Martin Mortuary

Richard Wade Lewis, of Clifton, Colorado, passed away at home with his family on February 7, 2026. He was 59. Richard was born on August 20, 1966, in Joplin, Missouri. He spent his childhood in Mt. Vernon, Missouri and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1984. Curious by nature, Richard visited the funeral home near his house and discovered that he was quite comfortable in that environment. He decided to pursue a career in funeral service and attended Kansas City Community College, where he received his degree in Mortuary Science. He began his career at Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, and later moved to Hobbs, New Mexico to work at Chapel of Hope. He moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, in...

Robert (Bob) W. Childs Jr. passed away on February 5, 2026, at his residence in Paonia following a long battle with cancer. He was an Air Force Veteran and served as a Colorado State Patrolman for 20 years. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Childs Sr., and his mother, Dorothy Britt. He is survived by his wife, Carol Childs; his son, Clint (Katy) Childs and their three children, John, Zack, and Abigale; and his daughter, Linda (Dustin) Smith and their two daughters, Kylie and McKenna. At Robert's request, no formal service will be held. However, the family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Flowers or cards for the family may be sent to P.O. Box 725,...

Nancy Nell (Camp) Otto, 82, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 20, 2026. Born November 6, 1943, in Smyrna, GA, she grew up in Holly Springs, GA, and was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. After graduating from Cherokee High School in 1961, she moved to Denver, CO. Nancy married Henry M. Otto, her loving husband, best friend, and lifelong travel partner. Together, they raised two children: daughter Carolyn Ann (Otto) Wall, her husband Reginald, and granddaughter Rachel Elizabeth; and son Kurt Joseph Otto and his wife Stacy. Nancy was the daughter of the late Roy Robert Camp and Nellie Jane Trippe Camp. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert...

Mary Day (Kilborn) Musgrave, a devoted wife and friend, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at HopeWest Ferris Hospice Care Center. A resident of Grand Junction, Colorado for nearly six decades, Mary Day was a bright and enduring presence in the community. Her legacy is one of kindness, grace, and love. Born in Decatur, Illinois on April 23, 1941 to John A. and Emogene Bramhall Kilborn, Mary Day was a steady, strong, and loving woman who was always there. In 1959, she was part of the first graduating class at General Douglas MacArthur High School. Then, forming the foundation for her lifelong love of learning and service to others, she graduated from...

William David Feely "Bill" of Grand Junction Colorado passed away May 2, 2025 at his residence. He was born March 17, 1953 to William S. and Barbara A. Feely in Delta Colorado. Bill attended Mesa State College and soon began his career in management for Taco Bell restaurants in Grand Junction and California. He continued in management with Grand Junction's Interiors Etc., and Burke Construction. Although he missed his family, he very much enjoyed the work, travels, and the many unique Casitas in New Mexico and Arizona, and hotels and restaurants in the Black Hills, and the Badlands of the Dakotas. Bill thoroughly enjoyed family time, relaxing and fishing at the family cabin on Grand...

Vanna May Powell, DO, a pioneer in the medical field, passed away on April 29, 2025. Born in 1947, she carved a path as a distinguished physician and gynecologist, setting an example for women entering the world of medicine. Vanna was not only dedicated to her profession but also to the thrill of adventure. She had a deep love for mountain climbing and made it her mission to conquer the Colorado 14ers. Her adventurous spirit took her to 15 countries and the heights of Mount Everest as well. Her love of adventure also extended to activities such as whitewater rafting and scuba diving, always seeking new experiences and challenges. Vanna cherished her family deeply. Though she was never...

Judith (Judy) Lynne Markowski, born January 11, 1936, passed away in Grand Junction March 26, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Virgil and Libby Conkle and her husband of 50 years, W.T. (Bill) Markowski She is survived by her three children; Elizabeth Pettit (Terry); Barbara Morgan; David Markowski; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; Sisters Iris Trivitt and Karen Ferguson and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rose Garden in Tucson April 26 from 11 - 1. Family would appreciate messages and memories on Judy's page at martinmortuary.com.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew Martin Cross of Grand Junction, Colorado. He went to be with the Lord surrounded by family and friends, about a month after suffering a severe brain trauma. While taken from us too soon, in his 36 years, Andrew lived more life than many get to experience. He was a man of great integrity with an adventurous, playful, and wise spirit. As the son of a U.S. Marine, he moved frequently in his early years, developing a love for God, history, and the outdoors. Andrew was a graduate of Stafford High School, Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Regent University, Virginia, in 2015 and was...

