Tag Archives: Obituary

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Obituary: Melody Renee Sprecher (Gleason)

Obituary

Melody Renee Sprecher (Gleason)

On September 29th, 2025, Melody Renee Sprecher (Gleason), a beloved wife, mother, and friend was peacefully called home to our Heavenly Father.   Melody lived a life filled with love and compassion for all those around her.

Melody was born on November 11th, 1954. Throughout Melody’s 70 years, she was blessed with a beautiful family of four children, and many grandchildren.

Melody was known for her caring heart and her devotion to her loved ones. She found joy in caring for others, always making sure those around her felt supported and loved. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of her cooking.  Melody and Dennis had almost 40 years of marriage filled with love and devotion where they truly believed in their vows until their last days.

Melody was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Sprecher. Melody is survived by  her three sons, Stanley Huff, Daniel Huff, and Christopher Sprecher, and stepdaughter Trina McCoon.

Memorial to be held at their home in Westcliffe  on November 8th  at 12 p.m.

2025

Patricia Ann “Pat” Zweygardt

Obituary
Patricia Ann “Pat” Zweygardt
Patricia Ann “Pat” Zweygardt (née Reiling), age 69, passed away on August 9, 2025, in Canon City, Colorado. Her passing marks the loss of a vibrant and generous spirit whose warmth and adventurous nature touched many lives.
Born on April 12, 1956, in Lead, South Dakota, Pat was the daughter of Lester and Millicent Reiling. She grew up surrounded by a large and loving family that helped shape her into the big-hearted and spirited woman she became.
Throughout her life, Pat embraced every opportunity to live fully. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Regis University while raising her 3 children and worked in sales and information technology. She had a passion for cooking, sewing, and gardening. Her adventurous side shone brightly as well; she especially loved riding motorcycles, an activity that brought her freedom and exhilaration.
Pat’s generous heart earned her many friends over the years. She was known for making people feel welcome and valued wherever she went. Her home was often filled with laughter and conversation.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Johnnie Zweygardt; her children Jason Carr, Peter Carr, Leslie (Keith) Proctor; and her siblings Bill Reiling, June Reiling, Judy (Clark) Fleege, Mary (Mike) McKettrick, and Bob Reiling. Pat also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends who brought immense joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Debbie.
May Patricia’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 18, 2025, at 03:00 PM at Pat and Johnnie’s home 1051 Indiana Avenue. All are welcome.
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Obituary: Gary Lee Tracey

Gary Lee Tracey of Westcliffe, Colorado, passed away on September 10, 2025 at the age of 70 years old. Gary was a native to Colorado who resided in Northglenn until his retirement when he fell in love with the beautiful Sangre De Cristo Mountains where he spent the last years of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Clarence and Grace Tracey, as well as his brother Richard Tracey. Gary is survived by his two daughters Lia and Kaela, his four beautiful grandchildren Brendan, Aubrey, Jaxtyn, Declan and his nephew Chad and niece Tiffany.
Anyone that knew Gary knew the love he had for his dog Winkey who passed away just several days before him.

2025

In Loving Memory of Leland E. Niles, Jr. “Buzzy”

In Loving Memory of
Leland E. Niles, Jr. “Buzzy”

“An original cowboy—grit in his bones, love in his heart,
and country in his soul.”

Leland E. Niles Jr., lovingly known as “Buzzy”, a U.S. Navy veteran, patriot, husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on July 16, 2025, at the age of 82.
A proud son of Westcliffe and Buena Vista, Colorado, Buzzy was a man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and enduring grit. An original cowboy, he lived life on his terms and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Raised with old-school values and a sharp wit, he carried himself with humility, humor, and a fierce sense of loyalty to both family and country.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Buzzy answered the call to serve and wore the uniform with honor. His patriotism never wavered, and his love for America ran as deep as the roots of the land he cherished.
More than anything, he was a family man—steadfast and devoted. Whether he was fixing something, telling stories, offering wisdom, or just being present, he was the rock and the heart of his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Niles, his children, Shana Niles, Kristie Williams, and Zane Niles, his six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; his brother, Gary Niles and his wife, Bobbi, his sisters, Caroline “Debbie” Niles, and Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hobby and her husband, Cliff, plus a wide circle of extended family, and lifelong friends who will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Leland and Genevieve Niles; his sister, Dorothy Niles-Nichols; his brother, Darrell Niles; and his two grandchildren, Larry Williams, Jr., and Taylor Lind.
His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so generously.
A celebration of life with military honors will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Arkansas Valley Christian Mission or the Buena Vista Pregnancy Center.

