Brown's Cremation Service

Roberta L. Grisham Hood age 89 passed away on April 30th, 2022. Roberta was born February 12, 1933, to Anna Gregor and Felix Grisham. Roberta graduated Central High School in Pueblo, Colorado. Roberta was a member chapter CG PEO and United Methodist Church. She enjoyed knitting, reading, Mahjong, and canasta. Roberta was quiet but dedicated to her friends and family. She was a hard worker, a wonderful cook, and an amazing seamstress. Roberta is survived by Scott and Anna Hood of Folkston, Ga, Dennis Hood of Maryland, Karl and Lori Hood of Cedaredge, Co, Alexandra C. Hood, Lance (Kyla) Hood of Nucla, Co, Erik G. Hood of Nucla, Co, very best friends Butch and Judi, and extended family. ...

Chloe Bea McGruder aka Judy McGruder passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Joy and granddaughter Kelly by her side on April 25, 2022, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Twins, Chloe Bea, and James Lee were born on April 18, 1932, in Meeker, Colorado to Harold (Jake) and Pearl (Wilson) Vaughan. Apparently, the twins were so stubborn that they were nicknamed after the neighbor's mules, and they became Jake and Judy. Living in canvas tents and babysitting siblings while her parents-built fence in the Meeker/Rangely area made early life hard but roaming the hills with her twin made it fun. At age 16 she met Wren Franklin McGruder and on March 10, 1949, they were married in Grand Junction,...

Carol Ann Murphy was born to Geno and Virginia Saccomanno in St. Louis, Missouri, while her father was still in medical school. She grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado and graduated from Loretto Heights College in Denver with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught English and French at Bookcliff Middle School. She met Bob Murphy on a blind date on St. Patrick's Day in 1967 and they married that December. They had two children, Gena and Thomas. She left her teaching career to raise her children and care for her family, and began a lifelong dedication to community service. In 2012 she was recognized by the Western Colorado Community Foundation with a "Heart of Gold Award" for her...

Rosalee Holton, age 90, passed away peacefully at home with her son and family by her side. She was born Rosalee DeMoss, on January 31st, 1932 in Mexico, Missouri the eldest child and daughter of Merle DeMoss Sr. and Mary Dru Crews. When she was young her family moved to Hotchkiss Colorado where she grew up. Rosalee graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1950 and then went to Mesa State College for two years and received an associate's degree in the arts. She returned to Hotchkiss and married James Leon Holton Jr. in 1954. She then attended school at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado where she completed her education with a degree in education in 1957. After graduating and with...

Verla M. Schafer passed away on April 15, 2022 at her home. She was born to Ed and Selma Young on November 1, 1923. Verla grew up on the family farm and attended Grand Valley area schools through her high school graduation. She went on to attend business school and to obtain a job as a secretary working for the United States government at the Atomic Energy Commision in Grand Junction until her retirement in 1974. Verla took pride in her work and her contributions to her country. She worked at the Atomic Legacy Cabin which is now an interpretive center located at the Department of Energy in Grand Junction. The cabin once was the epicenter of the nationwide search for uranium that was started...

Mrs. Anna Lou Fortik, daughter of Hazel McCoy and Daniel Robertson, was born on October 30, 1943, in East Chicago, Indiana. Anna spent her childhood in Mineral Wells, Texas, and Burlington, Colorado. She graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1961 and was united in holy matrimony on May 28, 1961, to Donald (Dean) Fortik. Anna peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 7:40 am on April 13, 2022. Anna is survived by her husband Dean, their two children Wesley and Kari Fortik, Teresa and Randy Spivey, and five grandchildren (Megan Danielson, Holly Wilmot, David Spivey, Joshua Spivey, and Kathryn Newton) and five great grandchildren. Anna enjoyed laughing and playing with...

Judy Ann Shaver, age 78, died April 11, 2022. Born December 05, 1943, in Washington, PA. She was the daughter of late Edward R Mitchell, and Elizabeth Mitchell. Judy had been employed as a secretary in School District 51 for over 30 years, retiring from Fruita Monument High School as the Principal's secretary. Judy enjoyed crafts such as knitting and sewing. She joined sewing groups and craft fairs where she sold some of her creations. Judy was a quiet, introspective person, who also enjoyed reading, and spending time with her family. Judy is survived by: Son, Brian (Tamara) Shaver (Grand Junction, CO) and their sons Branden and Derek. Son, MIchael (Jamie) Shaver (Gibsonia, PA)...

