Brown's Cremation Service

Frederick Benjamin Smythe, 82, of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Denver on August 11, 1942, Fred spent his childhood in Siloam Springs, AR and Albuquerque, NM. He met his loving wife, Pam, in Albuquerque while in high school. They moved to Fife, Washington where Fred served as a police sergeant. After returning to Albuquerque for a short time, the family settled in Delta in 1986, where they resided for many years. Fred held numerous jobs after retiring from the police force, but he most enjoyed working around his home, becoming a private pilot and aircraft owner, reading about the Civil War and WW2, watching the...

David Lee Krill, age 85 years, died April 12th 2025, following several months of heart related illness. Born April 20th 1939 in Olathe, CO, he was the son of the late August and Gladys Krill. He was a veteran of the US Marines having served as Lance Corporal, during 1957 to 1959, stationed primarily in the South Pacific. David was employed as a High School Teacher in Jefferson County CO for 30 years. He coached Little League Football for over 10 years. David was a member of Thunder Mountain Shootists, Single Action Shooting Society or SASS, and the Hotchkiss Action Pistol group. David was a SASS Sheriff, and a Founder of the Black Canyon Ghost Riders shooting club. David enjoyed many...

David Lee Krill, age 85 years, died April 12th 2025, following several months of heart related illness. Born April 20th 1939 in Olathe, CO, he was the son of the late August and Gladys Krill. He was a veteran of the US Marines having served as Lance Corporal, during 1957 to 1959, stationed primarily in the South Pacific. David was employed as a High School Teacher in Jefferson County CO for 30 years. He coached Little League Football for over 10 years. David was a member of Thunder Mountain Shootists, Single Action Shooting Society or SASS, and the Hotchkiss Action Pistol group. David was a SASS Sheriff, and a Founder of the Black Canyon Ghost Riders shooting club. David enjoyed many...

Janet Louise Blackman Cox, 82, passed away April 10, 2025, at Mantey Heights Care Center in Grand Junction, CO. A devoted sister, nurse, and step-matriarch, Janet was born August 21, 1942, in Burley, ID. She was a proud member of First Baptist Church and active in civic and political organizations. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, and brother Johnny. She is survived by her brothers Joseph and Jimmy, six stepchildren, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will be held April 18 at Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Hope West in her honor.

Jimmie Eugene Walz Sr., 88, of Grand Junction, Colorado passed away April 4, 2025. Born on October 2, 1936, in Grand Junction to Ivan and Ella Walz, he was a devoted husband to Shirley Ann, and a loving father to Jimmie Eugene Jr.(Alicia), Jody Holt(Cindy), Justin Lee(Kelly), Kay Lynn(Ron), and Korena(Paul). Our dad was a member of the Pipe Fitters his entire working career. He also was an avid hunter for what Colorado has to offer. He was a registered outfitter and outfitted for many years. He enjoyed the hunting and dragging his kids around to rodeos. Always a busy man, he left a lasting impact on those that he liked. He is survived by some immediate family members, friends and extended...

Carol Ann Rickstrew was born to Gene Roy Rickstrew and Etta Lou Buffington and had the good fortune to be raised by her loving stepfather, George Edward Macdonell. Carol loved growing up on their ranch on Missouri Heights with her siblings; Bill and Terry Rickstrew, and Max, Mary Becky Macdonell. She loved horses, the outdoors and competing in rodeos. She graduated from Roaring Fork High School in 1971. She lived briefly in Eastern Colorado and Nebraska and had two children, Billie Jo and Hugh Luark. She returned to the valley and reunited with her rodeo partner and first date, Stephen Kelley Burns. They married December 26, 1987 and she became mother to Kelley Ann and Byron David Burns....

Gail Rae Carpenter, long time resident of Cortez, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025 in Palisade, Colorado. A graduate of South Milwaukee High School in 1948, Gail married her life partner, James Carpenter in July of that same year. Together, they shared 72 years of marriage and many adventures. Gail spent decades in jail ministry in Cortez, touching countless lives with her compassion, faith and dedication to others. In addition to her ministry work, Gail was a talented crocheter, known for creating intricate angel and snowflake ornaments, as well as beautifully crafted blankets that are cherished by the recipients. Gail was preceded in death by James in 2020. She is survived by...

