Obituaries
Douglas Messick
Dec 9, 2025
Douglas (Doug) Glen Messick, affectionately called “Viejo Loco” by his family, passed away on December 9, 2025 at the age of 68 while riding his bicycle. Doug was born in 1957 in Monte Vista, Colorado. A fourth-generation San Luis Valley farmer, he dedicated his life to agriculture and his family.
Doug had a remarkable zest for life. Whether he was carving...
Gary Cross
Nov 27, 2025
Gary Lee Cross, a beloved father, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 13, 1946, in Mitchell, South Dakota to James and Cecilia Cross. Gary spent his life as a devoted family man and a dedicated worker. He resided in Moffat, Colorado since 2003. He built a life that was...
Jose Lopez
Nov 20, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jose "Joe" D. Lopez, who left us on November 20, 2025, at the age of 69.Joe was a man of many interests and passions. He loved spending his free time fishing, collecting coins, and appreciated old muscle cars. His hobbies reflected a man who appreciated the beauty of life,...
Ernest Martinez
Nov 11, 2025
Ernest Ted Martinez, a caring father, devoted husband, a spoiling grandfather, and hardworking community member, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on June 24, 1943, in Villa Grove, Colorado, and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and work.
In 1968, Ernie married the love of...
Patricia Medina
Nov 7, 2025
Patricia Medina, a vibrant soul who painted the world with her laughter and love, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 18, 1967, in Liberal, Kansas, Patricia graced the lives of many with her infectious spirit and caring heart.
A true embodiment of joy, Patricia cherished colors, especially rainbows,...
Derek Guthals
Nov 4, 2025
Derek Aaron Guthals, age 54, of Monte Vista, Colorado, passed away on November 4, 2025.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Micheal Guthals and Mindy Vlaanderen, Derek graduated from Mound City High School and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Missouri Western State University.
Derek was a man full of heart and passion for the environment; he spent years...
Melonie Longoria
Nov 4, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melonie Lynea Longoria, who left this world peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 53. Born on August 2, 1972, in Del Norte, Colorado, Melonie was a vibrant force of love and resilience.Melonie was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, who enriched the lives of those around...
Gene "Geno" Medina
Nov 1, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gene "Geno" Robert Medina, aged 67, who left us on November 1, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Del Norte, Colorado. Geno was born on September 8, 1958, and spent his life in the scenic San Luis Valley, where he developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of the...
Donald Fisher
Oct 28, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Wayne Fisher, 79, who peacefully departed this life on October 28, 2025, in Monte Vista, Colorado. Born on August 10, 1946, in Roanoke, Virginia, Donald dedicated his life to service and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength.Donald proudly served as a member of the United...
Marjorie Jackson
Oct 17, 2025
Marjorie Andre "Andy" Jackson, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and pioneer in emergency medical services, departed this world at the age of 89 on October 17, 2025, in Alamosa, Colorado. She was born on April 4, 1936, in Battle Mountain, Nevada and has left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her.Andy was a remarkable woman,...
Ruben Bettale, Sr.
Oct 17, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ruben Philip Bettale Sr., who departed this life on October 17, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on July 23, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, Ruben made his home in Monte Vista, where he was known for his quiet demeanor, strong work ethic, and love for family and community.
Ruben...
Betty Gross
Oct 16, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Betty Jane Gross, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on July 15, 1928, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Rudolph and Gustava Guck, who preceded her in death.
Betty lived a full and vibrant life, filled with love, laughter, and...
Michael Mobbley
Oct 15, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Vincent Mobbley, who departed this world on October 15, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 2, 1996, in Hemet, California, Michael grew up on the Oregon coast, where he cultivated a passion for life that would leave a lasting mark on all those who knew...
William "Luke" "Gator" White
Oct 10, 2025
William Wayne White, affectionately known as Luke and by his CB handle Gator, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, in Del Norte, Colorado, at the age of 75. Born on December 16, 1949, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to William and Frances White. William led a life rich with stories and connections.
A graduate of Hobbs High School in Hobbs, New Mexico,...
Jose Rubio
Sep 30, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jose Rubio Jr., born on March 22, 1960, in Tucson, AZ. Jose left this world peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Del Norte, CO, at the age of 65. He is survived by his cherished daughters Shannon (Harold "Walz") Villalobos, Shaubin (Justin) Gates and Megan (Lenny) Gallegos, and a...
Wayne Gillenwater
Sep 20, 2025
Eldon Wayne Gillenwater, born on February 25, 1947, in Woodward, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully of on September 20, 2025, in Monte Vista, Colorado. He was 78 years old.Wayne proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, dedicating his time as an Air Police officer. It was during this period that he met the love of his...
Juanita Cano
Sep 5, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Juanita Petrolina Cano, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on July 28, 1953, in Del Norte, Colorado, Juanita spent her life in the heart of Center, where her roots and her spirit flourished.
Juanita was...
Brian Chronowski
Sep 3, 2025
Brian John Chronowski, age 46, formerly of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away in Monte Vista, Colorado. September 3, 2025. He is survived by his mother, Helen Linda Chronowski of Virginia Beach.
Cremation was selected. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.mvmortuary.com
Gerald Palmgren
Sep 2, 2025
Gerald O. Palmgren, 75, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. Born April 15, 1950, Gerald grew up in La Garita, Colorado, learning the value of hard work on his father's farm. He carried those lessons throughout his life, graduating from Center High School in 1968 and soon after, building a respected career with the Monte Vista Co-op. Starting in...
Patrick Raymond "Ray" Jaramillo
Aug 20, 2025
Patrick Raymond “Ray” Jaramillo, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Trinidad, Colorado, on March 22, 1950, Ray was raised on a family farm in Waverly, Colorado, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and community that guided him throughout his life. He spent his...

