September 26, 1966 - December 6, 2025 Julie Ann Armbruster, born on September 26, 1966, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, tragically passed away on December 6, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Julie graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. At the university she met her husband, David, who she was married to for nearly 38 years. Julie devoted herself to nurturing the minds and hearts of children as an elementary school teacher. Her 30-year career culminated at Tope Elementary in Grand Junction. Julie was not just a teacher, but a beloved mentor and was admired by her students. Recognized as the life of the party, her ability to light up any room was unparalleled; she was a genuine social butterfly, eager to get to know everyone and anyone. She was known for her stylish demeanor. Those who knew Julie often marveled at her selflessness, as she dedicated time to help and care for others without hesitation. She had a zest for life, enjoying activities such as riding e-bikes, golfing, attending concerts, and trying new food with her husband. Julie was also known for her passion for walking, interior decorating, swimnastics, dancing, shopping, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and sisters. Julie is survived by her husband, David Armbruster; son, Daniel Armbruster; daughter, Morgan Armbruster; twin sister, Jill Parr; sister, Jeana Slagle; and father, David Woods. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kristina "Kriste" Woods; mother-in-law, Carole Lou Armbruster; father-in-law, Daniel J. Armbruster; and sister-in-law, Anne Garrett. Julie radiated warmth and kindness throughout her life. She will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. A Funeral Mass will be held on December 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Junction, CO. Memorials can be made payable to Tope Elementary School to be used for a legacy garden and outdoor classroom in memory of Julie Armbruster.

04/02/1941 - 12/05/2025 John "Dutch" P. Wierenga, 84, passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born on April 2, 1941, in Muskegon, Michigan, and spent his early school years in Denver, Colorado, where he developed the grit and work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. Dutch proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 as a Combat Engineer specializing in mine warfare while stationed in Germany and Retired as an SP5. A no-nonsense man through and through, he carried that same straightforward toughness into his career with the White River National Forest. For more than 31 years, based in Glenwood Springs, he worked as a blaster and was responsible for back-country operations, road maintenance, blasting safety training, and installing and maintaining facilities throughout the White River area. He was known for doing things the right way the first time, with a cowboy's grit and an engineer's precision. In 1996, he married the love of his life, Margaret, and together they built their home and family in Glenwood Springs. After retiring from the Forest Service, Dutch and Margaret moved to Parachute, Colorado, in 1997, where he enjoyed a quieter pace of life though he never fully let go of his cowboy spirit. Dutch's final wish was to be set free on Windy Point, a place he loved deeply. His family will honor that wish this coming spring. Dutch lived his life simply, honestly, and exactly the way he wanted. He will be missed by all who knew him.

August 1, 1973 - November 17, 2025 Seth the beloved son of Janet (Keller) Mattivi was born in Alamosa, Colorado and adopted by Darrel in 1983. Upon graduating from Palisade High School in 1991 Seth proudly served in the US Army from 1991 - 1999. There he met his future wife, Catherine Capel, marrying in 1993. They welcomed their daughter, Desiree Shyann in 1994 and enjoyed traveling Europe during Seth’s military service. After leaving the Army, in 1999 they purchased the Crystal Cafe in Grand Junction, Colorado where Seth showcased his culinary talents for eight years. Later, he transitioned to a career in oil and gas. In September 2023, Seth was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He fought hard against the illness but passed away on November 17, 2025, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida. Seth is survived by his wife Catherine; daughter Desiree Mattivi-Ross; son in law Drew Ross; parents Janet and Darrel Mattivi; and step-sisters Rebecca Mattivi and Sarah Beagle of Grand Junction Colorado. The family held a private celebration of life to honor Seth’s memory. He will be remembered as a devoted father and loving husband. Leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

December 13, 1932 - December 5, 2025 Alfred, a lifetime resident of Mesa, passed away peacefully in his own home of natural causes on December 5, 2025 at the age of 92. Alfred was born December 13, 1932 in Mesa, Colorado to Glen Hoyt and Elnora Mayme Bevan Carver. He was the fifth generation of his family to live in Mesa County. Alfred grew up on his family's ranch and farm, north of Mesa. He attended the Mesa school from first grade until graduation from High School in 1951. He attended Mesa State College one year and was drafted for the Korean war. His heart murmur left him classified as 4F, so he wasn't allowed to serve. He married his high school sweetheart Nona Kelley Grubbs at Alexander Baptist Church, Alexander, Arkansas on January 18, 1953. They returned to Mesa after Nona graduated in May to work on the Barnard Ranch on Spring Creek. He and Nona acquired the Doug and Myrtle Harris potato farm north of his parents dairy in 1955. Alfred worked construction for ten years with Gardner Denver, Elam and others at various locations in Colorado and New Mexico. In 1966, Glen hesitantly sold the dairy to Alfred and Nona. Ben J. Nichols convinced Glen to let Alfred try his hand at the operation, even though Glen was losing $5,000 annually. Through four major changes, Alfred turned the dairy so that it tripled production in two years. He endured having his right thumb ripped off of his hand and reattached by Doc Ziegel and having his neck broken and then fused together (C4 & C5) two years later. In 1972, he and Nona received and accepted an offer to sell the dairy herd in total. For the next five years, he managed the office of the Fruita Consumer Co-op in Collbran and raised beef on the farm. In 1977, they sold to Ute Water retaining two acres where they had a new home built. He said he was retired, but not really. They traveled to Europe, Alaska and across the lower 48. He got his pilot license and bought a 172 Cessna, with it he made free transport for pastors and missionaries besides family and friends. He and Nona joined the Western Slope GoldWing Road Riders motorcycle club and made more friends. Alfred served at the Grand Mesa Baptist Camp, the Collbran Hospital Board and the Molina Baptist Church. He also worked two summers at Camp Woody Island, Kodiak, Alaska. Most important to Alfred was his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard G. Carver. Survivors in addition to Nona include one brother, Howard (Anita); two sons Larry (Jensy) of Glenwood Springs, Darrell (Missy) of Santa Barbara; 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Grand Mesa Baptist Camp, P.O. Box 40, Molina, CO 81646 Molina Baptist Church, P.O. Box 70, Molina, CO 81646 HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506 There will be a memorial service held at the Molina Baptist Church, 53039 KE Rd, Molina, CO 81646 on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 4pm with potluck dinner immediately following. If you would like, please send written, audio or video of your best story of Alfred to [email protected] before December 18th and a memory video and book will be created. We will live-stream the service and share that link with those interested. Please email [email protected] to receive a link via email the morning of the 26th.

Russell Conner, 85 of Palisade, Colorado, passed away peacefully on December 01, 2025 in his home in Grand Junction. Online condolences at www.brownscremationservice.com

April 23, 1931- November 21, 2025 From the day she was born in a log cabin in Rust, Michigan on April 23, 1931 and for her entire life she was always an angel. She is survived by her 7 children, David Lee (Mary) Kukuk, Richard Irwin Kukuk, Sandra Sue (Steven) Wright, Brian Curtis (Rebecca) Kukuk, Gerrianne (Shannon) Hudson, Sherrie Lynn (Todd) McKay, Nancy Denise (Robert) Black, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She donated her body to Science Care and her remains will be laid to rest in Hillman, Michigan. Celebration of life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, Colorado on December 20, 2025 at 11am. In Lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be sent to Hope West Hospice of Grand Junction, Colorado.