10/10/1944 - 10/08/2025 William (Bill) Hemble Heckman, 80, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away October 8th, 2025, at Western Slope Memory Care.He was born October 10th, 1944, in Rocky Mount, VA, to Ella and Howard Heckman. Bill was a Master Electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He enjoyed fishing, boating, working with his hands, and was a talented musician. He was a wonderful family man and is survived by his loving wife Dot, his children Sherri (Ron), Sonny (Kati), and Amber (James), eleven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later time.

March 30, 1937 - October 7, 2025 Phil was born in Hartsburg, Illinois in 1937. He attended 1st grade there in a room that held 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders. When Phil's father died, the family moved to Lincoln, Illinois. Phil attended Lincoln schools, graduating from Lincoln Community High School in 1955. He treasured his classmates and was president of his senior class. He was loyal to them so much that when asked by the principal for the names of who painted the "55" on the school's chimney, he would not give up their names even with the threat of not going through graduation ceremony! Growing up, Phil pretty much raised himself taking all sorts of jobs like; cleaning out a pool hall which led him to becoming a pool shark at 12 years old winning enough matches to pay for lunches. He found many other jobs like at a drive-in theater, detasselling corn, laying railroad ties and cleaning out a large chicken hatchery --- on hatch night!!!!!! During these years, Phil picked up his passion for basketball. Alone a lot, he would hunt for a hoop and shoot for hours. He had a system that would make him a marksman from anywhere on the court. He would start in one spot and not move on until he made 25 straight baskets, then he would move to the next spot. Coaches began to notice this kid. As a freshman, Phil subbed for the Varsity team, but in his sophomore year he became a starter for every Varsity game all the way through his Senior year. The high school coach gave Phil support and encouragement eventually becoming a substitute father image who helped him acquire a full-ride scholarship to Colorado A & M (now CSU) in Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1955. After graduation, Phil taught and coached at Orchard Mesa Jr. High and Central High School in 1960 in Grand Junction, CO where he met and married Nancy Hightower in 1962. In 1968, Western State College (now WCU in Gunnison, CO) awarded a coaching fellowship to Phil that eventually led to being Western's Head coach of the Women's basketball for 4 years and the Director of Financial Aide until 1988. Then he was hired at Mesa State College (now CMU in Grand Junction) as their Director of Financial Aide. Phil and Nancy have three children, Debra in Grand Junction, Brenda (deceased), John and wife Lily in North Richland Hills, TX. The love Phil had for our children, our grandchildren and great grandchildren was beyond measure. The grandkids are: Nathaniel, Racheal and husband Cody, Michael and wife Sasha, and Samantha. The great grandchildren are: Duston, Tylee, Greyson, Bryce, Wesley, Tyson, Remi, Finley. No matter where they were, throughout his life, he tried to make it to be with them and enjoy their activities. He said to me once, "Grandma let's go get some noise"! He took them fishing, golfing, arch hiking here and in Utah. His last words were to tell them how much he loved them all. Phil's favorite scripter was John 1: 1-14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." As patriarch of the Swille family, Phil led with strong values and a deep faith. He led by "doing" and being an example more than talking. After 63 years being with this special man, I am deeply thankful for the medical staff who gave many years of support and care to Phil. Also, the family is very grateful for the love and prayers of all the family and friends. A private family graveside service will be held October 25, 2025, in Fruita, Colorado, at Elmwood cemetery at 1:00pm. DONATIONS: Phil would want everyone to contribute to an organization that you feel passionate about.

