July 8, 2005 to Feb. 11, 2013

Our beloved angel in heaven, it’s been an entire year since you departed from your innocent life here.

Your intoxicating sweetness is still with us every day, and your eternal, absolute love will never fade away.

Your precious, powerful spirit transcends dimensions, as you reach across to me from your place of ascension.

I know you are well and thriving in your celestial space; where the lucky angels kiss your spectacular, cute face.

Every moment of your life was a gift to me and others; I am deeply blessed and honored to have been your mother.

My broken heart still beats and loves as I learn to live life anew, and miracles continue to happen that I know come from you.

I wasn’t sure I could, but I made it this far, little guy. As you watch over me from your ethereal home in the sky.

In absolute love and devotion, Momma

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Margaret Ruth “Peggy” Zeldes passed away at the age of 87 at her home in Pagosa Springs on Jan. 29.

After graduating nursing school in 1948, she worked as a registered nurse in Galesburg, Ill. and later co-owned “The Rebel Shops” and “House of Lords” stores in Northern and Southern California. Peggy worked side by side with her wonderful husband Sydney for over 28 years in the men’s clothing business. In later years she designed, built and landscaped two homes in the high desert in California.

She was an accomplished artist, having completed over fifty paintings. She possessed a fabulous sense of humor, as well. Her green thumb skills were evident in all of her homes, as each one was filled with beautiful and exotic plants.

She was a warm and loving woman who was adored by friends and family. She entertained often and was a consummate cook, insisting on doing it all herself. Peggy will be fondly remembered as a loving caretaker throughout her entire life.

She leaves us all with beautiful memories. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.

She is survived by her adoring daughter Terri Pritchard; sons Barry and Jeffrey Zeldes; grandchildren Dallas and India Zeldes; great granddaughter Melania and another grandchild due this month; sister Carolyn Farran; brothers Samuel Jr., Phillip and Dick Valentine; brothers-in-law Jerry Zeldes and Jerry Rotwein; sisters-in-law Kay Brotman, Joyce Rotwein, Sandy and Loretta Valentine; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Peggy is preceded in death by beloved Sydney Zeldes; treasured son-in-law William J. Pritchard; father Samuel J. Valentine and mother Alma Valentine; sister Jeannie Sutherlin; and sisters-in-law Honora Berkowitz, Bernice Reskin, Gertrude Shapiro and Dena Litvin.

A memorial will be held at Pagosa Funeral Home Saturday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. Dinner and reception to follow at Terri Pritchard’s home. Please contact Pagosa Funeral Home or Terri Pritchard, 946-3183.

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

Our earthly loss is always a heavenly gain. Although our hearts hurt and mourn in humanly pain, The fact still remains the same, That heaven has gained more love, To sprinkle down from above.

We love and miss you.

Eliza, children Alberta, Bernie, Guzman, Madeline, Clifford Jr., Jimmy, Lucille; spouses, grandchildren and

great-grandchildren

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Gerald (Jerry) Scott Brinton, of Pagosa Springs, died on Feb. 10 at his home. He was 82.

Jerry was born to Harry and Grace Brinton on Dec. 15, 1931, in Libby, Mont. He grew up in Libby with his four brothers and one sister.

After graduating from high school in 1949, he joined the Army and served with the 37th Engineering Combat Company in Panama until 1953.

He met Lois Wilton of Lakeport, Mich. in Colorado Springs shortly before his discharge from the Army, and they were married April 10, 1954. The couple moved back to Libby, where he worked as an equipment operator building roads for the J. Neils Lumber Company. In 1956, Jerry began pursuing a teaching degree, first attending Port Huron Junior College in Michigan, then Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill. He received a bachelor of science degree in teaching from Concordia in 1960.

Jerry’s first teaching job was at a one-room, sixth-grade school at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, Texas. He then served as a principal and teacher at Concordia Lutheran School in San Antonio, Texas from 1963 to 1969. Jerry’s love of the mountains, his desire to live in a small mountain town, and a week-long stay at Vallecito Lake led him to chose southwest Colorado as the ideal location to raise his family.

He and Lois moved to Pagosa with their five children on Jan. 1, 1970, and lived at Hidden Valley Ranch, managing ranch operations and running a boys’ camp in the summer. In 1976, Jerry obtained his realtors license, eventually opening his own firm — Brinton Realty — which he operated until his retirement.

