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Rocky Mountain Obituaries 10-22-12

Lois Dilky

Tammy Lou (Timm) Draper

Tammy Lou (Timm) Draper, 45, of Ford Kan., passed away October 5, 2012 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kan.

She was born March 8, 1967, in Brighton, Colo., to Robert William and Pamela Kaye (Arnold) Timm. She moved to Ovid, Colo. with her family in 1970. She grew up on the family farm.



Tammy was active in 4-H, FFA, athletics and was a lifeguard for many years. She attended school in Holyoke, Colo., where she graduated in 1985. She began her college career at Colby Community College, where she played volleyball. While a student at there, she met and began dating her future husband, Neal Draper. After graduating with her associate’s degree, she transferred to Fort Hays State University, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Upon completing her graduate education, Draper moved to Carlsbad, N.M., to begin her career. She and Neal moved to Hobbs, N.M., and were later married September 11, 1993 in Holyoke, Colo., at Zion Lutheran Church. To this union, two children were born, Chance William, in 1995, and Braden Tate, in 1998. Also through her marriage, Tammy gained a daughter, Megan Jo.



In 1996, the family moved to Ford, Kan. Tammy continued her career as a speech-language pathologist. She had expertise in working in a compassionate, effective way with a wide variety of people, including persons with disabilities, the elderly and students.

She was a woman of faith. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton, Colo., and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, Colo. Tammy was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Offerle, Kan.

She served on the Ford County Fair Board and was a community leader for the Valley Boosters 4-H Club. She was also involved with the Ford City Library Board and Ford Beautification and Improvement. Tammy was the queen of the thrift store. Her other interests included Bunco, reading, and she loved all things related to clothes, jewelry and crafts.

Tammy was an incredibly family-oriented person. She loved to host Thanksgiving and other family events. Anyone who knew her knew of her passion for her children’s activities. She devoted much of her time and energy to Chance and Braden’s 4-H involvement, livestock shows, and sporting events. She is remembered by her family and friends as someone who always had a ready smile, an infectious laugh and a kind word for all.

She is survived by her husband, Neal and two sons, Chance and Braden, of the home; daughter, Megan and husband, Tim, and granddaughter, Claudia Zerr of Colby, Kan.; parents Robert and Pamela Timm of Ovid, Colo.; brother Tom Timm and wife Tammie and their children, Vanessa and her fiancé Austin Tharp, Victoria, Kendra, and Kody of Haxton, Colo.; sister, Tracy Roll and her sons, Tristen and Theron of Holyoke, Colo.; mother-in-law, Susan Draper of Colby, Kan.; brother-in-law, Nolan Draper and daughter Emma of Atwood, Kan.; sister-in-law, Tanya Draper Douthit and husband Chad, and their son, Oliver of Basehor, Kan.; and sister-in-law, Shanda Mattix and husband Caleb of Colby, Kan.

She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William and Francis Timm; maternal grandparents, George and Ida Arnold; mother-in-law, Lynda Franklin and father-in-law, William Draper.

Memorial services were held October 11, 2012 at the Bucklin High School Gymnasium in Bucklin, Kan.

Burial followed at the Ford City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ford County 4-H Foundation and the Education Fund for Chance and Braden Draper and may be sent to Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 516, Bucklin, Kan., 67834. ❖

Don F. Haller

Don F. Haller, 73, of Minatare, Neb., passed away October 12, 2012 at Rapid City Regional Hospital, in Rapid City, S.D.

He was born October 7, 1939 in Denver, Colo., to Clarence ‘Pete’ and Myrle (Parks) Haller.

He grew up around Last Chance, Colo., helping on the family farm. He received his early education in country schools around Last Chance, Colo., and graduated from Woodrow high School in 1957. Don was drafted into the Army in 1961. He served four years and was honorably discharged.

Don spent most of his life driving semi-trucks or working on ranches.

Don married Verla Carroll in 1970 and to this union a daughter was born, Angi. He also helped raise two step-children, Bret and Brenda. Later Don and Verla divorced, but remained friends.

He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his sayings for everything. He never knew a stranger and was helpful to all that he met. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his daughter, Angi Refice (Jim Andersen); step-son, Bret Haller; step-daughter; Brenda Haller (Kevin Falduto); granddaughter, Emily Refice; sisters, Patty (Bob) Bright and Alberta Reifschnieder; nieces and nephews; and very special friend, Mugs Tophoj and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Larry Reifschnieder.