Kenneth LeOtis Reust was born June 26, 1933, to Roy and Eva Beatty Reust in Rifle, Colorado. The family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1936. Ken spent his school years in local schools, graduating from Central High School in 1951, attending Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction, and then attended college in Boulder. He joined the National Guard in 1952. For employment, he worked for Huckaby's grocery store at 15 and a half years old, AEC and made deliveries for Wonder Bread and Clover Club Potato Chips. Ken met EmaLea Rypma at a grocery store where he was delivering bread. He and EmaLea were married on February 1, 1959, in the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction. ...

Julie Norton Boomgaard made her final journey into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at her home. Julie was born on November 08, 1959 to Robert and Marcia Norton in Boulder, Colorado. She spent her childhood in Boulder, and graduated from Boulder High School in 1978. She attended Colorado State University and earned a Bachelor of Education degree. In 1980, Julie completed a 100 day Semester at Sea, cruising around the world. This began a love for travel, and she made many wonderful memories cruising with her family. Julie met her husband and love of her life Peter Boomgaard, and both graduated and were married in May 1982. Julie taught in the Boulder Valley School District and...

Marcia Ellen Pilgrim passed away on February 17, 2025, at Red Cliff Post Acute while on hospice care in Grand Junction, CO. She was born on December 15, 1937, in Grand Junction to Harry and Phyllis Bergman. Marcia graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1955 and from Mesa College in 1972 as a Registered Nurse. She completed her B.A. degree from St. Regis in Denver, CO. Marcia's career included nursing, health care administration, and she founded Pilgrim Home Assisted Living in Grand Junction. Marcia is survived by her son William Boden and daughter Lori Howell, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great grandson. Marcia was a member of...

Ron Pollard, 75, of Grand Junction, passed away February 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born January 4, 1950, in Grand Junction, to Bernard and Mary Jane (Prouty) Pollard, Ron lived a life of exuberance, adventure, and thankfulness. A devoted husband to Charlotte (Green) for 53 years, a loving father to Timothy, Heather, Charity, and Rebekah, a cherished grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of one. Ron was a passionate missionary, dedicated to sharing his faith and exemplifying God's hope and love for us all. A celebration of Ron's life will be held Friday, March 7th at 2:00 PM at Life Community Church, 2140 Broadway, Grand Junction.

Darlene Mae Lewis passed away peacefully, age 98, at her home on February 13, 2025. She was born in a sod house at Beecher Island, Colorado, to George and Hazel Strangways on Dec 19, 1926. After attending country schools, she graduated from Wray High School in 1945. In 1946, Darlene ventured to Denver with two friends and found employment as an accounts payable clerk with Morey Mercantile. Her picture, in the interest of selling cookbooks for her employer, appeared in the Denver newspapers. In 1948, Darlene met Air Force airman Al Lewis, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas in Denver, and they were married on May 7, 1950. Soon after came children and home ownership. Darlene was proud of her role as...

Clara Mae Ward, 97, passed away peacefully at Mantey Heights Care Center surrounded by family. She was born November 7, 1927, to William and Annabelle Dawson Ford in Pueblo, Colorado. She married Joe Ward on January 30, 1943, in Collbran. Six children were born into this union, Joe, Bob, Vel, Edie, Ruth, and Sue. Clara Mae was the dietary manager for Plateau Valley School and Plateau Valley Nursing Home for many years. Clara Mae is survived by her children, Joe Ward, Vel Dorau, Edie Watson, and Sue Dillon; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Her son, Bob, daughter, Ruth, and grandson, Lee Ward proceeded her in death. For the full obituary...