12/18/1936 - 9/15/2025 Francette "Fran" Didier, beloved wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at the age of 88, at Community Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. She awoke that morning beside her devoted husband, Paul, and after suddenly becoming ill, passed later that day surrounded by love. Born Mary Jane Keilocker on December 18, 1936, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fran was the daughter of Francis Keilocker and Mary Nelis. At 17, she entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and chose the name Francette to honor both her father and St. Francis of Assisi. Her early life was spent in Swissvale, a Pittsburgh suburb, and her journey took her to many places over the years, including Greensburg, Gainesville, San Francisco, Forest Hills, Chatham, Aloha, Walnut Creek, and finally Grand Junction, which became her beloved home. Fran's life was one of profound purpose, marked by an unwavering dedication to education and spiritual growth. She earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hill College, a master's degree in education from Duquesne University, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Florida. Over her distinguished career, she taught every level of education—from kindergarten to doctoral programs—and was a faculty member in the groundbreaking Leadership Program for school principals and superintendents at the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit institution. Fran also served as a consultant to schools across the country, including a Hebrew Judaic school led by one of her former students. After 24 years as a Sister of Charity, Fran chose to continue her vocation as a lay educator and consultant. In a testament to her lifelong curiosity and commitment to her students, she took a sabbatical from academia to work in business, joining Chase Econometrics, a subsidiary of Chase Manhattan Bank, as a regional administrator. It was through this work that she met Paul Didier, a vice president of Chase Manhattan Bank. Their shared love of birding sparked a lifelong bond, and they were married on April 12, 1982, in the chapel of St. John's University in New York. Their marriage was officiated by a dear birding friend of Paul's—an Irish priest and the seventh son of a seventh son, a figure steeped in Celtic tradition. Fran embraced Paul's family as her own. Though she had no children of her own, she was a loving and cherished presence in the lives of Paul's three children—Mark Didier, the late Lisa Didier Lyne, and Aimée Didier—and his two granddaughters, Calysta and Cassidy Didier. She was the eldest of four sisters and is survived by Sally Davies of Florida and Rita (Edward) Osterman of Michigan. Fran's life was rich with passion and purpose beyond her professional achievements. She delighted in birding, square dancing, and playing pinochle, and she had a deep love for spiritual reading and contemplation. She devoted much of her volunteer work to exploring the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and helping others grow in their spiritual lives. With Paul, she organized the parish library at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Grand Junction and volunteered with Grand Valley Peace and Justice. Together, they also founded a poetry group that met for 17 years. An avid traveler and lifelong learner, Fran's adventures with Paul took them across Colorado and beyond, leading birding trips and exploring the wild coasts of Scotland and the remote Orkney Islands. She touched countless lives through her kindness, intelligence, generosity, and radiant cheerfulness—qualities that defined her and endeared her to all who knew her. Fran is survived by her devoted husband, Paul, their children and grandchildren, her sisters Sally and Rita, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Helen, and her daughter Lisa. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on October 24, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction. Her ashes will be inurned in the church's columbarium following the service, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran's memory may be made to Catholic Outreach (P.O. Box 1984, Grand Junction, CO 81502) or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (790 26 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506). Fran's life was guided by love and faith, and her legacy continues in the countless lives she touched. As Scripture reminds us, "The charity of Christ urges us" (2 Corinthians 5:14)—a truth she lived every day.

August 3, 1931 - August 17, 2025 Donald Lee Johnson passed away August 17, 2025. He was 94 years old. He was born to Bertha & Frank Johnson August 3, 1931. He graduated from the Meas school. He was working in his father's sawmill when he got his draft notice. He went into the Navy for 4 years. After Boot Camp, the Navy sent him to Diesel Mechanic School, then overseas into SeaAir Rescue attached to the Air Force. When he made 2nd Class Petty Officer, he was transferred to a amphibious attack suppport ship. This ship was the only ship of it's type in the WesPac at the time. We put the last troops onto the 38th Parallel in Korea. Then recovered the dead, and transported them to Japan. Then we went and assisted the French in the Vietnam war. We transported war refugees from Hanoi down to Saigon. Our food resupply got screwed up, so we ate rice for 11 months. Didn't like rice after that! Then we got caught in a typhoon for 13 days. We lost most of our M boats and cracked the hull in 3 places. We limped into Japan for quick repairs then back to San Diego for major repairs. He got discharged as a 1st Class Petty Officer with Good Conduct, Korea & Vietnam service. This was by his own hand.Services will be at 1pm, October 18, 2025 at Memorial Gardens in Grand Junction. Don's family would like to thank the staff of HopeWest & Palitive Care for how they all treated him and the laughter they brought into his life the last few months.