Peter Arthur Robinson, age 77, died at home in the early hours of April 8, 2022 in the arms of his wife, Marilyn. The cause of death was cancer. Born on May 24, 1944 in Miami, Florida, Peter was the son of Esther (Marsh) Robinson and Donald H. Robinson. He was raised in the small town of Lowville, New York and attended Lowville Academy from kindergarten through 12th grade. There he met classmates who would become lifelong friends. He received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English and Religion from St. Lawrence University. Peter served his country from 1966 - 1968 as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. Later he would join Veterans for Peace. Peter made his...

Joe was born September 22, 1949, to Emil "Tony" and Wilda Tonozzi in Lamar, Colorado and grew up in Holly. After graduating from Holly High School in 1967 his family moved to Carlsbad, California. He attended Mira Costa College and worked for relatives in and around that area. After living there for several years, he made his way back to the Western Slope of Colorado. He married in 1974 and had his dear son, Sasha in 1977. In 1984, Joe reunited with Rebecca "Becki" Fair with whom he had a "steady" connection from the 5th grade until 2 years out of high school. They married and had a beautiful life together for 38 years. For three decades Joe and his brothers, through a number of...

Jerry Brayton, 91, died April 7. He was born in Renwick, Iowa, August 7, 1930, the third of five sons born to Fay Miller Brayton and Esther Rummens Brayton. Raised in Hardy, a smaller town near Renwick, Jerry graduated from Renwick High School in 1948 and joined the US Navy the next day. After finishing bootcamp, where he was put into leadership positions, he began his career as an aircraft mechanic on propeller planes. Rising rapidly through the ranks because of his quiet leadership skills, he was one of the youngest Warrant Officers in the Navy. When that rating was discontinued, he was sent to Officer Training and rose to the rank of Lt. Commander. A longtime resident of Clay County,...

Carolyn Patricia Eberle, Age 74 died on April 5, 2022 after a brief illness. Born January 27, 1948 to John Robert and Flossie B Cooper in Dumas Arkansas. Carolyn graduated from Moffat County High School in Craig, CO. Carolyn had operated two Day-Cares in her home and was a Wal-Mart employee for 16 years. Carolyn enjoyed Gardening and Country Rides. Carolyn was a caring, compassionate Spouse, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Carolyn was preceded in death by her Parents John and Flossie and Brother Robert Cooper. She is survived by Spouse Richard of 41 years, Kim (Kriss) Jones of Austin, CO, Jeff Knez of Albuquerque, NM, Kathy (Pete) Paluszak of Twin Falls, ID, Sister in-law...

John Shettel, 93, of Glenwood Springs, died on March 30, 2022 at Renew Assisted Living with loving family by his side of complications from Parkinson's Disease. John rejoins his wife, Doris, who preceded him in death six months ago after almost 75 years of marriage. Born Aug. 16, 1928 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Paul and Viola Shettel. Surviving John are his children, Bruce Shettel, Bob Shettel, Laurie Barber, and Chris Moser; grandchildren, Ben, Andy, Angie, Emily, and Cari; great-grandchildren, Daisy, Gemma, and Calvin; also his dear children-in-law, Joe, Judy, Lennie, and Becky, and former exchange student, Urs, and Kati and Hilary. John graduated...

Wesley O'Deane Wood, age 87, died 3/29/2022 following a long bravely fought illness. Born 8/16/1934 in Grand Junction CO. He was the son of William H. and Martha Wood. Wes graduated from Central High School in 1952. He was employed in the food distributor industry until his retirement in the late 1970's He and his wife (Donna) owned the Wonder Bread/ Hostess Cake franchise in Grand Junction for 10 years. It was a successful family business that he was very proud of. His friendly, outgoing storytelling personality helped him to be successful in his selling career. Wes enjoyed golf, water skiing, boating, woodworking and home remodeling. Wes and Donna enjoyed traveling to many countries...

Angel (Angelo) Colunga entered into eternal paradise on March 18, 2022, at the VA Community Living Center. He was born to Lucio and Celia Colunga October 2, 1935, in a house in Grand Junction, CO Angel enlisted in the US Army at the age of 19 and served from 1955-1959 ranking as a sergeant. He was very proud to have served our country and was awarded the Bronze Star of Heroism in 2017. He was married to Norma Wenger for 48 years. They raised their children in Grand Junction and resided there for the entirety of their lives. Angel was a known landscaper in the Valley. You may see some of his work on the grounds of St Mary's and several of the golf courses around Grand Junction. He...

