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.

06/05/1930 - 03/05/2026 Bette Mae Martin of Grand Junction passed away on March 5, 2026. She was bom on June 5, 1930, in Kewanee, Illinois, making her 95 years. She lived a full life, surpassing many of her friends and relatives. Bette was adventurous. Out of high school she moved to Colorado Springs to work on a Dude Ranch. She liked it so much, that she convinced her whole family to move to Colorado.Bette married Fred Martin, her high school sweetheart. They were together for 55 years until he passed away. They resided in Grand Junction until 1974 and moved to Glenwood Springs when her daughter Jackie married John. They moved back to and retired in Grand Junction in 1999. Her working life included being a tax accountant of which she loved. She started her own Real Estate business with a good friend. Bette and Fred had three children: Jackie (John), Dave (Jean), and Russ (Sheila). She provided her children with many opportunities, including sports, girl scouts, little league, school and church activities. She dearly loved her family and friends and provided many experiences that were adventurous, playful and fun. She was always planning outings and getting people together to celebrate life. She loved all types of sports and became an exceptional golfer. She even had 3 holes in one. She adored her extended family of six grand children and 12 great grandchildren. As one friend said "she was an inspiration to all." Everyone who met Bette was a lifelong friend. She was very generous and enjoyed life to its fullest. She was known to be the life of any party or gathering. She was known to have had a big voice and infectious laugh which brought joy to all. Bette will be missed and always remembered. Her celebration of life will be at the First United Methodist Church at 522 White Avenue Grand Junction, Colorado on March 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers, Bette's family would like you to donate to the Methodist Church.

12/19/1969 - 3/10/2026 Jill Lee Derrieux passed away on March 10, 2026, due to devastating effects and harm from medication which damaged her central nervous system.Jill was born on December 19, 1969, in Normal, Illinois as the first daughter of Dennis and Penny Teeters. She was raised in Grand Junction, Colorado and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1988, where she was an honor student and all-state athlete in basketball, track, and volleyball. She then attended Colorado Mesa University to continue her basketball and academic career. Jill graduated with honors in 1992 and was a record setting performer on the court and four time all-conference recipient. Her achievements landed her in the Maverick Hall of Fame, as well as being the first player in program history to have their jersey retired. Jill married Dennis Derrieux in 1992 in Grand Junction. After several years in the St. Louis area, in which Jill obtained her MBA from Lindenwood University, they returned to Grand Junction. They welcomed daughter Jamie in 1994 and son Drew in 1999. Throughout her professional life, Jill worked in the banking and mortgage industries, along with a stint as Executive Director of Mesa County Partners. She was also very involved in the community serving in many volunteer roles, including time as President of the CMU Alumni Association. She also spent time serving on the staff of the GJHS girls basketball team at her beloved alma mater. Jill was the biggest fan of Jamie and Drew in their sporting endeavors throughout high school and college. Her humility and unwavering support helped them achieve their goals. Jill was a great fan of all the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. She loved to hike, spend time on the river, ride bikes, and take long walks with her furry friends Harley, Max, and Tilly. Jill discovered golf 5 years ago and it became a true passion in her life. She went from never playing into a true competitive player, enjoying much success in many local tournaments. She was active member of the Tiara Rado Ladies League and established many friends that include a lifetime of memories in ladies events, couples tournaments and Sunday Fun Days. "Jilly" was a friend to all in the golf bubble. Jill was blessed to be the grandmother of three beautiful girls in Kylar (6), Halle (3), and Hayden (2 months). She loved spending time with them and actively being involved in all of their activities. She was always planning fun events with them such as coloring easter eggs, making holiday treats, arts and crafts, bike rides, and reading together. Jill is survived by her parents, Dennis and Penny Teeters, her husband of 33 years, Dennis, and daughter Jamie Robertson (Nate) and their daughters Kylar, Halle, and Hayden. Also, son Drew Derrieux and sister Jamie Pierce (Jeremy), and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and family members. A private family ceremony will take place. A public Celebration of Life will be on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the CMU Ballroom. Please wear your most comfortable and casual golf gear as we play a final round with Jilly. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jill's granddaughter's college fund at Ugift529.com and use code C8L-F8D. Or you can donate to The Institute of Akathisia.