Jerry was active in the Pagosa Springs community throughout his life here. He was instrumental in the establishment of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School and served the church in numerous capacities. He was a member of the Lions Club, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Pagosa, one of the original EMTs to serve the area, and a member of the Upper San Juan Regional Planning Commission and the Southwest Land Alliance board.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois; sons David (Dorothy) Brinton of Pagosa Springs and Scott (Marjorie) Brinton of Durango; daughters Elizabeth (Freddy) Martinez, Kathryn (Mark) Young and Sara Brinton, all of Pagosa Springs; brother Jim (Pat) Brinton of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Sarah Jane, grandson Christopher Young, sister Shirley Brinton-Priess and brothers Richard, Robert and Tom Brinton.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the compassion, support and caring shown by Judy Schmidt during the last days of Jerry’s life. Her help was invaluable and greatly appreciated.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 56 Meadows Drive, Pagosa Springs. Memorial contributions may be sent to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

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Christopher Ortega was born June 16, 1980 and died Feb. 17, 2014.

He is survived by his seven children: Ember Ortega, Autumn Ortega, Asher Ortega, Uriah Ortega, Dwayne Silcott, Dustin Silcott and Ivan Ramon; their mother, Chandra Ortega; and his parents Nick and Irine Domingez of El Paso, Texas.

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Memorial services for Charlene Bucy Baumgardner of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at Ignacio Community Church in Ignacio. Charlene passed away on Feb. 18, in her home.

She was born on April 22, 1927, to Fred and Ethel Bucy in Lynn County, Texas. She grew up in Tahoka, Texas, graduating from Tahoka High School in 1944. She then attended Texas Technological College in Lubbock where she met Robert W. Baumgardner, Sr. at a Wesley Foundation Valentine’s Day party in 1946.

They married on April 3, 1947, and later moved to Brownfield, Texas, where Robert began farming with Charlene’s father. Charlene continued her studies and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech in 1949.

For the next 40 years, Charlene and Robert lived in Brownfield where she was a dedicated farmer’s wife and homemaker and, along with Robert, raised four children. They were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church where they served many years as the youth sponsors. Her impact on the lives of hundreds of young people during that time is still being felt in many places around the world.

In 1988, the Baumgardners moved to Pagosa Springs where Charlene continued to be a loving helpmate to Robert, Mom to her children and their spouses, and Ammaw to her grandchildren while hosting many ski trips, Christmas gatherings, fishing trips, and just-fun trips to Colorado.

Her beloved Robert passed away in September 2007, after 60 years of marriage. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Ethelene Bucy, and grandson Benjamin Robert Haynes.

She is survived by her brother, J. Fred Bucy, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, two sons, Robert, Jr. and wife, Joan Yaffe, of Austin, Texas, and Karl and wife, Paulette, of Long Beach, Calif., two daughters, Barbara Lindley of Pagosa Springs and Sherrie Haynes and husband, Randall, of Ignacio, grandsons Kevin Lindley, Jason Baumgardner and wife, Catherine, of Long Beach, Calif., Brad Baumgardner of Amarillo, Texas, Matt Haynes and wife, Susan, of Seoul, South Korea, John Mark Haynes of Durango, Jeremiah Haynes and wife, Lizzy, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Nicolas Haynes of Ignacio, granddaughter, Joanne Baumgardner of Lubbock, Texas, great-granddaughter Coral Haynes of Seoul, Korea, a much-anticipated great-grandson who will make his appearance in April, dozens of nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Robert & Charlene Baumgardner Endowment Fund for Children’s Ministry, c/o Ignacio Community Church, P.O. Box 317, Ignacio, CO 81137, or to a favorite charity.

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A memorial service for Chris Ortega will be held Monday, March 3 at 1 p.m. at the Baptist church next to The Buck Stops Here in Aspen Springs.

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Brenda Tooker, 65, of Pagosa Springs, passed away on Feb. 21, surrounded by her loving family at the Mayo Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix after a long illness with cancer. She was survived by her husband Kenneth Tooker, married for 43 years; mother Velma Wood; daughter Leigh Ann Moore of Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughter Alessandra Azar; great grandsons Noah Gonzalez, Bennett Azar-Marr’s; great grand daughter Alexa Gonzalez; sister Beverly Hollis; nieces Michelle Tascha, Stephanie Lancaster, Stacey Hollis, Ashley Hollis of Tulsa, Okla. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Elva Nickols and sister Betty Wood.

