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Rocky Mountain Obituaries 7-23-12

Pearl Saffer

Pearl Arleen (Smith) Saffer, 82, passed away April 30, 2012 at the Yuma District Hospital with her entire family at her side.

She was born November 7, 1929 in Shaw, Colo., to Daniel and Ethel (Britton) Smith. She was the oldest of four children. She and her siblings Lois, Arvella and Alvin attended school at Sunny Slope. After completing the eighth grade, Pearl attended Pilafire School in Denver, Colo., through the 11th grade.

On June 4, 1947 Pearl married Ross David Saffer. The couple made their home 19 miles north of Arriba, Colo., where they set up farm and ranch. On May 14, 1949 their first child Veda Pearl was born. In 1952 the family of three moved to a wheat farm northeast of Arriba, Colo. Seven years later the fun began with the arrival of Daniel Nathan on August 14, 1958. Next came Stephen Kirk on October 16, 1959. Then Jeffory Wade on September 1, 1963. As the kids grew, Pearl enjoyed bowling and playing softball on league teams with her friends. She was also always very active in the church. Pearl was a devoted mother. She enjoyed watching Dan restore cars and drag race. Pearl also went to several motocross races to watch Jeff compete. Pearl’s hobbies included crocheting scarves, blankets and doilies and she loved watching the horse races.

In 1965, the entire family moved south of Flagler, Colo., to continue farming and ranching. Then, in 1968 they moved once again to a farm site northeast of Genoa, Colo. While living at Genoa, Colo., Pearl took a job as a waitress at the Husky Café in Arriba, Colo. She and Ross later took over the management of the restaurant. This was the beginning of Pearl’s long-time involvement in the service industry. Shortly after this, they took over the management of the Southside (Airport) Café in Flagler, Colo. Ross and Pearl’s son Steve began managing the Husky. At that point Ross and Pearl moved to Flagler, Colo., to focus on the business there. In 1980 a new plan took seed and Ross and Pearl began construction on the Hearty Rancher restaurant in Akron, Colo. They opened for business on Mother’s Day and had to close their doors by 2 p.m. because they ran out of food. The business was the beginning of many, many wonderful friendships. People would often come in asking for Pearl’s famous pies, cinnamon rolls and glazed donuts and always looked forward to the Sunday all-you-can-eat buffets with home-made bread pudding for dessert. It was at the Hearty Rancher that many of the young people in Akron first took their place with the working class, especially Ross and Pearl’s granddaughters. Many cherished memories were created working alongside each other. In 1994 the couple decided it was time to retire and sold the building to the Akron Head Start program.

The family always made it a point to get together as often as they possibly could. One family gathering at her granddaughter’s house that stands out in the minds of all the grandkids is the Christmas Grandma Saffer demonstrated her ability to leg wrestle. At the age of 70, she could still beat the young kids. The family now has the fourth generation competing with one another leg wrestling! She also showed everyone how she could walk-thru-a-broom. The Saffer family gatherings are always full of laughter and fun!

One of the highlights of Pearl’s retirement was the trip to Cancun, Mexico, she took with her granddaughter and niece and their families. It was the first time Pearl had ever taken a trip outside of the US. Her trips usually were confined to South Dakota, Estes Park, Colo., or Salt Lake City, Utah. After 58 years of marriage, Ross passed from this world on June 25, 2005. Pearl continued to live at home by herself until March of 2011. After a fall, she moved with her daughter Veda and son-in-law Leo. Pearl flourished in this environment as she enjoyed the daily interaction with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She had plans to ride with her grandson Matthew this year taking cows to the pasture. Pearl was a kind-hearted and soft-spoken lady that has left an imprint of the hearts of anyone that knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Veda and son-in-law Leo Pieper of Akron, Colo.; sons Dan and wife Cynthia of Greeley, Colo., Steve of Flagler, Colo., and Jeff of Akron, Colo.; sister Lois Rogers of Anton, Colo., and brother Alvin Smith of Burlington, Colo.; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Saffer of Akron, Colo., Mildred Saffer of Hugo, Colo., and Nina Saffer of Flagler, Colo.; brothers-in-law Glen Saffer and wife Joyce of Flagler, Colo., and Varlen Peterson of Lindon, Colo.; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Ross, sister Arvella, sister-in-law Opal Miller and husband Lee; brothers-in-law Avon Saffer, Dale Saffer, Merle Saffer, Claude Saffer and wife Fern, Guy Dyson, and Clay Rogers.

Memorial services were held May 5, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Akron, Colo.

Interment followed the mass at Arriba Cemetery in Arriba, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arriba Cemetery, or to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society. ❖

Robert F. Shutts

Robert F. Shutts, 100, of Longmont, Colo., passed away July 16, 2012 at The Bridge of Longmont assisted living.

