginia was an apartment overlooking the Mall. In 1989, the couple moved to Pagosa Springs and into a beautiful home designed by their architect son, David. He and wife Chris and daughter Helen and her husband Cliff Warren were in Pagosa during his last days. Another daughter, Carolyn Kortangen, resides in California.

Bill was preceded in death by daughter Kathy Rembert. He was host father to three foreign students. His sister Florence Hirt, age 99, lives in Monterey Park, Calif. Grandchildren include Jared and Josh Hallett, Veronica Kortangen, Mark and Timothy Rembert, Lydia Donley and Steve Rembert, deceased. There are eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hallett’s ashes will be interred in the Hallett family plot at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver. His grandfather, William L. Hallett, settled in Colorado Springs in 1880 and then built the first home in Estes Park called Edgemont, which is now a national preservation house. Because he guided mountain climbers, Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park bears his name.

“Barb,” as she was affectionately known, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 22, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center. She was born in San Diego, Calif., on June 9, 1933, the daughter of Claire and Fredda Boggs. Barb and Dick, her husband and loving partner of 45 years, came to Pagosa Springs from San Diego in November of 1991 where they made many new friends and cherished Pagosa as their home.

Barb served several years after college as a dental assistant in San Diego and later worked for the City of San Diego as a clerical supervisor both for the Streets Division and the San Diego Fire Department, where she met Dick. After moving to Pagosa, she served a three-year term on the Archuleta County Fair Board and for the last 12 years as a Diplomat for the local Chamber of Commerce. She further served our community with Upper San Juan Search and Rescue as a volunteer dispatcher.

Barb enjoyed many years of outdoor activities, both recreational and professional as a mountain guide with her partner Dick in their business, Alpine Guide Service, which they operated for eight years in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. At the time, she was an accomplished cross country skier and when she came to Pagosa loved skiing in the back country with Dick.

Barb is survived by her husband, Dick, her sister Bea Reed, their son Ron and his wife, Julie, two grandsons Tim and Chris, and two great-grandchildren, Joshua and Abigail.

At Barb’s request there will be no memorial service. She would like donations made in her honor to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Jennifer April (Vance) Slind, 35, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M.

She was born June 13, 1978, in Mansfield, Ohio, to parents Susan (Gillespie) Vance and Richard Allen Vance.

Jen married Scott M. Slind in May 2002. She received her diploma from Madison Comprehensive High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in recreation and tourism from Bowling Green State University.

Jen Slind resided in Pagosa Springs where she enjoyed painting, volunteering, running and hiking.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 11 years, Scott M. Slind; sister Jessica (Vance) Ebeling; two half brothers; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Susan (Gillespie) Vance.

A gathering honoring Jen Slind will be held at Higher Grounds Coffee shop Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. An additional service will be held in Mansfield, Ohio, the date and time to be announced.

Margaret Louise Dillinger Cobb passed away Sept. 9, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born in Pagosa Springs, Colo., Feb. 15, 1926, to Vada and John Dillinger. She lived in the rural Blanco Basin, without electricity or running water, until she was 11 years old. She told many stories of riding her horse to the one-room school house and traipsing to the outhouse, even through heavy snow storms.

Margaret later moved with her parents into Pagosa Springs. She was valedictorian of her high school and graduated from Fort Lewis College in Hesperus, Colo.

She married Albert E. Cobb July 24, 1947.

Margaret worked at Citizens Bank in Pagosa Springs and later at San Angelo National Bank. She lived with her husband in San Angelo many years and recently moved back into town from Spring Creek near Mertzon.

Margaret enjoyed visiting with friends, feeding the birds, tending to her plants, arts and crafts, sewing and playing games. She had a unique sense of humor and a big heart.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Albert Cobb; son Gene Cobb; daughter Patricia Creighton and son-in-law George Creighton; grandchildren Amy Cobb, Bradley and Matthew Creighton; and three great-grandchildren, Jaylan, Kiana and Kaydence.

In the early morning of Sept. 5, Caroline Vollmer passed away peacefully at home.