Our wonderful father, F. Roger Little, departed this life on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with his children at his side. Roger was born at home in South Denver on July 11, 1932, to parents A.J. and Mable S. Little. The family moved to Leadville, Colorado, in 1944, then returned to Denver for a short time before moving to Fruita, Colorado, in April 1946. Roger loved living in Fruita and was a proud 1950 graduate of Fruita Union High School. Roger attended Mesa Junior College from 1950-1952, then obtained a B.A. degree at Colorado State College of Education in Greeley in May of 1954. Following graduation, Dad hustled back to Fruita to marry the love of his life, LuAnn McCormick, on June 20,...

Our wonderful father, F. Roger Little, departed this life on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with his children at his side. Roger was born at home in South Denver on July 11, 1932, to parents A.J. and Mable S. Little. The family moved to Leadville, Colorado, in 1944, then returned to Denver for a short time before moving to Fruita, Colorado, in April 1946. Roger loved living in Fruita and was a proud 1950 graduate of Fruita Union High School. Roger attended Mesa Junior College from 1950-1952, then obtained a B.A. degree at Colorado State College of Education in Greeley in May of 1954. Following graduation, Dad hustled back to Fruita to marry the love of his life, LuAnn McCormick, on June 20,...

Penny Lynn Schieck was born on March 12, 1947 to Emmitt and Maxine Schieck in Casper, Wyoming. She was the third of four children, having two older brothers and a younger sister. She grew up in Casper and Graduated from Natrona County High School in 1965. She met John Hopkins at Casper Junior College, and they were married in 1970; a loving union that produced a son, Paul, and began a wonderful journey that lasted 54 years. Penny embraced a life that had many phases, facets, and experiences. She cherished her roles of wife and mother, and John and Paul were the beneficiaries of her life-long love and attention. She had the privilege of being an elementary school teacher who loved the...

Penny Lynn Schieck was born on March 12, 1947 to Emmitt and Maxine Schieck in Casper, Wyoming. She was the third of four children, having two older brothers and a younger sister. She grew up in Casper and Graduated from Natrona County High School in 1965. She met John Hopkins at Casper Junior College, and they were married in 1970; a loving union that produced a son, Paul, and began a wonderful journey that lasted 54 years. Penny embraced a life that had many phases, facets, and experiences. She cherished her roles of wife and mother, and John and Paul were the beneficiaries of her life-long love and attention. She had the privilege of being an elementary school teacher who loved the...

Susan Ottman went to her heavenly home in the early hours of March 8, 2025, suddenly and unexpectedly. Her warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our family and the community will never be the same without her radiant smile and loving presence. Born on November 2, 1960, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Marjorie and John Bacheldor, Sue was the fourth of five children. From a young age, Sue had an innate ability to connect with others. When her family moved to a new state, her mother loved to tell the story of how Sue canvassed the neighborhood, returning home with the names and stories of all the...

Better known as Abuela, returned to the Ranch, Monday, March 3, 2025, following a brief illness. Born November 11, 1946, to Mary and David Kyle. Mom loved being outside, whether it be taking a walk with Miss James, hiking Serpents Trail, joining Tai Chi, or playing pickleball?she was always outside. Mom is preceded in her death by her loving husband, John, her amazing parents, her beloved brother Sonny and son Donald Craig, and her talented son Nick. Mom will be sorely missed by her Aunt Alice, sister Kathy (Ben), daughter Pam (Alan), son Steve (Malin), nieces Miranda (Jim), Sarah (Nate), and nephew Brad (Daizy), granddaughters Matilda and Isabel, grandsons Joseph and Nicklas, numerous...

Ronald Wayne VanHouten, age 76, died Sunday, March 2, 2025, due to cancer. Ron was born March 3, 1948, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Wendell and Margaret VanHouten. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School and attended Electronics School in Akron, Ohio. Ron was an electrician and HVAC mechanic at Mesa State College. He was an active member of Pear Park Baptist Church. Ron was preceded in death by his older sister, Phyllis Jane, and his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; brothers, Terry (Diana) and Randy; a daughter and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 3:00pm at Pear Park Baptist Church, 3102 E Road. Memorial contributions can be made...