He was born August 15, 1911 in Woodson, Kan., to Fred and Nellie (Chamblin) Shutts.

Robert married Eva K. Breckenridge on July 16, 1930 in Franklin, Neb. They moved to Idaho Springs, Colo., in 1935 and to Longmont, Colo., in 1973. Eva passed away in 1999. Robert then married Mary Jean Jens in 2002 and she preceded in death in 2009.

Robert was a man of many talents, and in later years was a carpenter and master woodworker. He won many awards for his woodworking, his hobby was his woodworking.

He is survived by three sons, James R. Shutts (Norma) of Frederick, Colo., Bill G. Shutts (Patricia) of Windsor, Colo., Donald E. Shutts (Sherry) of Morrison, Colo.; a daughter Patricia Johnson (Jerry) of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; a brother William Shutts of San Diego, Calif.; a sister Geraldine Carrow (Buddy) of Paonia, Colo.; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Eva and Mary Jean, a brother Floyd, a sister Beulah Arnold.

Memorial services were held July 19, 2012 at The Bridge of Longmont in Longmont, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Halcyon Hospice and sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. ❖

Richard G. Johnson

Richard G. Johnson (Rich), 70, passed away July 5, 2012 at Northshore Manor in Loveland, Colo., after battling heart disease for the past 10 years.

He was born April 9, 1942 to Richard Johnson Sr. and Iva Joy Johnson (Higgins).

Richard was a very successful realtor in the Loveland, Colo., area who specialized in agriculture property and water. He was the owner/broker of Johnson and Associates Real Estate. His family moved to the area from Lakewood, Colo., in 1959 with their herd of dairy cows. From the very beginning, Rich was instrumental in helping his family become successful. He worked hard on the farm and did real estate on the side.

As the years went by he was a key player in helping Sten and his brothers attain numerous properties including two ranches on the Western Slope and a farm in Crook, Colo. His passion was real estate and making a deal (he was also an auctioneer!)

He never forgot a face or a business dealing, he loved helping people and was sought out by many for his advise and expertise in his field.

Richard will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his mother and step-father Sten Johnson; brother, Dave Johnson; sisters, Barb Johnson, Susan Stolz, Carol Ackerman; step-brother, Perry Johnson; step-sister, Prscilla Chapin; numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend, Darren Plaster.

Family memorial services were held July 14, 2012 at his family farm. ❖

Wilma Rose Olson

Wilma Rose Olson, 85, of Ault, Colo., passed away July 12, 2012 at Bonell Good Samaritan Center in Greeley, Colo.

She was born December 21, 1926 in Greeley, Colo., to Peter and Anna (Brunner) Feit.

Wilma was reared and educated in Greeley, Colo. She graduated from Greeley, Colo., High School in 1944. She married Verner “Ole” Olson on March 21, 1945 at the First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colo. She and her husband were longtime members of this church.

Wilma was a member of the Ault Senior Center and volunteered as a Gray Lady at the Weld County General Hospital for many years. She was a member of the Potpourri Extension Homemakers Club and the Ault Women’s Bowling League.

After their marriage, she and her husband farmed in the Ault, Colo., and Pierce, Colo., areas for many years. She was a school cook at the Highland Elementary School in Pierce for 20 years. She was an excellent cook and was known for making her German Noodles, krautburgers and Angel Food cakes. She was an avid Highland Husky fan. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them in their high school sporting activities. One of her favorite things was to have her grandchildren spend the night and she and Ole would take them on weekend trips to Estes Park, Colo. She enjoyed sewing and made most of her daughters’ clothes when they were growing up. She especially enjoyed her time she was able to spend with her great-grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Above all was her love and devotion to her family and they will truly miss her “Wilma moments.”

She is survived by one daughter, Janice (Duane) Brown of Pierce, Colo.; four grandchildren, Bryon Jones of Fort Collins, Colo., Kim (Lance) McClelland of Colorado Springs, Colo., Richelle (Joe) Hutchins of Pierce, Colo., and Clint (Kristen) Brown of Greeley, Colo.; six great-grandchildren, Evan Jones and Ella Jones both of Fort Collins, Colo., Katelyn McClelland and Kayla McClelland both of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Caden Hutchins and Cody Hutchins both of Pierce, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, Donna Jones in 1972; two sisters, Mary Brunner and Emma Sitzman and four brothers, Robert Winter, Henry Feit, Elmer Feit and Walter Feit.

Memorial services were held July 18, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colo.