James Louis Voytilla, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2022. He was born in Pueblo, CO on April 13, 1938 to Joseph and Frances Voytilla (Gimple). Jim and his older brother, Joseph, spent their childhood in Cisco, UT with their parents. Jim graduated from high school in Palisade, CO, and served in the Army. He married Barbara Freidburg in 1962; they later divorced after having Scott and Steve. In 1973 he married the love of his life (of 45 years) Marilyn Jean Sage and had one son James. Jim spent 35 years with the Colorado Department of Highways proudly building bridges and highways all over Western Colorado. He is a member of Faith Heights Church. He enjoyed time with...

Elaine Muise Calabro passed away peacefully March 11, 2022 at the age of 78 in Grand Junction, Colorado. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Michael, children Carrie and Chris, granddaughter Jade, and great-grandson Carter. She was preceded in death by parents William and Florence Muise and brother Kenneth. She was born in Oakland, California and moved to Congers, New York at the age of four where she lived until moving to Colorado with her husband in 1969. During her life she was a third grade teacher, a writer, an elementary school substitute teacher, a book editor, an innkeeper, and a librarian. A long-time volunteer in Grand Junction, she volunteered with the National Park...

John William Oien, age 78, died peacefully at home with daughters and wife by his side on March 7, 2022. John was a loving example of the importance of faith in Jesus to his family. John 10:27-28 are words he would strongly adhere too: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." John was born May 27, 1943, in Long Beach, California to Paul and Kathryn "Hoffman" Oien. He studied Landscape Architecture at California Polytechnic University graduating with a degree in Environmental Design with an option in Landscape Architecture. During his 37-year career with the United States...

Dave passed away at home in Grand Junction, Colorado on March 5, 2022. Dave was born on September 19, 1954 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a young man growing up, Dave took many camping trips with his family on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota and also across the western United States. He loved Lake Superior but eventually the mountains and the West captured his heart and he moved to Grand Junction as a young adult. He was a skilled skier, experienced hiker, enjoyed cooking and his quick, dry sense of humor was always appreciated. Dave is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Florence Peterson. He is survived by loving sister Cheryl Evenson (Brian), nieces...

Jesus took Helen home to be with him on 03/03/2022. Helen was born in Lancaster MO and as a baby moved to Little Cedar IA. She was the middle child of 3, both siblings have preceded her in death. After graduating High School, she moved to Rochester MN, then to Jacksonville FL, then to CA where she met her husband, they then moved to Grand Junction. They had 2 children. Helen worked for WB Johnson's Plumbing and Heating as a bookkeeper many years. Helen's strength and courage and her love of the Lord Jesus were some of Helen's most notable attributes. Through all adversities of life, she looked to the Lord and never complained about anything not pain nor hardship. Always had a smile, a...

Joanne Caren Burg, age 85, passed away March 2, 2022, following a brief illness. Born June 2, 1936, in Seattle, Washington she was the daughter of Carl and Kathleen Hatlemark Lotz. Joanne graduated Seward, Ak High School. Joanne was best known for her work as a legal secretary and being a member of the Molina Baptist Church. She always enjoyed adorable goats and is described to be dedicated to her loving family. Joanne was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Daryl Lotz, Son David, great granddaughter Kaylee Grace Ferguson, great grandson Timothy Lee. Joanne is survived by her husband Lee, Sons Peter (Leslie) Burg, Jamie, Daughters Kathleen Campbell (Dennis) and...

Lynda Daisy Roybal, age 72, died March 1st, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with ALS. She passed in the comfort of her home surrounded by family, friends, and HopeWest. Lynda's story began on March 14th, 1949, in Toronto, Canada. She was born to her late parents Harold Dwight Holbrook and Marvel Blanche Shillington. Lynda graduated in 1967 from Barstow California High School and then attended Beauty School to become a professional beautician. She worked as a beautician for 53 years and owned and operated several salons. Lynda loved her clients dearly, including Dale Evans (Roy Rogers), whom she took care of for many years while working in Apple Valley, CA. In her free time, she enjoyed...