Vernie Grounds Rathbone passed away on February 7, 2025. She was born in Steamboat Springs in 1940. Vernie is survived by her sister, Lois Dunn; her daughter, Lynda; son, Lyle; son-in-law, Gary; and her grandchildren. As a longtime resident of Grand Junction, Vernie's passion for her community was expressed in her church involvement, teaching water aerobics, and volunteering. When not enriching her community Vernie was fond of creating beautiful jewelry and supporting local artists. In keeping with her belief that "Family is Forever", Vernie will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert David Rathbone. A graveside service will be held in Hackberry, Arizona on February 16, 2025.

Betty Elaine Kosarek passed away on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 at the Hope West Hospice Center in Grand Junction, CO at the age of 84. Betty Elaine Bird was born at home to Russel and Marie Bird in a small farmhouse in Malvern, Iowa on November 18, 1940 where she grew up in a home with 5 high-spirited siblings, Ken, Lorraine, Clinton, Fran and Dixie Bird. She graduated from Malvern High School in 1958. She met Gerald "Jerry" Kosarek in Omaha, NE in 1961 while attending a vocational school for administrative assistant and he was enlisted in the air force and stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. They married in 1962, had 2 children, and moved to Niles, MI not long after, where they stayed for...

Carolyn Ruth Lyttle (n?e Buczinski), born March 5, 1937, in Woodward, Oklahoma, was called home by the Almighty on January 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A survivor of the Dust Bowl and childhood poverty, Carolyn found richness in her nurtured relationships with God, family, and friends. She was no stranger to resilience. She journeyed through life with determination, growing her family along the way, moving across California, Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, and Wyoming with her children?Dennis (dec.), John, Jerry, and Cindy?before settling in Grand Junction in 1975. She lived frugally and gave immensely, a testament to her selfless nature. Through her dedicated childcare...

Alexander Martinez passed away January 18, 2025, at St Mary's Hospital after an illness. He was 34. Alex was born on February 7, 1990, in San Bernardino, California from the union of Mario and Deborah Martinez. He spent his childhood in Mexicali, Mexico and attended high school in Delta, Colorado and was a resident of the Grand Valley for the past twelve years. Alex married Alejandra Zavala in Grand Junction on August 25, 2018, and she survives. Alex was a member of the Junction Community Church and worked as a carpenter and loved working with his brother Robert. During his free time, he found inspiration recording and writing music. He also enjoyed playing sports, camping, cooking,...

Carol Anne Punkoney passed away at her home in Loma on January 18th, she was 80. Her passing was unexpected as she was active and in apparent good health. A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring when the orchard trees are blooming and the sun is shining. Sympathy cards can be sent to Kathy McNutt (PO Box 59, Loma, CO 81524). Memorial donations can be made to the Western Border Collies Rescue (www.wbcrescue.org) in memory of Carol Punkoney. Memorial write-up at Martin Mortuary website.

Richard Knowles Nelson, better known as Dick Nelson, was born to Clare and Doris Knowles Nelson on October 20, 1939 in Ames, Iowa. He spent the first 5 years of his life in Ames then the family relocated to Salem, Oregon where he attended Elementary and Junior High Schools. Looking for somewhere with a drier climate, the family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in June of 1952. Dick completed Junior High then attended and graduated from Central High School in 1957. He worked for Intermountain Printing and Stationery Company and Central Chevrolet until his enlistment into the United States Coast Guard in 1962. His basic training was at Government Island Coast Guard Base in...

Arthur Dean Bulla, age 97, beloved father and Grandfather, entered his heavenly home on Friday, January 10, 2025, at his home in Grand Junction, CO. Funeral services honoring his life will be held at 2:00 p .m. on January 31, 2025, at Martin Mortuary, 550 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado with a visitation with family and friends immediately preceding from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. He is survived his children, Roger (Betty) Bulla, Janet Brock, and Gary (Susan) Bulla; grandchildren, Adam (Renee) Bulla, Elyse Bulla, Andrew (Shannon) Bulla, Ryan Bulla, Kathy (Randy) Doudy, Richard (Debbie) Belden; and great-grandchildren, Karissa Belden, Braden Bulla, Kaylie Bulla, Clara Bulla, Rose Bulla,...