2025

Obituary: Sue Stocker

Obituary
Suzanne Jeanette (Sue) Stocker

Suzanne Jeanette (Sue) Stocker (née Knapp), 74, died unexpectedly on July 19, 2025, at her home in Westcliffe, CO. She was born in Wichita, KS, on February 8, 1951.
Dear daughter of Rita Clark (née Love) and Jimmy Knapp (deceased), friend and stepdaughter to Jim Clark. Beloved and devoted mother of Jennifer Kriegh (née Stocker) (Daniel), and grandmother of Peyton (Kate), Ryan, and Casey (Jordan). Sister of Michael (deceased) (Terry), James (Nancy) (both deceased), John Francis (deceased), Richard (Dieter Philipps, deceased), and Greg (Susan Jeric). Aunt of Aaron, Kate, Paul (deceased), and Kristen (deceased).
Sue lived a life of constant learning and growth. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Spanish at Wichita State University, reflecting her love for the language that she cultivated since childhood. She later earned her master’s degree in Social Work and served in many professional and volunteer roles advocating for those experiencing mental illness.
She traveled widely and lived many places before arriving in Westcliffe, where she quickly became a connected member of the community she truly loved. A natural and prolific writer, Sue kept in touch with family and friends through many letters and explored life’s challenges and joys through fiction, journals, and other writings. In her later years, she discovered a talent for drawing and painting.
Sue was really funny. She loved to sing and could perform from memory every part in “The Music Man”. She had an appreciation for the ridiculous, enjoyed a dumb joke, and could spot BS from a long distance.
Truly open-minded, Sue was a deep thinker, a good listener and talker, could persuade, and was open to being persuaded. She genuinely cared about people as real individuals and recognized that we all have value and a unique story to tell.
Please join the family in honoring and celebrating the life of Sue Stocker on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Valley Bible Fellowship 116 Hermit Lane Silver Cliff, CO 81252

2025

Obituary Joyce Louis Gore Hoel

Obituary
Joyce Louis Gore Hoel
“Morning Blossom”

January 8, 1945 – July 21, 2025

Joyce Louis Gore Hoel, lovingly known as “Morning Blossom,” passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at 11:07 p.m. in Saratoga Springs, Utah, surrounded by her family.
Born on January 8, 1945, in Longmont, Colorado, to George Washington Gore and Leona Louise Saunders, Joyce lived a life rooted in love, strength, and selfless service. She was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and served with honor as the Cherokee Clan Chief for Colorado. Her leadership and deep cultural pride left a lasting impact on her community and the people she served.
Joyce dedicated her life to caring for others, both professionally and personally. She worked as a compassionate nurse and opened her heart and home to countless children as a devoted foster mother. Her legacy is one of nurturing, healing and unwavering kindness.
Joyce married her eternal companion, Gerald Vernon Hoel, on October 18, 1996. Together, they shared a love for nature, animals and road trips. Their adventures eventually led them to settle in Westcliffe, Colorado, where they found peace in the quiet beauty of the mountains.
She was the beloved mother of: George Contreras – Longmont, CO, Shelley Martinez (spouse: John) – Longmont, CO, Monica Browne – Longmont, CO, Tabatha Contreras – Lehi, UT, Amanda Woolley (spouse: Jeremy) – Saratoga Springs, UT, Kerry Hoel (spouse: Linda) – Colorado, Aaron Hoel (spouse: Brigette) – Frederick, CO, Tammy Susbilla (spouse: Phil) – Salt Lake City, UT, and Stephen Hoel (spouse: Christy) – Frederick, CO.
She was also a cherished grandmother to many, and had great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren whose lives were brightened by her love. Joyce was a devoted mother who always sacrificed her own wants and needs for her children. She loved them with everything she had.
Joyce was preceded in death by her
mother and father; her beloved husband, Gerald; her sister Kathy Jastrab, daughter Joy Hoel Christensen, and three grandchildren.
She is survived by her siblings Donna Jenkins, Shirley Sekich, Rita Stetson and James Gore.
Joyce was a woman of great creativity. She found joy in crocheting blankets, crafting, and sharing her handmade gifts with those she loved. Her stories of childhood were filled with humor, warmth, and the spirit of a natural-born storyteller who loved to protect and uplift her siblings and children.
Her faith was central to her life. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joyce lived by the principles of compassion, humility and service.
Though her passing leaves a deep void, Joyce’s legacy will forever live on through her family, the lives she touched, and the stories she shared. We find comfort in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with her eternal companion and loved ones who went before her.
We will be having a open house Celebration of Life on August 2nd from 6-8 p.m. at 751 West Rolling Sage Way, Saratoga Springs, UT.
Her services will be held in Longmont CO,  August 10th at 3 p.m. at the Mosse Lodge, 2210 Pratt St., Longmont, CO 80501. It is a pot luck so please bring a dish.