Caroline’s passion in life was ice skating; she was an Adult Silver level skater who was an inspiration to skaters and a delight to watch.  She participated in many competitions and shows, winning a number of first place trophies.

Caroline battled cancer for the last several years, so two years ago Caroline moved to Pagosa Springs to be with her sister, Gail Vollmer, and her sister’s partner, Paula Reynolds.  She continued to skate — traveling to rinks all over Colorado including Pagosa Lake, Durango, Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone.  In addition to skating, she also went snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, cross-country ski-skate, snowshoeing, horseback riding, paddle boarding, to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival and, of course, her favorite shopping, shopping and more shopping.

In lieu of services, a gathering was held Friday, Sept. 6, and was attended by her father, Ed Vollmer, a cousin, Shannon Lapham, who flew in from Germany to be here, and Gail’s colleagues at Allen’s Auto Body.  There in spirit was her aunt, Shirley Campey from England, who was fortunate enough to spend two months with Caroline last year; her best friend, Denise Lee, who flew in to be with her in her final hours; and the Channel Islands Figure Skating Club, who posted to their website a wonderful tribute to such a fine athlete.

Caroline — you will be missed!

Tanya Jo Queen was born July 30, 1958, in Kokomo, Ind. She passed away Sept. 17, 2013, leaving behind her husband, Lawrence; two sons, Jason and David; one daughter, Sonya; five grandchildren; one brother and one sister.

There will be a service held Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m., at Restoration Fellowship, 264 Village Drive, with Pastor Al DeBoer officiating. Finger food will be served following the service.

Joseph Garcia

4/30/59-9/14/13

Joseph was known and loved by many. He was a barber at Ray’s and a school bus driver. His beautiful heart and smile will be dearly missed.

October 22, 1917-September 16, 2013

A memorial service for Hubert will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, Saturday Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. (24/7 help line (800)-272-3900.)

Hubert Rackets, preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen Louise Rackets, went to join Helen with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013. Born in Trinidad, Colo., Oct. 22, 1917, Hubert was the only son of Stefan and Gladys Irene Rackets. Hubert and Helen were married Valentines Day 1942, and he is survived by three children: Barbara Skiles, Stephen Rackets and William Rackets; their spouses, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Hubert received a degree in petroleum engineering from Colorado School of Mines and worked as a geophysicist for 34 years before retiring in 1976. During this time, Hubert and Helen lived in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Sumatra Indonesia, Montana, Wyoming, Brazil, Texas, Canada and California, raising their three children in most of these locations. Hubert became totally enthralled with the art and science of faceting gem stones upon introduction to the craft by his father-in-law John Denny, in 1943. He pursued this avocation through retirement until shortly before his death. His reputation was renowned throughout the USA and even internationally, as he was part of a select team representing the U.S. in international gem faceting competition. The pinnacle accomplishment of Hubert’s faceting career was personally researching and creating exact replicas of 53 world famous diamonds which will be on display at his alma mater, Colorado School of Mines. Hubert and Helen lived most all of their retirement years in Pagosa Springs, forming many loving and special friendships in one of Colorado’s most beautiful communities.

The family would like to invite all who knew Hubert to share in our celebration of his being reunited with Helen.

Longtime Pagosa Springs resident Milo M. Smith, 82, died Monday, Sept. 16, following a short illness and complications following surgery.

Milo was born to Erwin (Mustang) and Marie Smith on June 3, 1931, in Winnemucca, Nev., and grew up on a ranch in Denio, Nev. He attended high school in Winnemucca, graduating in 1951. He spent his younger years running cattle on the infamous White Horse Ranch before enlisting in the Navy. He served his country during the Korean War from 1951 through 1954, and was awarded medals for National Defense and Korean Service.

Milo acquired acreage in Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160 in the late 1950s and spent years running hunting camps. He married his soul mate, Neva Harris, in 1959 and they lived in Golden, Colo., Mesa, Ariz., and Richland, Mo., before finally settling in Pagosa Springs in 1988, where they built a home together, log by log. They’d had three children and were married 41 years when Neva died in 2000.

