Western Slope Obituaries 1-28-13
Merle Anna (Howard) Payne
Merle Anna (Howard) Payne, 97, of Eckert, Colo., passed away January 20, 2013.
She was born at home in Read, Colo., on March 9, 1915 on a blustery March day. She was the sixth child born to Ira and Anna (Farrington) Howard. Merle attended school at Read Elementary and Delta High School before marrying the love of her life, Philman Payne, on November 8, 1933. She and Phil had fond memories of going to Arizona prospecting, of working on the Bridgeport Ranch, and truck farming in North Delta. During that time she also worked at the canning factory and a local dry cleaners.
In 1952, she began working at the Delta County Clerk and Recorder’s office, before becoming the Deputy Clerk and Recorder. She was also the driver’s license examiner, even though she herself did not drive. She enjoyed politics and one of her favorite jobs was serving on election boards.
Merle retired in December of 1981 to care for her husband who was in ill health. Family and church were important to Merle. Friday nights were a special time for the five sisters to get together. On the Sabbath and prayer meetings they filled “the sisters’ pew” at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Merle enjoyed volunteering as a “Pink Lady” at the hospital. In addition she loved reading and spoiling her two cats, Missy and Susie.
She went to live at Horizon’s Care Center in 2006.
Memorial services were held January 23, 2013 at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, Colo.
Interment followed at the Delta City Cemetery.
She is survived by one sister, Mabel Howard.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil, her brother Guy Howard, sisters, Marjorie Long, Orpha Miley, Clara Marshall, Thelma Mosher and Mabel’s twin, Myrtle.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at TaylorFuneralService.com. ❖
Ronald Everett Dowler
Ronald Everett Dowler, 70, of Durango, Colo., passed away January 5, 2013, at his home. He was one week shy of his 71st birthday. The cause of death is undetermined at this time.
He was born to Jacob and Opal Dowler on January 12, 1942, at Mercy Hospital in Durango, Colo. He graduated from Durango High School in the earlier 1960s. He lived his entire life in La Plata County, Colo., including Durango, Sunnyside and Hesperus.
On November 19, 1961, he married Donna Anderson in Durango, Colo.
Ronald worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation for 32 years and supplemented his income as a farrier and working on Joe Hotter’s farm.
“He loved hunting, family gatherings, farming and ranching,” his family said, “and he helped with the Young American Bowlers’ Association.”
He is survived by his son, Duane Dowler, of Durango, Colo.; daughter, Karey DeMarte, of Westminster, Colo.; brother, Dean Dowler, of Durango, Colo.; sister Reola Melanson of Yorktown, Texas; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 51 years, Donna Anderson Dowler, in November 2012, his sister Shirley Short died earlier the same day in Durango, Colo.
The family will hold a private service. ❖
Richard Lee Rogers
Richard Lee Rogers, 84, of Delta County, Colo., passed away January 15, 2013, at the Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo.
He was born to Arthur and Mary (Christensen) Rogers on May 25, 1928 in Manassa, Colo. He spent his childhood and attended schools in Paonia, Colo.
After graduating from Paonia High School, Richard honorably served his country with the United States Navy.
On June 12, 1948, Richard married Phyllis K. Horn in Eckert, Colo. To this union, two sons and a daughter were born. The couple celebrated 52 years of love and marriage. Phyllis passed away in 2000.
Richard, a retired dairyman, enjoyed dancing, bowling, camping, fishing, snowmobiling and playing pool. More importantly, Richard was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedaredge, Colo., and a former member of the Delta Elks Lodge. Richard had been a resident of Delta County since 1971 coming from Farmington, N.M.
For the past five years, Richard spent most of his time with a very dear friend, Rita Idler. They enjoyed the very simple pleasures of everyday life, Card games, dancing and each other’s company and families.
He is survived by two sons, Gary (Laura) Rogers and Larry (Marsha) Rogers both of Hotchkiss, Colo.; one daughter, Victoria (Glen) Bonine of Paonia, Colo.; three brothers: Billy Rogers of Romero, Colo.; Lynn (Gladys) Rogers of Seattle, Wash.; and Chris (Jeanine) Rogers of Grand Junction, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Rogers; two brothers, Carl and Bert; one grandson, Larry D. Rogers; a son-in-law, Lawrence Roop; and his parents.
Memorial services were held January 21, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedaredge, Colo.
Burial followed at the Cedaredge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Richard Rogers Memorial Fund, c/o First State Bank of Colorado, P.O. Box 597, Paonia, Colo., 81428.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at TaylorFuneralService.com. ❖