Lyle Wayne Green Sr, 81, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025 in Grand Junction, Colorado with his wife of 60 years, Anita or "Love" as he so affectionately called her by his side. Wayne was a longtime resident of Rifle, Colorado where he and Anita raised their seven children; Lyle Wayne Green Jr, Curtis Green, Victoria Hylton, Kimberley Green, Brenda Green, Monica Green, and Anthony (Tony) Green. Wayne will be laid to rest next to his children and near his granddaughter in Rifle, Colorado following a rosary and funeral mass in Grand Junction, Colorado. Everyone is welcome to attend both. Please join us at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church 230 N. 3rd St., Grand Junction, CO on Friday, April...

Donald Gerald Lenard, age 82, passed away February 19, 2025. Born October 25, 1942 in Delta, Colorado, he graduated from Rifle High School and attended college at Mesa State. He was a retired railroader and rancher. He worked for the Rio Grande Railroad for over 40 years. He enjoyed riding and training horses, fishing and hunting. He loved country and gospel music. Preceded in death by both his parents, brothers Leroy and Jimmy Dean, sister Nona Jo, son Barry, and granddaughter Kasey. He is survived by brothers Ronnie (Linda), Keith (Josie), Benny (Marty), and Mickey (Barbara), son Robin Lenard (Kristi), daughter Jeralie Lenard, grandchildren Misty Hudson (Nathan), Jessica Williamson...

The family of Mary Marguerite Zestrow sadly announces her passing on Feb. 14, 2005, at her home in Fruita, Colo. Mary was born Feb. 27, 1934, to George and Marguerite Murch in Greeley, CO. She led a full and fruitful life of 91 years. A large part of her life was in Grand County, CO, later in Fruita, CO. She was a successful business owner for many years and was active in community affairs and organizations. She loved being outdoors, skiing, hiking, boating, and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Ben, brothers Walter, John, and her sister Joan. Her four children: Michael, Stephen, Kenton, and Pamela, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. No services are planned. A...

The family of Mary Marguerite Zestrow sadly announces her passing on Feb. 14, 2005, at her home in Fruita, Colo. Mary was born Feb. 27, 1934, to George and Marguerite Murch in Greeley, CO. She led a full and fruitful life of 91 years. A large part of her life was in Grand County, CO, later in Fruita, CO. She was a successful business owner for many years and was active in community affairs and organizations. She loved being outdoors, skiing, hiking, boating, and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Ben, brothers Walter, John, and her sister Joan. Her four children: Michael, Stephen, Kenton, and Pamela, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. No services are planned. A...

Gayle Irene Atwood Price passed away on Friday, February 14th, 2025 following a long illness. Gayle was born in Raton, New Mexico on October 4th, 1937. She graduated from Cortez High School. While attending Mesa College, she met her husband Bob Price. They settled in Boulder, CO. Gayle retired after 17 years from CU Boulder, after which she and Bob moved to Grand Junction to live the remainder of their lives. Noted as being a firecracker, Gayle was also known for having a quick sense of humor and one of the most compassionate people you could have ever met. Gayle loved to quilt, was an avid reader and a fabulous cook. Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Price, brother John...

Jeannine, age 96, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Larchwood Inns Rehab & Nursing Facility. Jeannine was the only child born to Emmett E. and Fanny Sisler on October 10, 1928, in Tulsa Oklahoma. Jeannine moved to Colorado at 8 years of age with her parents in 1936, settling in the Fruitvale area on a peach orchard farm. Jeannine attended local schools and graduated from Fruitvale High School in 1946 and attended Mesa Junior College (now Colorado Mesa University) where she met her future husband Max C. Kendall, they were married March 20, 1949, and spent 68 wonderful years together. After...

Iris Pangborn Moore (born Pamela Roberts) was born on January 22, 1947, in Denver, CO, to her birth mother, Virginia Roberts. She was adopted by Harry & Mildred Pangborn and brought home to Delta, CO, on Valentine's Day 1947, a day her mother cherished for the rest of her life. Iris had a loving extended family, including grandparents Ralph & Sabra Goswick, brother Donnie, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She remained close with her cousin Byron Goswick, among other relatives. Iris often reflected on how God had saved her from death multiple times. As a toddler, she survived a fall from a second-story window. At age five or six, she nearly drowned at the Delta Swimming Pool. At 17, she...