04/27/1935 - 3/10/2026 Eugene Elden Nelson, known to all as Gene, died peacefully at his home in Grand Junction, Colorado, on March 10, 2026, at the age of 90.Gene was born April 27, 1935, in Provo, Utah, to Elden and Helen Nelson. He served four years in the United States Navy aboard submarines during the Korean War era, then fulfilled a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Central Atlantic States. He earned a master's degree in entomology from Brigham Young University and built a distinguished career with the Colorado State University Extension Service, where his work in pest management- particularly on potato leaf roll virus in the San Luis Valley and codling moth management for apple growers- had lasting impact on Colorado agriculture. Gene was a gifted outdoorsman and bowhunter, a beloved Scout leader, a remarkable storyteller, and a man of deep, quiet faith. He lost his father in a drowning accident at Fish Lake when he was sixteen- his father died trying to save a friend- and that early loss shaped his lifelong conviction that families endure beyond this life. He never raised his voice and always sought peace. Gene and his first wife, Carolynn, are survived by their five children: Kellene Mortensen, Elden Nelson, Lori Nelson, Jodi Nelson, and Christy Nelson Williams. In 1994, he married Janel Zeyer Hales, and they shared 31 years. Together, they served two additional missions for their church, in Brazil and Portugal. He is also survived by numerous stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as several siblings. Gene Nelson was a submariner, a scientist, a missionary, a hunter, a fisherman, a storyteller, a peacemaker, a Scout leader, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a man of God. He lived a big life, and he lived it well.

08/18/1941 - 02/23/2026 Joan H. Chaffin passed away peacefully at her home in Grand Junction. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald L. Chaffin.Joan was the youngest of four daughters born to Carlyle and June Freyschlag. She was preceded in death by her three sisters: Martha Fisher, Carol Slack, and Virginia Hamilton. A graduate of Elk Grove High School in California, class of 1959, Joan married Don on July 4, 1963. The couple left Sacramento in 1971 and made their home in Honolulu, Hawaii, until Don's transfer to Los Angeles in 1980. In 1991, they retired to Grand Junction, where Joan found joy in volunteering with both the Grand Junction Fire Department and the Mesa County Sheriff's Department and Posse. She was also a devoted member of the Embroiderers' Guild of America for 30 years, a community that brought her great happiness and lifelong friendships. Joan is survived by many nieces and nephews, her best friend Linda, and her beloved horse, Jellybean. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crooked Fence Farm to help support the care of Jellybean. Contributions can be made payable to Michaela Game and mailed to 377 331/2 Road, Palisade, CO 81526. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at River of Life Alliance Church, 701 24 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505.

July 17, 1943 - February 21, 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Malinda Jeannine Lyons (Rosdail), on February 21, 2026, at the age of 82. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Known for her kind, quirky, and outgoing spirit, she dedicated her life to family, church, piano, and travel.Malinda was predeceased by her father, Jesse Hart Rosdail; and her mother, Dorothy. She leaves behind her husband, Joseph D. Lyons; children, Christopher (Natalie) Lyons; Echo Lyons; grandchildren, Jesse Lyons; Logan Lyons; and Savannah Lyons; and sister, Maren Wernick. A celebration of life will be held at Appleton Christian Church in Grand Junction, CO, on Saturday, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m.

July 22, 1941 - March 11, 2026 Barbara LouAnn Harper, born July 22, 1941, passed away peacefully surrounded by love. She shared a beautiful life with her husband, William (Sweed) Harper, to whom she was married for 57 wonderful years before his passing in 2017. Together they built their life in Loma, Colorado, where they spent the majority of their married years creating a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. She worked for many years at City Market in the bakery, where she eventually became the bakery manager. She took great pride in her work and formed many friendships along the way. Her warm personality and kind heart made her well known and loved by both coworkers and customers. Above all, she loved her family and friends. Spending time together- sharing stories, laughter, and simple moments- meant the world to her. She had a gentle, caring spirit and a way of making everyone around her feel welcome and valued. She especially loved to cook and was known for being a wonderful cook. One of the ways she showed love to everyone who visited was by offering them food and making sure no one ever left her home hungry. She is survived by her son, Gary Harper (Tammy); her daughter, Mary Jane Douma (Park); six grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but the kindness and love she shared will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. A visitation will take place on March 18, 2026, from 6-8 p.m., at Martin Mortuary. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on March 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Martin Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara's name to HopeWest/PACE.

March 12, 2026 Rodney Eugene "Rod" Dalley, 85, of Loma, Colorado, passed away March 12, 2026. Born November 8, 1940, in Fruita to Joe and Margaret Dalley, Rod was a third-generation Mesa County pioneer. He graduated from Fruita Union High School in 1959 and married Betty Joann Wilcox on March 25, 1962. Following their marriage, he served in the United States Army in Korea, where he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant. Rod worked for Meadow Gold Dairies, managed local businesses, served as Fruita Fire Chief, and dedicated his life to family and community. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

09-05-1930 - 03-12-2026 Alice was born September 5, 1930, to Gaetano L Mercadante and Alice G (Mahoney) Mercadante in Miami, Florida. Shortly thereafter the family returned to Prizzi, Palermo, Sicily, Italy where they continued living for many years until Mussolini began infiltrating. Her Dad sent her mother and her via ship back to the United States and he later came as well. Gaetano and Alice G met when he was the Orchestra Leader at the Royal Palm Hotel in Miami. He was a concert pianist and some of his sheet music remains. Alice was very instrumental in civic organizations in Grand Junction, including the creation of the then Women's Division of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, which included the start of free trash day at the landfill, nicknamed Freshaza Daisy. The City continues the annual event. She also was involved in the Altrusa Club. She moved to Grand Junction in 1959. She and her then husband started Grand Valley Aviation, which decades later became a FedEx use of the hanger. Many celebrities came through those doors, including Walter Cronkite. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church since she moved here. Life changed in 1968 when she married Earl H Davis. They met when she worked for Bookcliff Crane, along with two other jobs to support her two children. The family was blessed with him as a great spouse and Dad. They later started Daco Construction which existed for many years and some years employed upwards of 100 people. She was also mercenary and business driven. Some of her history included one of the first disposable wiping supply businesses C & P Wiping Supply, and Sports Unlimited for previously used sports equipment sales, along with her extremely close long time friends raising and selling earthworms for fish bait; but alas, that was not the finale of businesses. She and her daughter managed three gift shops on Horizon Drive in two motels and a separate complex for over a decade. They enjoyed many business travels for that. Never a lack of laughter and enjoyment of life. Alice was a volunteer at the Information Desk at St Mary's Medical Center for 20 years until Covid changed situations for those settings. Alice and Earl loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises and road trips throughout their marriage. She was always ready to take off on another trip and was fortunate to do so with her son, daughter, and granddaughter to other countries. She enjoyed fun flights to Wendover and Laughlin with the many friendships that evolved from those. She is now reunited with Earl and most of her family and friends. Survivors include daughter Marie (Galen) Shope, son Richard (Rick)/(Phyllis) Davis, granddaughter Genevieve Shope, grandsons JR Davis, Jacob Davis, and four great grandchildren. Those who passed before her include her grandson Christopher Earl Shope as well as Earl H Davis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Christopher's memory to Make-Wish. Services will be held later.