Private family inurnment was at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ault Senior Citizens or First Lutheran Church of Ault, both in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colo., 80634. ❖

Nicholas Chenoweth

Nicholas Floyd Chenoweth, 68, of Bellvue, Colo., passed away March 9, 2012.

He was born April 30, 1943 in Mooreland, Okla., to Jack and Opal Chenoweth.

He spent his early childhood in and around Mooreland, Okla., enjoying time with his younger brother, Lynn and many cousins. In his middle and high school years he lived in Derby, Kan., where he devoted his free time to hunting quail, playing basketball, and building hotrods.

Nick started his college education in Sterling, Colo., and then continued at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. It was during this time that Nick forged many lifelong friendships.

Nick was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He underwent basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas, and was part of a missile unit. He was then transferred overseas and stationed in Kornwestheim, Germany. It was there that he met and subsequently married Annemarie Chenoweth in1968. The two of them settled in Fort Collins, Colo., after his discharge. In 1971 Nick and Annemarie had a son, Brendan Chenoweth. Nick spent the next several years balancing fatherhood, school, work, fishing and hunting in order to graduate from Colorado State University with a degree in Social Sciences.

Nick’s passions in life were the Western outdoors, hunting, fishing, and working with cattle and horses. Nick was a devoted Dad and raised Brendan to share his interests. Nick especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Some of his most cherished times were going back to Oklahoma for annual Thanksgiving trips. Nick also fondly shared his experiences working with a local rodeo production company, which gave him the opportunity to help produce a rodeo in Paris, France.

Nick worked for years in real estate in the Fort Collins, Colo., area and together with some partners developed Bonner Peak Ranch northwest of Fort Collins, Colo. He treasured the time he spent there and took great care laying out the building parcels with utmost respect for the beauty of the area.

Nick could often be found at his “Second Office” the Charco Broiler. It was here that he kept in touch with numerous dear friends from the local farm, ranch, and real estate community. Nick was rarely seen without his boots and cowboy hat on. No matter what the time or place, Nick could always be relied upon. Countless friends have Nick to thank for putting his truck and trailer to use in helping them move.

Complications from Alzheimer’s prevented Nick from spending the time with his friends, family, and especially his grandchildren in the way he would have wanted. His character lives on through the stories his grandchildren hear about him and the values they are taught. Nick’s legacy continues as his grandchildren learn what he exemplified: a respect for nature, an appreciation for ranching, a love of rodeo, a passion for reading, a generous and gentle heart and the value of true friendship.

He is survived by his mother Opal Chenoweth of Oklahoma; son Brendan (Julia) Chenoweth; grandchildren Chase, Drake, and Abby Chenoweth of Fort Collins, Colo., and his brother Lynn (Carolynn) Chenoweth of Oklahoma.

Memorial services in a celebration of Nick’s life will be held July 28, 2012 from 2-5 p.m. at the family ranch 14067 West County Road 43, Drake, Colo. Take Highway 34 West out of Loveland, Colo. In Drake, Colo., turn right onto County Road 43. Continue 1 mile on County Road 43. Turn right just after mile marker 14.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Robert Eugene Lauck

Robert Eugene Lauck, 79, of Wheatland, Wyo., passed away June 23, 2012 at his home near Wheatland, Wyo.

He was born August 2, 1932 in Denver, Colo., to Peter and Marie (Lauck) Lauck. He was raised and educated in Fort Morgan, Colo., graduating from Fort Morgan High School in 1950. He served in the United States Military during the Korean Conflict. Robert returned to Fort Morgan, Colo., and started working in irrigation-center pivot installation. He lived in Gering, Neb., Mitchell, Neb., and Wheatland, Wyo. In 1976 he started his company, Irrigation Supply, in Wheatland, Wyo., and retired in 2005. Robert also worked at the Wheatland Post Office as a handler. He was a member of the Wheatland Moose Lodge #1636 since September 27, 1995 and served as administrator from 2000 to 2009. He enjoyed traveling and fishing.

He is survived by his daughters, Holly (Bruce Wilson) Richards of Wheatland, Wyo., Lisa (Bart) Smuin of Vernal, Utah, Robyn (Terry Fordyce) Lauck of Fort Myers, Fla., and Ginger (Ty) Flock of Upton, Wyo.; and grandchildren, Bailey Wright, Stevie Ann Richards, Kyler Flock, Paige Flock, Brooke Flock, and Ryland Lauck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Marie Lauck and brother, Earl Lauck.

Memorial services were held June 27, 2012 at the Wheatland Moose Lodge #1636 in Wheatland, Wyo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wheatland Moose Lodge #1636, 608 Eighth Street, Wheatland, Wyo., 82201.

Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.GormanFH.com. ❖


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