Milo was a gregarious and fun-loving man. He lived life to the fullest, leaving a legacy of memories for many people. He loved chariot racing, and was one of the chariot racers in the movie, “Ben Hur.” When the movie “The Cowboys” was filmed partly in Pagosa Springs, he supplied horses and found a friend in John Wayne. He had a particular fondness for mules, dating back to childhood when his grandfather drove a 20-mule team for Borax. Milo was known for his artistic welding prowess, loved to fish, and also loved to cook. He was infamous for his sourdough bread; the keeper of a starter that came across Wolf Creek Pass in 1916.

Milo was preceded in death by his parents and wife, sisters Barbara Hoffendorff and Kathryn (Dixie) Weikel, and brothers Vern and Earl (Bud) Smith.

He is survived by his children, Anna Marie (Troy) Guckenberg, Laveen, Ariz; Nathan Edward Smith, Pagosa Springs; Shannon Joann (Jon) Kinder, Elk City, Okla., and Verle Smith, Portland, Ore. Sisters Helen Felt, Salem, Ore., Venie Morgan, Burns, Ore., and grandchildren Erin Guckenberg, Laveen, Ariz.; Cheyenne Smith and Braden Kinder, Elk City, Okla. Numerous nieces and nephews including Neal Smith of Pagosa Springs, lifelong friend, Bill Dansbee, Pagosa Springs, and longtime girlfriend, Allie Mifflin, Bayfield, Colo.

Cremation has occurred. His ashes will be interred in Denio, Nev. A Milo Smith memorial cookout is planned for July 4, 2014, at his residence, which is being kept in the family.

Donations may be made in his name to the American Legion or Veterans Association.

Don Benjamin Arturo Gallegos joined his wife, Gertruditas, in heaven Oct. 17, 2013, just 13 days after her passing. They had been together on earth for 67 years.

Ben was born in La Puente, N.M., on April 26, 1924. He grew up and attended school in Trujillo, Colo., moved to Pagosa Springs as a young man, and began a career as a mechanic with Morehead Garage and, later, Archuleta County.

In 1944, after meeting Gertruditas Abeyta while working on equipment for her father, Ben was inspired to ask her to dance at a fund-raising event for the construction of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1946, they were married at Saint Joseph’s Church in Los Ojos, N.M. Their union was blessed by children, Gertrude Loretta, Benjamin and John. They raised their children and consecrated them in the faith of their family in the old way, La Manera De Antes.

Don Ben was deeply connected to his community. He belonged to the Parish Council of his church, the Knights of Columbus, volunteer fire department, and served on the school board.

All his life, Ben was a rancher as well as a mechanic. After retiring in 1987 as shop foreman for Archuleta County Road and Bridge, he spent his remaining years caring for the family’s ranches in New Mexico and Colorado. He took pride in his children and their accomplishments, and in seeing his grandchildren attend universities and take their place in the world.

The passing of Ben and Gertruditas was a turning of the page in the history of our area. They were a true link to the past and its richness that we will miss.

Ben and Gertruditas were predeceased by their daughter, Loretta, and are survived by sons Ben (Lupita) and John (Yolanda), grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

A rosary vigil will be held at Pope John Paul II Church in Pagosa Springs at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, and a funeral mass Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at 10 a.m.

Tinnie Lattin

A memorial service for Tinnie Lattin is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Edwin R. Stegner, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Cooper County, Mo., on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, near the family farm where he was born and raised.

He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, after which he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Missouri University. He taught vocational agriculture to veterans before becoming the executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, a position that he held for over 40 years until his retirement in 1994.

Ed was the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, some of which included induction into the Missouri Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame, Life Membership to the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources Advisory Council, the prestigious Missourian Award by the American Heart Association, the Wildlife Society’s E. Sydney Stephens Award, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Steward Award, and the U.S. Forest Service Excellence in Conservation Leadership Award. Ed also served for over 15 years as a member of the Missouri State Parks Board. Conservation has lost a great champion and leader.