Brenda had a great sense of humor and a stunning smile. She loved the mountains of Colorado, Mother Nature and had a deep love for all animals. She enjoyed her camping, four-wheeling trips into the mountains, traveling the country in their motor home from Alaska to Key West, from California to Washington, D.C. and traveling the oceans on several cruise ships. We will miss you, Brendy Gal.

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Richard Grant Girardin was born to Louis and Helen Girardin Dec. 9, 1946, in Durango. Known to all as Ricky, he was raised in Archuleta County. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1965.

He was inducted into the Army on June 9, 1966, going to Fort Bliss, Texas, for basic training. On Aug. 7, 1966, Ricky was assigned to advanced infantry training until Dec. 3, 1966, at Fort Polk, La.

He served in Vietnam from Dec. 3, 1966, to Dec. 2, 1967. He was with the Rifleman Co C 4th Battalion 9th Infantry 25th Infantry Division. He fought in the Cu Chi region of the Mekong Delta. He carried the M60 machine gun and did so proudly.

During his tour of duty, he was captured twice by the Viet Cong, escaping both times. He received wounds from shrapnel. Some shrapnel was never removed.

Ricky rarely spoke of one escape from capture. He would not elaborate on the second escape. During his tour of duty, his parents were told that he had been killed in action; his mother, Helen, saw her son on the news that same night. She did not believe that he had been killed. A few days later, he contacted his parents by mail that he was fine.

Richard Grant Girardin was awarded the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Badge with rifle bar, Marksman Badge with automatic rifle and machine gun bar, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star attachment, Republic of Vietnam Campaign with Device and Combat Infantry Badge.

After his separation from active duty on Jan. 4, 1968, he returned to Pagosa Springs to begin his life as a civilian. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1972. Upon his return, he worked for the San Juan Lumber Company as a log truck driver. He also worked on the family ranch east of Pagosa. He later worked for the Town of Pagosa Springs in the water department before taking a job with Archuleta County Road and Bridge. He worked as an equipment operator until his retirement.

Ricky dearly loved to fish and hunt. He also had a passion for taking long hikes in these majestic mountains he knew from birth. Ricky was known for his long stride and endurance. We all tried so hard to follow that stride when hunting, fishing or hiking in the forests that he so loved. His daughter Rebeccah and nephew David Girardin laugh about the times they, as children, tried so hard to match his stride and step in his footprints.

Ricky married Pam Swietzer on Jan. 29, 1974, in Pagosa Springs. To this union, three children were born: Rebeccah, Rachael and Richard. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Rachel in 1974, and teenage son Richard in 1999.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebeccah, and son-in-law, Russell Apodaca; grandchildren, Justin and Michael Apodaca, of Pagosa Springs; aunt and uncle June and Faye Sweat, of Aurora, Colo.; best friends Mencor and Janet Valdez, of Arboles; brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Susan Girardin, of Pagosa Springs; brother Robert Girardin, of Pagosa Springs; nieces Yevonne Boren and fiancé Dan, of Durango; Kerri Hawkins, of Branson, Mo.; nephew David and Suzanne Girardin, of Pagosa Springs; nephew Bobby Girardin, of Pagosa Springs; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins … too many to list but, everyone was important to him.

Ricky was a devoted life member with 28 years of continuous membership in the American Legion Post 108 of Pagosa Springs. During this time, he served as post commander in 1987 and 1988. He was post adjutant in 2000. He was on many committees to include bingo, flag disposal and highway cleanup.

He single-handedly made it his mission to volunteer to locate every veteran’s grave in Archuleta County’s 14 cemeteries.

For so many years, Ricky made sure that, on every Memorial Day and Veterans Day, a flag was placed at the grave of each located. If a veteran had no family to clean their grave, it was Ricky who worked long hours doing so. Traveling thousands of miles crossing the county and surrounding area yearly never deterred this man from his mission … to make sure that every veteran is honored. Today, we honor you, Ricky.

Ricky carried with him the demons of war and things he experienced. In true Ricky fashion, he never told anyone much at all, if anything, about those demons. He shared them only with God. He did not believe in burdening others with his problems. This is so true in the manner in which he chose to not share the diagnosis of cancer or how badly his body was being ravaged by it. Most of us learned only a few weeks ago about this battle he was in. His battle with cancer ended Feb. 18.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Richard, which will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 108 and Pagosa Springs Town Park. Everyone is invited to join the family for a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish, chair and a story to share. If the weather is bad, services will be at the CSU Extension building.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to American Legion Post 108, P.O. Box 1655, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

Thank you for all your support.

