It is with great sadness we have to say that on 03/30/2025, Michael William Phillips passed away. Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 03/09/1929, to loving parents Michael Phillips, and Alice Kleats. He graduated High School in Chicago at St. Ignatius, before joining the US Navy at the age of 18. He served 4 years during the Korean war. After serving, Michael went on to get his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Cal State Fullerton, which is what he did for the rest of his working career. Outside of work, Michael enjoyed Hunting, Golf, Fishing, Computers, and Singing in the Church Choir. On 09/06/1952, Michael married the love of his life, Renee V. Phillips, whom he spent 72 years with. They had 2 children together, Michael J. Phillips, and Cynthia A. Adams, whom he loved very much. All in all, Michael lived a simple, rich life. He was loved by many and loved even more. He will be missed.

December 29, 2005 - January 18, 2025James "Jimmy" Slade Cole, 19, of Grand Junction, Colorado and Pensacola, Florida, passed away on January 18, 2025. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jimmy Cole, who was born on December 29, 2005, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Keasha and Tony Cole. Jimmy's life was filled with the things he loved: his family, his friends, his music, and his passions for working on his truck, riding his 4-wheeler, and playing video games. He was a dedicated worker at Whataburger and had a special bond with his beloved pit-bulls, Freya and Gizmo, as well as his two cats, Smokey and Frankie. Jimmy also loved being a father to his 3 year old son, Desmond. His goal was to get back to Grand Junction to be with him. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Delmer Eugene Cole and his Aunt, Nicole Cole. Jimmy is survived by his son, Desmond Slade Cole; mother, Keasha Cagle; father, Tony Cole; paternal grandmother, Betty Cole; maternal grandparents, Jim and Liz Cagle; many aunts and uncles; numerous cousins. A Celebration of Life centered around his love for music will be held Saturday, April 26th 2025; 11:00 am at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 595, 1674 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503. We invite you to wear something that reflects his unique style-whether it's a shirt from a favorite band or something that shows the music that made him smile, cowboy boots and wranglers, or come to come as you are and celebrate Jimmy's life with us.

March 21, 2025Kay Becker, 83, of Battlement Mesa, Colorado, passed away on March 21, 2025.Kay was a paralegal by profession and a champion of the underdog by nature. She loved fashion and design, dance and musical theater, she was a curious and voracious reader. Kay is survived by son Tim; brother KC Loomis; four nieces and nephews; her best friend from early childhood, Marilyn Latham; and numerous other close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Twylah and Koert Loomis; sister Jan; and partner Bill Hansen.

September 14, 1938 - April 9, 2025Beverley Bodily Bates passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at the Intermountain Health St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. She was 86 years old.Beverley was born on September 14, 1938, in Syracuse, UT to Leland Earl and Virginia (Knight) Bodily. She was the fifth of six children born to these goodly parents, with four older brothers and a younger sister. As a child of the Great Depression, she grew up in meager circumstances and learned the value of provident living. She also had a passion for dancing and spent much of her youth participating in ballet and ballroom dancing events. Mom met our Dad, Delwin Bates at the roller-skating rink at Como Springs in Morgan, UT and after 3 years of courtship they were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on Valentines Day in 1957. They welcomed their first son, Kent Earl Bates, in December of 1957. Their second son, Kevin D. Bates, arrived 13 months later in January of 1959. Their first daughter, Lynne, came along in April of 1962. Their second daughter, Lisa, completed the initial family tree in June of 1966. They built a new home in Morgan, UT but only a few years later moved to Quincy, WA and settled on a small farm & ranch. For the next 11 years they worked to raise their family. Both had full-time jobs and ran a farm and ranching operation. During this time Beverley taught her children the value of hard work by setting a perfect example. For many years she drove harvest trucks in the fall, bottle fed calves in the winter and occasionally worked in a potato processing plant to make ends meet. While she was not enthusiastic about moving to Washington, she made life-long friendships that she cherished to the end and always enjoyed trips back to the northwest to visit. In 1977 they sold their farm and moved to Cedaredge, CO. Partnering with Uncle Alan & Aunt Marilyn, they purchased a small meat packing plant. Once again, Beverley's world was uprooted and moved, much to her dismay. However, like the move to Washington, this relocation brought new friendships, new adventures, and eventually much happiness in the mountains of Colorado. Along with Uncle Alan & Aunt Marilyn, they ran the Cedaredge Locker Plant for almost three decades. They eventually sold the locker plant and retired to their current home in Cedaredge. Her retirement years were filled with puttering in her yard and working in her home. She enjoyed traveling all over the country to see her children and grandchildren to share in weddings, baby blessings, baptisms, and all kinds of special events. In recent years, with the help of her children, they were able to travel to Ireland, Washington D.C., and New England. Beverley will always be remembered for her simple lifestyle and for her devout dedication to her religion, family & loved ones. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 18th, at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cedaredge, CO. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 26 th , at 11:00am at the South Morgan Cemetery in Morgan, UT.