Ed Stegner is survived by two children, his daughter, Carrie Weiss, and husband John, of Pagosa Springs, and his son Jeff and wife Ruth, of Fair Grove, Mo., his grandchildren Jessica Stegner of Kansas City, Mo., Rebecca Stegner of Springfield, Mo., Emily Devine and husband Chris, Garrett Campbell and great-granddaughter Jadyn Devine, all of Durango, Colo. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Daniel and Kathleen Stegner, his brother Dan and sister Anna. He will be missed by family and many friends he has made throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Development Office, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131, or the Conservation Foundation of Missouri for the Ed Stegner Natural Resources Scholarships, c/o Smith Moore, 223 Main, Boonville, MO 65276, or the Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

A private service will be held Nov. 4, 2013, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Billingsville, Mo.

Jacob Christopher Matzdorf, 27, of Pagosa Springs, passed away Oct., 1, 2013.

Chris was born Aug. 19, 1986, in Tulsa, Okla. He is survived by his mother, Claudia Matzdorf, and sisters Hilary and Hannah. Chris was raised in Pagosa Springs, Colo., and graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 2004. He moved to Stillwater, Okla., following high school graduation, where he attended Oklahoma State University. Chris was working as a hospital technician and had recently been accepted into scrub school.

Chris loved the Colorado Mountains and enjoyed returning home during his time off to ski, hike and enjoy the river.

Services took place in Tulsa, Okla., where Chris was living and surrounded by family.

Katharine “Katie” A.P. DeLong passed away on Oct. 26, 2013, at Pine Ridge in Pagosa Springs at the age of 86.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alfred A. DeLong.  She is survived by daughters Renee D. Gampon of Koloa, Hawaii, Claudia D. Pope (Edward) of Silverton, Colo., Jane D. Schur (Rick) of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; by six grandchildren: Dario Gampon, Austin Pope, Forrest Pope, Rachel Schur-Wagner, Emilie Schur and Betsy Schur, and seven great-grandchildren.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church in Grand Junction, Colo., on Thursday Nov. 7, at 10 a.m.

Sophie Cecilia (LaVarta) Esch, passed away peaceably into her Lord’s arms early Oct. 27, 2013, at her home in Canon City, Colo. Sophie (age 90), was born in Pagosa Springs April 10, 1923, to Sophie (Trujillo) and Julian LaVarta. Both lineages were steeped in colorful western history involving land grants, mysteries, outlaws and a long, close friendship with Kit Carson.

Sophie was the youngest of the LaVarta dynasty of 10 brothers and sisters: Tillie, Pritz, Carlos, PeeWee, Dea, Corene, Julian, Ted and Joe, all whom passed on before her, including her husband of 59 years, Wm. (Bill) Esch. The family ancestry continues on with her two sons Darrell Oliver (Dorene) and Richard Esch (Lindia-deceased), and grandchildren Jay, Janna, Shawndell (Eric), Trentie, Cassandra (Lyle) and Darrell, as well as great-grandchildren Wyatt, Cayley and Elisiah, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sophie and family left Colorado in 1950 and traveled and lived all around the U.S. until retiring permanently in Canon City in 1981. Throughout that time, Sophie consistently demonstrated her mission in life to do the Lord’s work through service to others, volunteering for Cub and Boy Scouts and teaching Sunday school and Bible classes. Sophie was also extremely compassionate about her work with Head Start programs for the underprivileged. And she continued her commitment to service in Canon City at the 1st United Methodist Church, where she worked behind the scenes without regard to any recognition — from washing dishes to conducting adult Bible studies for over 25 years for the church. She also meticulously supervised and ran the church library and visited with elderly shut-ins and the infirm.

Personally, Sophie absolutely loved working in her yard and flower gardens, and caring for her favorite cats Misty, Noel and Stray Gray cat. Her smile, twinkling eyes, determination, courage, sense of humor and deep compassion and love for the Lord were to be admired and will be sorely missed by all of her family and by anyone who knew her.

Memorial services for Sophie will be held Nov. 4, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the 1st United Methodist Church at 801 Main St. Canon City.