2025

Dennis Jacob Sprecher Obituary

Dennis Jacob Sprecher passed away on June 29th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington. He was born on April 28, 1951, in Elgin, North Dakota, to Jacob and Pauline Sprecher. Dennis was raised by his aunt and uncle, Henry and Mary Kurtz, in Missoula, Montana. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the final years of the Vietnam War.

After his service, Dennis dedicated over thirty years to his career at Coors Brewing Company, where he was known for his steady work ethic and quiet strength.

Following his retirement, Dennis and his wife, Melody, settled in Westcliffe, Colorado, where he fulfilled a long-time dream of building his own home by hand. During his retirement, he worked at the Custer County Landfill and served one term as president of the Centennial Ranch & Aspen Mountain Ranch Association (CRAMRA). He loved the mountains, the wide-open skies, and the peaceful life he created there.

In his later years, Dennis and Melody moved to Walla Walla, Washington, to be cared for by their daughter, Trina.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Melody; his children, Trina McCoon and Chris Sprecher; and his step-sons, Stanley and Daniel Huff. He is also remembered fondly by his sisters, Irene and Carol; his grandchildren, James, Jared, Justin, Katie, Zachary, Alexander, Tobias, Grayson, Nickolas, Cameron, Emily, Tony, and Elijah; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy, and his brother, James.

A memorial service to honor Dennis’s life will be held on September 6th at 1:00 p.m. at Centennial Ranch, 1165 Kit Carson Rd., Westcliffe, Colorado. All who knew and loved Dennis are welcome to attend.

Dennis will be remembered for his quiet generosity toward his neighbors and the strength with which he lived his life.

 

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Obituary: Jerry Marie Strebig

Jerry Marie Strebig, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and
faithful follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 70 in Pueblo, Colorado. Her life was a radiant testament to compassion, strength, and grace—a rich legacy woven through the lives she touched and the love she gave freely.
Born on April 5, 1955, Jerry Marie was a proud Colorado native who lived a life rooted in faith, community, and quiet dedication. She graduated from Falcon High School on May 23, 1973, and later earned an Associate of Arts degree from Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado in 1975.
In 1999, Jerry Marie made her home in Westcliffe, Colorado, where she remained until her passing. There, she built her home with her own two hands and embraced a life of simplicity, independence, and creativity. It was a place filled with treasures—items she carefully kept with purpose and plans in mind. Her creativity flourished within those walls, expressed through mirror etching, photography, and the countless books she read that fueled both her imagination and her ever-growing wisdom. Her home and creations were a reflection of her spirit: resourceful, warm, and always ready for whatever might come next.
Jerry Marie’s greatest accomplishments were not measured in status or wealth, but in the people she loved. She spent much of her time driving others—especially the Amish community she cherished—building trust, friendship, and loyalty with every mile. Her work was more than transportation; it was ministry, service, and connection.
She enjoyed spending time at garage sales, collecting unique finds, and working with her hands. She loved utilizing old or discarded items, always seeing beauty and usefulness where others might not. These pastimes reflected her appreciation for history, purpose, and renewal.
Those who knew her described her as gracious, patient, loyal, and fiercely compassionate. She was generous, kind, thankful, and loving. She had a fighting spirit—stubborn, hardy, and deeply knowledgeable—with a twinkle in her eye and a heart full of care. She was a firecracker in all the best ways, and her warmth was matched only by her strength. She often said she was “blessed”—and she truly was, as were all of us who knew and loved her.
Above all, Jerry Marie loved God with every fiber of her being. Her favorite verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), wasn’t just scripture she knew—it was the foundation she lived upon. To her final breath, she praised His name. Her faith shaped every part of her life and now carries her into eternal peace.
Jerry Marie is survived by her loving daughters, Jocelyn Renee Kibler and Suzanne Marie Moreno ; her grandchildren, Jacob Lane Strebig, Shalisha Marie Moreno, Sasha Mae Moreno, Anjelina Marie Strebig , and Celina Abigail Moreno; her mother, Nancy Marie Manley (Scott); and her siblings, Sharon Mae Baxter and Jerry Lee Manley Jr. She is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Lee Manley.
She will be remembered for her strong will, her unwavering faith, her joyful creativity, her dedication to the people she cared for, and the simple joys she found in everyday life.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved her to come celebrate her life and the countless ways she touched the hearts of others. A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 3 p.m. Join us at the Roundwood Pavilion in Hermit Park in Westcliffe, Colorado.