11/26/1937 - 10/06/2025 John Charles Hendricks, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on November 26, 1937, to Edward and Virginia Hendricks, he was the youngest of five children his brothers Edward & Bob and sisters Evelyn & Ada, He earned the nickname "Dimple Darling" from his large dimple's that presented at just about any emotion.John lived a life full of heart, humor, and more than a few tall tales. In 1955, John joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Saratoga, traveling the world and collecting stories he'd share (and sometimes embellish) for the rest of his days. Whether stationed overseas or back home in the States, John brought his signature mix of discipline and fun to every experience—a balance he kept long after he hung up his uniform. John married the love of his life, Janice Carol Pierson, on June 4, 1960. They shared nearly 65 years of partnership, parenting, and pure joy. Although Janice preceded him in death just six months ago, it brings comfort knowing they're back together—probably bickering over the TV remote. Together, they raised two energetic and endlessly entertaining boys: Jeffrey Carl Hendricks (Lisa) and John Edward Hendricks (Leslie). From backyard adventures to front yard pranks, there was never a dull moment with the Hendricks crew. John wasn't just a dad—he was a co-conspirator. With a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye, he loved pulling off practical jokes, telling outrageous stories (some true, some purely for sport), and keeping everyone around him on their toes. Life with John was unpredictable in the best possible way—equal parts laughter, life lessons, and the occasional prank involving rocks, switched salt shakers or more. His greatest joy came from watching his family grow. He was proud "Grandpa John" or "Big Papa" to Kristen Barker (Danny), Cody Hendricks (Molly), Kacie Murphy (Shawn), Joshua Hendricks (Katie), and Janell Yancey (Joe). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Jeffrey, Nicholas, and Jacob Barker; Avery and Carson Harper; Lucy Hendricks; Kane and Charli Murphy; Noah, Zachary and Ezekiel Hendricks—and even a great-great-granddaughter, little Octavia, who ushered in the next generation with her arrival. Preceded in death by his brothers Edward & Bob and sisters Evelyn & Adda. Survived by brother in-laws Harold & Rex Professionally, John was a born salesman, spending much of his career with McCormick Schilling spices. He could sell you anything with a smile, but it was never about the sale—it was about the connection. He made every customer feel like an old friend, and let's be honest, half of them were probably just there for his jokes and occasional free samples. John will be remembered for his warm heart, quick wit, and the joy he brought into every room he entered. Whether he was telling a joke, or causing a bit of (harmless) chaos, he lived life with purpose and playfulness. A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the VA Cemetery in Grand Junction. He may be gone from our sight, but the laughter he left behind will echo for generations

06/19/1945 - 09/27/2025 Dr. Ronald "Ron" A. Fawcett, 80, passed away on September 27, 2025 at Grand Junction VA Medical Center. He was born on June 19, 1945 in Wheeling, West Virginia, the son of the late Dr. R. Alan Fawcett and Jane Neudoerfer Fawcett. During his youth, Ron attended The Linsly Institute, graduating in 1963. He pursued an undergraduate education at Vanderbilt University, and received a Bachelor's of Science degree in biochemistry in 1967. Ron then returned to his home state, and graduated from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1971. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Flight Surgeon at the Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe in Hawaii. In 1980, Ron completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Naval Regional Medical Center, San Diego. He moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to begin his orthopedic practice; he remained in Grand Junction for the duration of his career. In addition to being a gifted physician, Ron was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, boating, and hunting, hobbies that he would continue well into his retirement. He is survived by his siblings - John Fawcett (Dublin, OH), Dana O'Brien (Vero Beach, FL), Brian Fawcett (Grand Junction, CO), and Timothy Fawcett (Santa Rosa, CA). He is also survived by his daughters, Laurni Blanchard (Highlands Ranch, CO), Tyler Way (Grand Junction, CO), and Torey Wenstone (Carlsbad, CA).