In lieu of flowers, please make checks out to 1st United Methodist Church for Blue Gap Indian Reservation, in honor of Sophie Esch.

Marilyn McPeek passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2013, under the professional care of Pine Ridge Extended Care in Pagosa Springs at the age of 90.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Redfern, and her husband, Robert McPeek.  She is survived by her two sons, Steven McPeek in Pagosa Springs, and Gregg McPeek in Karlstad, Sweden, who visited his mother in Pagosa again this fall.

Marilyn was born in Decatur, Ill., and served as a Navy Wave in World War II.  She leaves behind many friends in Colorado and California and extended family across the nation.

Marilyn’s body will be cremated, according to her wishes, and a private family celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

Kenneth James Einig, 64, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, in Denver. After graduating from St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, Mo., Ken served for eight years in the United States Navy aboard the nuclear submarine USS Hoel DDG13.

In 2006, Ken moved to Pagosa Springs with his loving wife Elizabeth (Beth) Einig.

Ken was a proud member of the San Juan Shootists Cowboy Fastdraw Club. His love for the San Juan Mountains led Ken and Beth to spend much of their free time camping, riding ATVs and doing landscape photography. But most of all, Ken loved his family. In addition to his wife, Beth, he is survived by his sister Suzanne M. LaPlante (David) of St. Augustine, Fla., his son Brent Anderson (Chrystal) of Mobile, Ala., his daughters Laura Einig Allen of Longmont, Colo., Carolyn Einig of Boulder, Colo., Meghan Anderson of Denver, Colo., and son Alexander Dearman of Denver, Colo. He is also survived by his grandchildren Parrish Anderson of Houston, Texas, Jack Anderson of Mobile, Ala., Amanda and Alissa Einig of Longmont, Colo., and Dinah Dearman-Romero of Denver, Colo. Richard and Margaret Hegner of Las Vegas, Nev., and dear Uncle.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov.16, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Pagosa Springs.

Visitation is Friday evening, Nov. 15, at the Pagosa Springs Funeral Home.

Delmont Nason Gibbs, 99, formerly of Pagosa Springs, died of lung cancer Oct. 20.

Mr. Gibbs was born Nov. 3, 1913, in Wallace, Idaho, to George Leland and Lottie Bell (Frazier) Gibbs. His first eight years of school were in Galena. He graduated from Prairie City High School.

He lived in many communities: Galena; Bates; Prairie City; John Day; Raton, N.M; Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico; and Zambia, Africa.

He married Phyllis, and worked for the state highway department.

After their divorce, he worked for a ranch, where he met and married Myrtle Saunders. They moved to Bates and he worked for Oregon Lumber Company. They moved to Prairie City and bought a coffee shop.

After selling the coffee shop, he began working for a logging company in Long Creek.

Following their divorce, he married Bunny Monner. They moved to Raton, N.M., with the logging company.

A few years later, they divorced, and he married Alice Kelley, to whom he was married for over 25 years. During this time, he owned his own logging company in New Mexico and Colorado, worked road construction and helped build the tunnel through the San Juan Mountains. The tunnel work led to their move to Africa.

On their return, he built and operated a liquor store in Pagosa Springs until his retirement. He spent his winters in Mexico.

He enjoyed fishing in Mexico during winter, and fishing in Oregon and canning — peaches, plums, pears and applesauce — in the summer. He liked to dig horseradish root in summer, often finishing off a quart before the next year. He enjoyed visits with his children in Oregon and Colorado.

He moved back to La Grande, where he and his dog, Mikey, enjoyed planting and watering the garden and flowers. He loved planting and eating corn on the cob.

Survivors include his daughters Karen (Larry) of Cove and Judi of Polson, Mont.; sons Sam (Marilyn) of Baker City, Earl of Costa Rica and Del (Kimberlee) of Texas; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and 14 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Myrtle; brothers Clayton, Orville, Jim and Leland; sisters Mildred and Elizabeth; and daughters Anita and Polly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cook Memorial Library or the Blue Mountain Humane Society, in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 4th St., La Grande, OR 97850.