A memorial service will be held October 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Scottsbluff, Neb.

Inurnment will follow at a later date at Brush Memorial Cemetery in Brush, Colo.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made at Platte Valley Bank in his granddaughter’s name, Emily Refice.

Tributes of sympathy maybe left at http://www.DuganKramer.com. ❖

Patricia Mackey

Patricia Ann (Kramer) Mackey, 73, of Greeley, Colo., passed away October 11, 2012.

She was born January 20, 1939, in Sterling, Colo., to Margaret (Piel) and Anton Kramer. She was the first of her siblings born in a hospital. As a child she lived in Stoneham, Colo., attending grade school in a one-room school. At the age of eight, she moved to LaSalle, Colo., and later graduated from LaSalle High School.

Pat married Keith Mackey at St. Peter Catholic Church in 1959. They were blessed with a marriage that spanned 53 years. Pat and Keith farmed in the Barnesville, Colo., and Gill, Colo., areas. They later moved to Greeley, Colo., where they have lived in their home for 48 years.

Pat provided childcare in her home until she was later employed with Greeley-Evans School District 6. Pat retired after 26 years of employment with the district. After retirement she volunteered at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church as Sacristan and she maintained many other duties. Pat also ministered to a group of women in the Catholic “Light Way” weight loss program.

Pat was a dedicated mother, wife, homemaker and grandmother. She was a seamstress and made her children’s clothes and many dance and baton twirling outfits. Pat was self-taught in painting in which she made many gifts for others.

Pat was passionately devoted to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed following the many activities and sports of her grandchildren and did not miss any events until later years due to bad health.

Pat had many friends, especially her beloved prayer friends whom she has grown to love as her own family.

She is survived by her husband, Keith; son, Ken Mackey (Sherri); two daughters, Kayleen Denning (Todd), Konnie Jelden (Kevin); eight grandchildren, Katie, Lorin (fiancé Ryan), and Melanie Mackey; Andrew (Ali) and Timothy Denning; Kolten, Kaelie and Karli Jelden; three brothers, Willis, Robert and Herb Kramer; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ambrose, Al and Wilbur; three sisters, Mary Ann, Alma and Theresa.

Memorial services were held October 16, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic School, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley, Colo., 80631.

Please sign online guest book at http://www.StoddardSunset.com. ❖

Lois Dilky

Lois Dilky, 92, of Big Springs, Neb., passed away September 23, 2012 in the Ogallala Community Hospital.

She was born April 29, 1920 at the farm home of her parents Herman C. and Margaret (Saathoff) Johnson near Fairfield, Neb., in Clay County. She attended Webber School District 57 in Clay County through the 8th grade and graduated from Fairfield High School with the class of 1937.

On October 20, 1939, Lois married Raymond L. Dilky. They lived near Giltner, Neb., until the spring of 1940 when Lois’ father and Raymond came to rural Keith County to build their home. The Dilky’s lived in the newly built chicken house until the house was completed. The couple continued to live and raise their children on the family farm north of Big Springs, Neb.

She accepted Jesus Christ in her early life and was an active worker in the church, especially with the youth. Lois was a life member of the National Women’s Missionary Society of the Church of God. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and also volunteered as a teacher and craft leader in Bible School.

Lois enjoyed her family and the times they shared together and found pleasure in the out-of-doors in the Rocky Mountains. She was a life member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. She served as Butterfly Education Preservation Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Region for 17 years and the State of Nebraska Butterfly Chairman for 18 years. She started the North Table Federated Garden Club of Big Springs in May 1951. She served as president several times and when they no longer were Federated, she joined the Rainbow Garden Club of Ogallala, Neb., in 1965. Lois served as president of the Rainbow Garden Club for 20 years. She was a member of the Rocky Mountain Nature Association of Estes Park, Colo.

Her hobbies included doing crafts, gardening and traveling. She loved to help friends and many 4-H youth with craft projects. Lois especially liked spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was Mom or Grandma to many youth.

She is survived by daughter Marcia (Warren) Mays of Big Springs, Neb., and son Ivor Dilky of Mitchell, Neb.; four grandchildren, Angelena Mays of Big Springs, Neb., Leanna Dilky of Cheyenne, Wyo., Michael (Renee) Dilky of Denver, Colo., and Justin (Becky) Mays of Indianola, Iowa; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, one son Donald, a granddaughter Carrie Lea Dilky, a brother Herbert Johnson, and four sisters Lena Johnson, Martha Stahnke, Marie Horner, and Margaret Roush.