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 Memorial services for Charlene Bucy Baumgardner, of Pagosa Springs, were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Ignacio Community Church in Ignacio.  Charlene passed away on Feb. 18 in her home.

She was born on April 22, 1927, to Fred and Ethel Bucy in Lynn County, Texas.  She grew up in Tahoka, Texas, graduating from Tahoka High School in 1944, then attended Texas Technological College in Lubbock, where she met Robert W. Baumgardner, Sr. at a Wesley Foundation Valentine’s Day party in 1946.  They married on April 3, 1947, and later moved to Brownfield, Texas, where Robert began farming with Charlene’s father.  Charlene continued her studies and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech in 1949.

For the next 40 years, Charlene and Robert lived in Brownfield where she was a dedicated farmer’s wife and homemaker and, along with Robert, raised four children.  They were longtime members of the First United Methodist Church where they served many years as the youth sponsors.  Her impact on the lives of hundreds of young people during that time is still being felt in many places around the world.

In 1988, the Baumgardners moved to Pagosa Springs, where Charlene continued to be a loving helpmate to Robert, mom to her children and their spouses, and Ammaw to her grandchildren while hosting many ski trips, Christmas gatherings, fishing trips and just-fun trips to Colorado.  Her beloved Robert passed away in September 2007 after 60 years of marriage.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Ethelene Bucy and grandson Benjamin Robert Haynes.

She is survived by her brother, J. Fred Bucy, Jr., of Dallas; two sons, Robert, Jr. and wife, Joan Yaffe, of Austin and Karl and wife, Paulette, of Long Beach; two daughters, Barbara Lindley of Pagosa Springs and Sherrie Haynes and husband, Randall, of Ignacio; grandsons Kevin Lindley, Jason Baumgardner and wife, Catherine, of Long Beach, Brad Baumgardner of Amarillo, Matt Haynes and wife, Susan, of Seoul, South Korea, John Mark Haynes of Durango, Jeremiah Haynes and wife, Lizzy, of Anchorage and Nicolas Haynes of Ignacio; granddaughter, Joanne Baumgardner of Lubbock; great granddaughter Coral Haynes of Seoul; a much-anticipated great grandson who will make his appearance in April; dozens of nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Robert and Charlene Baumgardner Endowment Fund for Children’s Ministry, c/o Ignacio Community Church, P.O. Box 317, Ignacio, CO 81137, or to a favorite charity.

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Elaine Grove Rickard of Pagosa Springs passed away peacefully at her home Monday Feb. 17. Born on June 19, 1928, she was the only child of Ralph and Lorene Grove of Pennsylvania. She was born and raised in North Wales, Penn. and attended Bucknell University, where she met Donald C. Rickard. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science in 1950.

She worked for the U.S.I.A as a secretary and was stationed in Rangoon Burma. In 1952, she and Donald Rickard were married in Valley Forge, Penn. Their work with the Foreign Service allowed them to live in many places such as Saipan, Pakistan, South Africa, Burma, South Korea and Washington, D.C.

They retired to Pagosa Springs in 1978, where they have lived happily for the past 35 years. She loved the outdoors and the mountains of Colorado. She enjoyed exotic cooking and loved to entertain. She was also a talented amateur artist and was passionate about music, reading and animals.

She was a spirited and remarkably adventurous woman who loved to laugh. She was deeply devoted to her family.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Donald, and her six children, Laura (Bill), Donald II (Connie), David (Carolyn), Diana, Nicolette (Peter), Jennifer (Owen), and seven grandchildren.

An open memorial service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.

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Paulette Rivera, of Pagosa Springs, died Feb. 18 at home, surrounded by her husband and children.

She was born to Billie Shoemaker and the late Jack Shoemaker in Blackfoot, Idaho, on Feb. 21, 1958. She is survived by her mother, Billie; her brothers, Brent (Yolanda) and Kirk Shoemaker; her sisters, Jacque (Spud) Kruffen and Denise (Chris) Waller; her husband, Anthony; and her children, Amy (Kevin) Torrez, Valerie (Andy) Book, and Tony (Ieesha) Rivera; and nine grandchildren.

She hated to cook and loved to bake. She enjoyed reading, music, puzzles and her pets. She was known for her smiling face, big heart and unending patience. She was devoted to her family and they, to her.

A rosary was held on Sunday, Feb. 23, and a funeral was Monday, Feb. 24, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Pagosa Springs.