Ned Eugene Abbott passed away at his home in Pagosa Springs on Nov. 1, 2013, after a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Dr. Abbott was born on Nov. 7, 1939, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1957. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from SMU in 1962, then went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Southern California and his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1971. He enjoyed all aspects of engineering and, during a long career, worked at many of the major engineering firms, including Texas Instruments, Hughes Aircraft, Cooley Electronics Lab at the University of Michigan, Bell Laboratories, Collins Radio, Rockwell International, Loral Corporation and E Systems/Raytheon. He published a number of technical papers and held seven patents. He especially enjoyed teaching young minds and taught both undergraduate and graduate engineering courses at the University of Michigan, the University of Texas at Arlington and DeVry University.

Ned’s zest for life led him to a number of leisure time passions that he enjoyed with family and friends including restoring, driving and racing vintage Porsches, flying both sailplanes and aerobatic airplanes, fly fishing, hunting, photography and riding his BMW motorcycles.

Though he was committed to his work and his hobbies, it was his family and friends that Ned cherished most. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dee Ann Abbott, his children Anne White and husband Terry of Grovetown, Ga., Susan Sevier and husband Jerry of Mansfield, Texas, Dr. Ben Abbott and wife Nancy of San Antonio, Texas, David Abbott and wife Justine of Pagosa Springs, Heather Abbott of Dallas, Texas, Daniel Abbott of Durango, Colo., sister Mary Lea Butler of Hot Springs Village, Ark., brother Paul Abbott of Chico, Calif., six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, his best friends Dave Smith of Murray, Utah, and Joe Weisner of Allen Park, Mich., and his black Lab, Jake.

Friends and family may leave their condolences at nedabbottmemorial.wordpress.com.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org or to the charity of your choice.

At his request, no public service is planned.

June 6, 1922-Nov. 19, 2013.

Marjorie L. “Jerry” Hallett, at 91 years of age, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, from metastasized kidney cancer at the Colorado home she shared with her late husband, William “Bill” Hallett. At the time of her passing, her family was by her side holding her hands and listening to the music she dearly loved.

She was born June 6, 1922, in Palisade, Colo., to Thomas and Ruth Taylor. Jerry especially adored her father and greatly admired her mother’s strength and self-discipline. She attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she received a degree in music education. Here, she met her loving husband of 70 years and married him on Christmas Day 1942. Together, they had four children: Kathy, Carolyn, Helen and David. Over the course of Bill’s career, the family lived in Tennessee, California, Illinois, Virginia and Colorado, and also spent a year in Aix en Provence, France, during which time they traveled over much of Europe. Jerry especially loved the home they had in Virginia which was an apartment overlooking the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Music and art were central to Jerry’s and Bill’s lives. She played oboe for many years in a variety of community groups. It was in college, when Marjorie joined an all female quartet, that she adopted the nickname “Jerry” so that they could refer to themselves as “The Four Jays.” She and Bill met because she was the music librarian at the university when Bill would come in to listen to classical recordings.

For many years, Jerry volunteered her time hosting American Field Service foreign exchange students and was “Mom” to numerous students from several different countries. When Bill retired, they spent a lot of time with their children and grandchildren, both in California and Virginia. Jerry and Bill were avid travelers, visiting countries on nearly every continent. They were among the early visitors to China when that country began opening its doors to tourists, traveling there in 1982 and again in 1987. They also visited Tibet, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Russia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. In 1989, they moved into their final home in Pagosa Springs, which their son, David, an architect, designed for them.

Jerry was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, daughter Kathy Rembert, sister-in-law Florence Hirt, grandson Steve Rembert, granddaughter Angela Hallett, her brother Gene, and her parents, Thomas and Ruth Taylor. Surviving family members include her children Carolyn, Helen and David; her sister Doris Reed; grandchildren Veronica Kortangen, Mark Rembert, Lydia Donley, Timothy Rembert, Jared Hallett and Joshua Hallett; and eight great-grandchildren.