Memorial services were held September 25, 2012 in Draucker Funeral Home.

Interment is in the Big Springs Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewellen Wesleyan Community Church. ❖

John Porter Watson

John Porter Watson, 88, of Greeley, Colo., passed away October 12, 2012, at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo., with his entire family at his side.

He was born in Greeley, Colo., to Guy Porter and Mary Bartlett Watson on December 17, 1923. John was the grandson of Henry Corwin Watson, a Union Colony Pioneer, former mayor of Greeley, Colo., and a Colorado State Legislator who arrived in 1870 to the settlement of Greeley, Colo., and the Union Colony. Henry Watson was among the first settlers in Greeley, Colo., helping start potato farming, logging and mercantile in the Greeley, Colo., area. The Watson family has continued the farming tradition with a Centennial Farm northeast of Greeley, Colo.

John graduated from Greeley High School. He then served with the Navy from 1942-45. In his youth, John belonged to the 4-H Club receiving numerous youth leadership awards. He spent summers with his mother in Estes Park, Colo., driving a taxi, a shuttle bus at the Stanley Hotel.

John graduated from Colorado State College of A&M (currently Colorado State University) in June, 1949, with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry. He was initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at CSU in April 1946. Following college, John joined the Opdyke Agency, a farm management and real estate sales business, in the fall of 1949.

He had a distinguished career in farm management, and served on numerous boards and councils in Greeley, Colo. John was a well-known prominent figure in Greeley, Colo., growth and heritage. He continued his career managing farms in Weld County until his death.

In 1959, John was a charter member of the Weld County Planning Commission and continued to serve three four-year terms until 1974. During that tenure he was instrumental in leading agricultural water guidelines for farmers and urban growth areas of Weld County. Besides his planning commission leadership, Watson was a member of the original Board of Directors of Greeley Producers Public Stockyards, a director of the State Bank of Greeley from 1964-89 and a Weld County representative on the board of the (RTD) Regional Transportation District in 1972.

During 1985-90, John served as a charter member of the Island Grove Advisory Board. He also served on the University High School Advisory Board in 1979. John served as a board member and vice chairman of the Colorado 4-H Youth Foundation. He was a past president of Union Colony Pioneer Society and member of Union Colony Investors. John was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

John recently became a board member of the Cache La Poudre River National Heritage Alliance, which was founded by Congress in 1996 to preserve and promote the heritage of cultural and historical lands, waterways and structures.

John’s family and his grandchildren were the light of his life. He was actively involved in each of their lives. Each of them will carry forward his wisdom, giving spirit and warmth.

He is survived by his wife, Patti Watson; his five children and their families, Mary Watson, Michael Watson and his wife, Diane, Mark Watson and his wife, Diana, Melissa Olson and her husband, Carl, Martha Watson and her husband, Jeff Jones, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Porter and Mary Bartlett Watson; half-brother, Hank Watson; and grandfather, Henry Corwin Watson.

Memorial services were held October 19, 2012, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Greeley, Colo.

Burial services were at Linn Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Colorado 4-H Youth Foundation or the Colorado Cache La Poudre Heritage Alliance and sent to: Opdyke Agency, 710 11th Ave., Suite 110, Greeley, Colo., 80631. ❖

Clifford W. Slama

Clifford W. Slama, 82, of Ft. Morgan, Colo., passed away October 12, 2012, at the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Ft. Morgan, Colo.

He was born February 5, 1930 in Wray, Colo., to Rudy and Twila Belle Slama.

Clifford served in the U.S. Navy from October 10, 1950 until his honorable discharge on July 30, 1954.

On March 11, 1955, he married Joyce Barritt in Wray, Colo.

Clifford enjoyed his job as a parts man with General Motors. He enjoyed traveling and attending his U.S. Navy ship reunions. He enjoyed looking at farm equipment, especially tractors. He most enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by sons, Steve of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Michael of Windsor, Colo., and Scott of Denver, Colo.; six grandchildren, Jerrad Chesney, Sutton Slama, Kyler Slama, Timothy Slama, Sheena Hayes, and Dylan Seeman; and two great-granddaughters, Alana Slama and Addison Slama.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, daughter, Jeanette Slama, and his parents.

At Clifford’s request, lin service will be held.

Cremation was chosen.

Online condolences may be sent at http://www.HeerMortuary.com. ❖


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