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James A. Smith, Jr., 82, passed away on March 1. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 21 years, Gloria. He is also survived by his daughter, Darlene Smith; two sons, James Smith, III, and Robert Smith; two stepsons, Kenny Sanders and Christopher Sanders; beloved grandchildren, Katelyn Sanders, Thaden Sanders and Owen Sanders. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Gerald (Elaine) Smith of Tucson, Ariz.

James was born Jan. 26, 1932, in Joliet, Ill., to his parents, Violet and James Smith. His high school accomplishments were: an accomplished flutist in the Joliet Township High School Band and earning his Eagle Scout Award. He served two years (1953-1955) in the Marines. He graduated in 1953 from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He did some post-graduate work at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He worked for 36 years in aerospace engineering: General Electric Company Space Systems (1962-1964); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1964-1992); Boeing North America (1993-1999); Hernandez Engineering Company (1999-2000); and the Boeing Company (2000-2002).

He and Gloria were married in 1992 in Houston, and moved to Pagosa Springs in 2002. He spent his retirement years skiing, ATVing, hiking, woodworking, puzzling, playing bridge and reading. He and Gloria enjoyed extensive traveling during the last years of his retirement.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Community United Methodist Church’s food bank, P.O. Box 300, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.

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Mary Pierce passed away at her home with children by her side on Feb. 28. Rosary will be on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. with funeral mass on Monday at 10 a.m. Services will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Obituary to follow next week.

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Patricia (Patty) Ann Nelson went to be with her Lord on Jan. 25.

Patty was born to Robert and Pat Chapin on May 11, 1937, in San Francisco.

She attended San Mateo High School and the College of San Mateo. She then married the love of her life, James Calvin (Zach) Nelson on Sept. 13, 1959. Her son Jeffry Scott Nelson was born on July 7, 1960. Patty retired from Western States Arts Federation in September of 1996 and thereafter enjoyed her hobbies including making stuffed bears with knitted clothing, candles, painting and playing the piano. She found great joy in maintaining a loving home for herself and Zach. Patty is best remembered as a woman who lived a life that exemplified the love of Christ in all she did. She leaves behind her husband Zach, son Jeff (Stacy) and three grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Patty’s Life on Sunday, March 9, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Restoration Fellowship, 264 Village Drive. Join us for fellowship, remembrance, light food and music. Please consider Albuquerque Hospice in lieu of flowers.

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Mary Claire (Abair) Pierce was born to Mary Ann and Barney Abaire in Waterbury, Vt., on Aug. 5, 1927. She was the second oldest of seven: Andrew, Edward, Robert, Paul, Joseph and Bernadette. She has now gone to be with them all.

Mary was married to Harland Pierce in Vermont on March 22, 1947, and they became parents of nine: Mary Etta, Linda, William (Bill), Rita, Harland Jr. (Butch), Robert (Bob), Barney (Buck), Bruce and Bradley.

This family started out in Vermont and grew as they traveled west. Harland was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator, so the family traveled to where the work was and their children were born in Vermont, South Dakota, and various places in Colorado.

As this family grew up, they were great outdoor enthusiasts. Mary would pack up camping and picnic supplies (no small feat for a family of 11, plus a few extras) and off they would go for a few days of fishing, food and fun at a mountain lake or stream; or sometimes to dig fishing worms because that was how the kids made spending money — selling fishing worms at $1 per 100. (That is a penny a piece, for all you fishermen.)

Mary enjoyed gardening and providing for her family in every way. Laundry days and bread-making days (10 loaves at a time) were times to behold (We had a horse that liked to unclip clothes pins). She spent a lot of time on the road between home and Harland’s work as she carried parts and supplies to him and his crews. Later they owned and operated Mary’s Laundry and Dry Cleaning (and car wash). Mary continued to run that business after Harland’s death in 1983 until a heart attack in 1997 compelled her to sell out. Later she became a “drug runner” for Jackisch Drug as she delivered prescriptions.

Mary’s family continued to grow. She now has seven living children: Mary Etta (Darrell) Ault of Jessieville, Ark., Linda (Harvey) Cundiff of Bayfield; Bill (Shirley) Pierce of Maud, Texas; Rita Strickland of Pagosa Springs; Buck (Shari) Pierce of Pagosa Springs; Bruce (Tammy) of Elmo, Utah; and Brad, of the family home. She also had 19 grandchildren (plus 12 spouses) and 26 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews across the 50 states, along with a multitude of people who call her Mom, Grandma, mentor and friend.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harland; and sons, Bob and Butch. She left this life to join them on Feb. 28 from her family home while surrounded by family.

