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Western Slope Obituaries 5-6-13

Margaret A. "Mickey" Brodel

Margaret A. Brodel

Margaret A. “Mickey” Brodel, 89, of Hotchkiss, Colo., passed away April 21, 2013 at the Delta County Memorial Hospital.

Margaret “Mickey” Paustenbach was born in Medford, Wis., on December 25, 1923.



Mickey met her husband Frank in Seattle, Wash., and married December 23, 1944. Life’s adventures took them coast to coast before finally settling in Colorado.

Mickey was a very talented and artistic woman. In her early years she was a much sought after dress designer. She gave up her career to concentrate on her husband and growing family of five. Mickey was a very strong traditional Catholic and raised her family with strong beliefs.



After moving from Steamboat Springs, Colo., to Hotchkiss, Colo., in 1963, Mickey and Frank proceeded to build their dream home and start their family business, Farmer Franks. Mickey loved the farm animals and the outdoor life while Frank ran the business.

Mickey enjoyed her family, sewing, cards, puzzles and playing games. Lucky was the family member who ever beat her in Scrabble! After their retirement they enjoyed their time and friends in Arizona.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Frank Brodel of Hotchkiss, Colo.; three sons: Rick Brodel and spouse, Candy of Hotchkiss, Colo., Ken Brodel and spouse, Carol of Renton, Wash., and Martin Brodel of Hotchkiss, Colo.; two daughters, Keita Davis and spouse, Cliff of Paonia, Colo., and Mary Simon and spouse, Ken of Grand Junction, Colo.; sister, Ruth Miller of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Per Margaret’s request, no services will be held at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P. O. Box 24, Delta, Colo. ❖

Ann A. Burritt

Ann Burritt, 81, longtime Redlands Mesa, Colo., resident, passed away April 23, 2013 at her home.

She was born April 11, 1932, in Grand Junction, Colo., to Charles W. and Opal A. (Emmons) Ingelhart.

Ann spent her childhood in Fruita, Colo., graduating from Fruita High School in 1950.

In April of that year she married Fred Burritt. They spent the rest of their lives together on the Burritt family farm on Redlands Mesa. Fred passed away at their home on February 14, 2002.

Ann, Fred, their daughter and son enjoyed skiing and fishing during the children’s school years. Later in life Fred and Ann enjoyed dancing at the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge. Ann worked at the Delta County School District as a secretary for 20 years. Upon her retirement she became a Master Gardener. Ann and Fred started an organic produce business well before it became fashionable, and were well known for their wonderful produce, including their famous cantaloupe. In the early years Ann was a member of the Rebekah’s.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Locke and her husband Scot, of Englewood, Colo., and her son, Michael Burritt and his wife Jana, of Grand Junction, Colo.; her brother, Jay Ingelhart of Fruita, Colo.; grandchildren, David Ford Burritt and James Fred Burritt, and adopted great grandchildren, Zane Burritt and Dray Burritt.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John “Jack” Ingelhart.

Graveside memorial services were held April 29, 2013 at the cemetery in Eckert, Colo., where she was buried along side her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 24, Delta, Colo., 81416. ❖

Thomas “Tom” Forestal Shea

Thomas “Tom” Forestal Shea, 90, passed away April 23, 2013.

He was born December 26, 1922 in Delta, Colo., to John and Nellie (Ryan) Shea.

He attended school in Delta, Colo., until joining the Army to fight in World War II. He served in Company “K” of the 32nd (Red Arrow) Division 126th infantry, having earned the Good Conduct Badge, Philippine Liberation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star.

He married Rebecca Triantos in Delta, Colo., on August 16, 1949. They were the proud parents of three daughters, Teri, Karen, and Loretta.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, and a 65 year member of the BPOE Elks. He was a member of The Delta Potato Growers, The Onion Growers Assoc, and served on the Board of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association.

He enjoyed participating in Amateur Rodeo calf-roping, ballroom dancing, snow and water skiing, and was passionate about golfing during retirement. A strong Christian with a kind heart, Tom never knew a stranger and had a great sense of humor. Travels with Rebecca included trips to Hawaii, a cruise on the Panama Canal, and a tour of Ireland and England. He was privileged to travel on the Honor Flight to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; brother, Jim Shea; daughters, Teri (Jerry) Perchacz, Karen (Arnie) Butler, and Loretta (Brian) Martens; grandchildren, Kori Satterfield, Eric Martens, Kaley Batley, Sarah Brittenham, Brady Butler, and Audrey Butler, and beloved great-grandchildren, Shea and Bode Satterfield, Evie and Maggie Martens and Drake Batley, and many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, Angie Cholas, Virginia Shea, and Ozella Shea; brothers-in-law, Bill Pryor, and George Triantos.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard Shea and Jack Shea; sisters, Kathryn Swain, Alice Corcoran, Margaret Haldane, Agnes Karlen, and Helen Pryor.

Memorial services were held April 26, 2013 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Delta, Colo.

Burial was at Delta City Cemetary.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michaels Catholic Church, 628 Meeker St., Delta, Colo., 81416, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Colo., or the local VA Hospice. ❖

Jesse Eugene Retherford

Jesse Eugene Retherford, 89, passed away April 22, 2013.

He was born January 27, 1924, to Henry and Mary Retherford in Stillwater, Okla.

His family moved to Pleasantview, Colo., where he grew up and graduated. He then enlisted in the USN and served in WWII from 1941-1947. After moving back to Pleasantview and working various jobs, he started a band, “Gene Retherford and the Hollywood Trio.”

It wasn’t long before he met and married Vivian Joye Schafer. They were married September 2, 1950. They had Dennis Retherford in 1951, and Doug Retherford in 1952, both in Cortez, Colo.

They moved to Monticello. Utah, where he worked at the Uranium Mill. In 1957, they moved to Fruita, Colo., where he worked for Gilsonite and Gary Refinery for 24 years. In 1958, they had Terry Retherford, and five years later, in 1963, they adopted their daughter, Lori Ann Retherford. In 1967, they moved to the Redlands, where he had his beloved Apple Orchard and enjoyed the rest of his life.

Jesse always put his family first and was at his happiest when outside on family camping trips, fishing, hunting, and family reunions at Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, Mesa Lakes or anywhere where we could all be together and he could sing and play the guitar with family and friends. He loved his golf, gym and walking, it kept him busy and vibrant. He lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Kathy) Retherford of Cortez, Colo., Doug Retherford of Grand Junction, Colo., and Terry (Brenda) Retherford of Grand Junction, Colo.; his daughter, Lori Ann (Rocky) Erb of Grand Junction, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary; his wife, Vivian; his brothers, Kenneth, Ted and Ray Retherford, and his grandson, Ricky Erb.

Memorial services were held April 29, 2013 at Callahan-Edfast.

Graveside Military Honor Guard services followed at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in the Odd Fellows Section.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Grand Junction. ❖


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