September 27, 1956 - March 5, 2026 Sandra "Sandi" Rene, 69, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away peacefully at Pathways Inpatient Care Center in Ft. Collins, Colorado on March 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the prayers of many friends. Sandi was born on September 27, 1956, in York, Nebraska, to the late Opal (Gerdes) Collingham and Richard Collingham. She was raised in York and later moved to Colorado early in her adult life, where she built her home and family. In 1987, Sandi met the love of her life, Gregg Rene. The two were married in 1990 in Grand Junction, Colorado, and shared many years together. Sandi was a devoted mother, loving wife, and cherished friend. She was the proud mother of two children, Curtis Cool and Royce Young, and a loving grandmother to Amanda Cool. She is also survived by her husband, Gregg Rene; her brother, Richard Collingham; and her four sisters, Tish, Karen, Sheila, and Peggy, along with many extended family members and dear friends. An artist at heart, Sandi studied art and had a deep appreciation for creativity, historical fashion, and architecture. She was skilled in many artistic crafts, including painting, colored pencil and pastel work. She also enjoyed mold-making, sewing and clothing design, period porcelain and vinyl dollmaking, as well as crocheting, and knitting. She had a passion for visiting art museums and spending time reading and researching topics that inspired her. Sandi loved the beauty of the Colorado mountains and enjoyed quiet time at home streaming entertainment, especially crime documentaries. She also had a deep love for animals and wildlife. She delighted in feeding and watching birds and squirrels and always shared her home with a beloved cat or dog fur baby. She was a consistent supporter of animal rescue efforts, children in need, and her local food bank. Sandi will be remembered for her creativity, compassion, and the love she shared with family, friends, and animals alike. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to NOCO Humane (nocohumane.org) or to the Larimer Food Bank (foodbanklarimer.org). To leave condolences for Sandi's family, please visit www.AllnuttLoveland.com.

September 5, 1938 – March 8, 2026 Palisade and the motocross community lost a good friend on Sunday, March 8. Dennis rode his last whoops at home, surrounded by family. Many friends appreciated Dennis’s sense of humor and his ready ability to slip a pun into almost any conversation. Sometimes referred to as “Seldom Seen” (seldom seen without a beer in his hand), Dennis cherished time spent enjoying a beverage while regaling friends and family with more interesting stories and memories than could possibly be shared here. Dennis won many trophies over the years in motocross, continuing to race well into his seventies. Beyond the track, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hockey, both as a player and as a coach. Dennis also proudly served eight years in the National Guard. Above all, Dennis was a devoted husband to Jan for nearly sixty-seven years, a loving father to Kellie and Jeff, and a proud grandfather to Denny, Bridger, Logan, and Adelle. Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

10/20/1946 - 3/1/2026 William "Kevin" Armstrong, born October 20, 1946, in Ohio to Evin and Lois Armstrong, passed away March 1, 2026, at home after a several-year battle with PSP and cancer. Kevin was raised in Craig, Colorado, the youngest of four children, and graduated from Moffat County High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, earning many commendations. During an assignment in Wichita, Kansas, he met his soulmate, Sherry Caylor. After much persuasion and proving his toughness to her brothers he put a ring on it on August 1, 1969. They welcomed their daughter, Kimberly, before moving to Denver, Colorado, where their son Lance was born. Ten years later they packed up their square-dancing clothes and accepted a transfer with Frito-Lay to Grand Junction, Colorado. There they put down roots, raised their family, and later expanded it as their children married and grandchildren arrived. Kevin celebrated more than 56 years of marriage and countless memories with the love of his life by his side. Kevin eventually retired from Kraft Foods. Kevin's hobbies included fast-pitch softball, golf, hunting, and fishing. But his greatest passion was always his family. He never missed a local game, recital, or event involving his children or grandchildren and would sacrifice anything to make sure his family had everything they needed. Kevin is survived by his wife, Sherry Armstrong; his daughter, Kimberly Guenther, and her husband Mark; his son, Lance Armstrong, and his wife Rachel. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Tyler, Trevor, Taylor, Tarynn, Tatum, Riley, and Sidney. He is also survived by his brother Keith Armstrong and his wife Jane; his sister Sandra Baldridge; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evin and Lois Armstrong; his in-laws Charles and Donna Caylor; his sister- and brother-in-law Sharon and Ted Elliott; and brothers-in-law Samuel Baldridge and Amos Crawford. Kevin never knew a stranger and leaves behind more friends than he could ever count. Give everyone in heaven our love until we meet again. A Celebration of Life will be held at Martin Mortuary on March 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a live stream available for those who are not able to attend the service in person. Military Honors and Placement at the VA Cemetery will take place at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado following the service from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

6/12/1928-3/3/2026 Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Phyllis Asay Dodge, 97, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. She was born June 12, 1928, in Warren, Montana, and grew up in Cody, Wyoming. Phyllis resided in Grand Junction the last 74 years after graduating from Cody High School and making several stops in the several Wyoming towns. Phyllis worked in the meat department at City Market for twenty-five years. She is survived by her sister: Marie McDonald of Bloomfield, New Mexico, her daughter: Claudia Mantlo of Grand Junction, Colorado, her eleven grandchildren, her thirty-four great-grandchildren, her twelve great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis is preceded in death by her son: Kenneth Dodge, her daughter: Nikki Hardy, her parents: Clifford and Nellie Asay, and six of her seven siblings. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2881 Orchard Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado. ` In her memory, Phyllis would love for you to go on a long drive, listen to a story, do something nice for someone, and eat a sweet treat. 945 9073 2500.