Services were held Monday, March 10, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial was at Hilltop Cemetery.

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Mary Jean Shah, 69, died Wednesday, March 5, in Durango, Colorado, after collapsing while skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Jean was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Florence and Roy Maulding on Sept. 11, 1944. She graduated from high school in 1962 and later earned a BA in art history and an MBA from the University of Houston. After growing up in Texas, she lived in New York City, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, before eventually returning to Texas. In 2002, she and her husband moved to Pagosa Springs. They spent their summers on Cape Cod in Wellfleet, Mass., and traveled extensively throughout the year, most recently to Eastern Europe and Central America.

Jean was a member of the Gray Wolves Ski Club and the San Juan Outdoor Club. She spent hours outside — hiking and gardening in the summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. She was a dedicated watercolorist and photographer. She was also an avid reader and was taking Spanish lessons.

Jean is survived by her husband of 22 years, Gautam N. Shah; her three daughters, Lisa, Katie, and Sara Story, and their husbands, Philip Kaplan, Chad Wold, and Ken Garschina; her two stepdaughters, Tanya Gray and Zarina Shah, and their husbands, Joel Gray and Jacques Oppinger. She is also survived by her 10 beloved grandchildren: Joel, Story, Emily, Duke, Miles, Ethan, Nicholas, Edward, Maxwell and Dagny.

Jean was a strong supporter of public television and radio. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to local PBS or NPR stations.

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Cuthbert

Gregg William Cuthbert, 50, died Saturday, March 8, in Bayfield. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango and memorial services will be held at a later date.

Mr. Cuthbert was born Sept. 2, 1963, in Houston, Texas, the son of Ronald and Cindy (Callaway) Cuthbert. Gregg attended primary and secondary schools in the Houston, Texas area. He graduated from Jersey Village High School and soon after, became employed with the Houston fire department and emergency services. He remained there for approximately six years and then moved to the Durango area. He began to learn the trade and craft of fine art framing and soon opened up his own business, Four Corners Framed Art.

Gregg enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors. He was a gifted photographer, enjoyed horseback riding and also riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Whenever he got the chance, he traveled to the Gulf of Mexico to pursue fishing. He enjoyed reading and country western dancing and music. He also liked to cook and his family fondly recalls that he made great crawfish etouffee.

His family is very grief stricken during this time and would like to express to the community: “Thank you for those who were Gregg’s customers and for those who expressed loyalty and friendship to Gregg.”

He is survived by Ronald and Cindy Cuthbert (parents), of Bayfield; Brittney Allison (daughter), of Houston, Texas; Jeffrey Wayne Cuthbert (brother), of Bayfield; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

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Nardy Lattin, 84, of Flora Vista, N.M., passed away on Sunday, March 16, in Farmington. She was born on May 28, 1929, in Questa, N.M. She will be laid to rest in Pagosa Springs at Hilltop Cemetery.

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 Sara Ann (Sally) Nossaman Masco passed away March 28 in Manti, Utah.

She was born on Feb. 6, 1927, in Pagosa Springs to Thomas Bowen Nossaman and Hazel Hickle Nossaman. She grew up on the family ranch north of Pagosa Springs along with her best friend and sister, Martha Nossaman Sharp.

She was married to John L. Masco on June 4, 1946, in Pagosa Springs. John preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 1992.

They resided on a ranch on Snowball Road just north of Pagosa Springs until John’s death.

They had two children — Larry John Masco and Russell Lee Masco.

She is survived by her son Larry and his wife Janet Masco of Manti, Utah. Their children Bowen and his wife Christina of Logan, Utah; Jani currently residing in West Jordan, Utah; Rylar and his wife Nicole of Sandy , Utah; Lindsay and her husband Caleb Mellor of Logan, Utah; and Sarena now living in Cedar City, Utah.

She is survived by her son Russell and his wife Sandra of Milford, Neb., and their children Tylin and Tandee.

She is survived by three great grandchildren, LynnDee and Eli Masco of Logan, and Emma Mellor of Logan.

She is also survived by her sister Martha Sharp of Grand Junction and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

After leaving Pagosa Springs in 1992, Sara lived in Yellow Jacket, Colo.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; and in the Denver area. She lived in Manti, Utah, with Larry and Janet since May of 2008.

Sara worked for the school district in Pagosa Springs for several decades before she retired in 1992. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1953 and remained a faithful and active member all of her life.

Burial was April 1 in Pagosa Springs. Memorial service will be held on April 19 in Manti, Utah.

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