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Obituary: Karen M Madden

 

Karen M Madden, age 81, passed into heaven on May 26, 2025. Karen was born in Indianapolis, IN, on May 8, 1944, to Frederick and Helen Krintz. Her brother Michael, sister Cindy, and parents have preceded her in death.
The remaining family members are her two sons, William Miller of Miami, FL, and Christopher Miller of Columbus, OH. Karen’s husband, Guy Madden, resides in Westcliffe, CO, where their dream of living in the mountains became a reality. There love for each other continued to flourish.
Karen graduated from Ohio State College High School in 1962. She was very active in music and theatre and attained a dance scholarship to Monticello College in Godfrey, IL. She graduated with a certificate in Arts in 1964. She then married William Miller and gave birth to William Jr. and Christopher. They moved to New York City where Karen became a model for a clothing company while her husband studied finance. The couple later divorced, and Karen moved to Colorado where she obtained her LPN license followed by her RN in 1981.
Karen loved to travel. She visited many countries in Europe, traveled to Egypt and on to Africa. She and several nurses represented the United States while visiting different countries, learning about nursing techniques and local customs concerning patient care. She viewed her nursing career as her vocation because she loved to take care of those who were hurting.
Karen and Guy met at a Christmas Party in 1997. They married on September 15 in Denver, just four days after the 9/11/2001 attack on the Twin Towers in NYC. The couple moved to Westcliffe in 2003.
Karen retired from nursing in 2008. Guy retired in January of 2024 after seventeen years of service as a school bus driver
for Custer County School District.
Karen’s smile would light up a room. Her laughter was contagious. She was warm-hearted and full of joy. She loved a good joke. She embraced life through ups and downs with an attitude of gratitude. Her favorite joy was being baptized into the Christian faith. Those of us who remain here miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

2025, Uncategorized

Celebration of Life for Alfred Earl Nelson

Obituary
Alfred Earl Nelson

Alfred Earl Nelson, age 86, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away June 20, 2025, in Cañon City, CO, with his family by his side.
He was born on a Homestead near Mosca, Colorado. He served in the Navy after leaving High School at the age of 17. He then went on to attend college at Adams State CO, where he played two years of college football and graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. During his life he was a math and physics teacher, rancher, owned his own construction company, and worked in the heavy equipment industry.
Alfred loved God, his family and the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his son, Darryl. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his work ethic and his ability to leave a great impression on everyone he met during his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dolores Farnham and George Nelson; sister Betty Gohr and nephew Timothy Allnutt.
Alfred is survived by his daughter Dolores Reuland and husband Michael, son Darryl Nelson and wife Christine; grandchildren Abigail Reuland, Joshua Reuland, Katelyn Gray, and Grace Nelson; great grandchildren Everly and Lainey Gray; nephew Ted Allnutt.
A memorial service will be held at Evangelical Free Church 3000 E. Main St., Cañon City CO, on July 19th at 10:30 a.m. Followed by a celebration of life at the Quality Inn & Suites 3075 East US 50, Cañon City CO, starting at 12 p.m.