August 8, 1928- October 29, 2024 Susan Smith Orloff, 96, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, in Grand Junction with family by her side. Born on August 8, 1928, in Erie, Pennsylvania to Dave and Henriette Smith, Susan moved to Cleveland at the age of three where she spent her formative years. After graduating high school, Susan attended Grove City College in Pennsylvania for three years. Her education laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable life dedicated to service and community. Susan married Walter Orloff in Phoenix, Arizona in August of 1962, and the family then moved to Grand Junction in 1966, drawn by the beauty of the mountains and the valley and their love of nature. Susan's devotion to the Episcopal Church was unwavering. She taught Sunday School for 25 years, served on the Vestry, and was a board member for the Church Camp at Ilium for 30 years. Her contributions extended to serving as a church camp cook and she was involved in various ladies’ guilds over the years. Beyond her church commitments, Susan generously volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the local library, and she served on boards for The League of Women Voters, Goodwill, and Hilltop House, as well as accumulated over 7,000 hours as a hospital volunteer, in addition to her 16 years of employment there. When not engaged in community service, Susan pursued her many passions. She was an avid gardener who often had to be called inside as evening fell. She delighted in various crafts, particularly tole painting and photography, where she loved to photograph flowers and landscapes. Susan loved feeding and caring for the many birds in her backyard. She also found joy in cooking and baking for friends and family. Susan and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and participated in numerous Elder Hostel courses. She was also an active bridge player for more than 60 years. Susan is survived by her loving husband, Walt, and daughters Bobbie Bullen (Chuck Harbaugh) and Becky (Steve) Kumm. She was preceded in death by her daughter Susan in 1996. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church on April 25th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Susan's name to St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Susan's life was a testament to the impact one person can have through dedication, service, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

February 16, 1936 - April 9, 2025Betty 'Joan' Lambson of Grand Junction, CO, passed away on April 9, 2025, at HopeWest Hospice Care Center at the age of 89. Joan was born on February 16, 1936 in Garden City, Kansas to Clovius (Bus) Hale and Hazel Violet (Hall) Hale. Joan spent her early years in Grand Junction and attended school at Grand Junction High. She moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, in 1971, and returned to Grand Junction in 1999, where she enjoyed volunteering at Heirlooms for Hospice, dancing and volunteering at the Moose Lodge, and playing cards with her friends and family. Joan is predeceased by her parents; husbands, Emmett Collins, Bill Miller, Bill Lambson; sister, Kay Lynch; and son, David Collins. Joan is survived by her children, Cheryl Collins Cuddy, Nancy Collins Mayer, Todd Collins; sisters, Donna L. Barnes, Cynthia Seery; 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Donations can be made to HopeWest Hospice in memory of Joan.

August 21, 1942 - April 10, 2025Janet Louise Blackman Cox, 82, passed away April 10, 2025, at Mantey Heights Care Center in Grand Junction, CO. A devoted sister, nurse, and step-matriarch, Janet was born August 21, 1942, in Burley, ID. She was a proud member of First Baptist Church and active in civic and political organizations. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, and brother Johnny. She is survived by her brothers Joseph and Jimmy, six stepchildren, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will be held April 18 at Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to Hope West in her honor.

June 7, 1948 - April 11, 2025In Loving Memory- Betty Jo Wilson passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in Draper, Utah. Born in Hanford, California she had resided in Grand Junction, Colorado since 1954. She is survived by her sons, BJ and Michael Wilson; Michael's wife, Shilo; and her grandchildren, Trae, Jace, Dax and Harper Wilson. Also surviving are her siblings, Roger Winters and Mary Louise Hilgenfield, along with cherished family members and friends. Betty's life was defined by her deep love for family, her faith in Jesus and her appreciation for the mountains, wildflowers, music- and a good meal shared with those she loved. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Of Grand Junction, Co. died March 14, 2025 at Hope West Hospice Care Center from complications due to his bone marrow transplant. He was born in Bartlesville, Ok. on October 30, 1950 to John and Norma Cain and moved to Aztec, N.M. in 1957. He attended Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Co. graduating in 1972 with a S.S. in biology. He was drafted into the Army towards the end of the Vietnam war, but joined the Navy instead to train as a hospital corpsman from 1972-1976. After his discharge, he trained as a Physicians Assistant at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wi. His last position was at the Marillac Clinic in Grand Junction for 20 years. In 2013, he had a bone marrow transplant to treat his Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He had an ongoing battle with the various side effects over the past 12 years. When he was able to, he enjoyed golfing, hiking and backpacking, and bicycling. John is survived by his wife Vera, two brothers Jim and Brad Cain, a sister-in-law Dawn Cain, an aunt Donna Merola, four nephews and several cousins. Funeral services will be held May 9,2025 at 3 P.M. at the Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, Co. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HopeWest Hospice in his honor.

January 11, 1936 - March 26, 2025Judith (Judy) Lynne Markowski, born January 11, 1936, passed away in Grand Junction March 26, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Virgil and Libby Conkle and her husband of 50 years, W.T. (Bill) MarkowskiShe is survived by her three children; Elizabeth Pettit (Terry); Barbara Morgan; David Markowski; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; Sisters Iris Trivitt and Karen Ferguson and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rose Garden in Tucson April 26 from 11 - 1. Family would appreciate messages and memories on Judy's page at martinmortuary.com.

June 27, 1954 - March 30, 2025Debbie was taken from this life, to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 30, 2025, after a short battle with cancer, family and friends by her side and those out of town on their phones talking to her. Debbie was born in Greeley, CO on June 27, 1954, to Norma Lou Vavra. Vern Eugene (Gene) Wiedenkeller later married Norma and adopted Debbie. She attended Greeley Dist 6 schools through middle school, then she transferred to the Valley school district after moving to their farm in LaSalle where she graduated in May of 1973 from Valley High School Gilcrest, CO. Debbie married Lonnie Grossnickle on September 2, 1972, at St. Paul's Church in Greeley, CO, and they resided in Evans, CO for the next 36 years. They had two wonderful children, Casey and Amy. Debbie worked several jobs in her life from daycare, district 6 hot lunch, Robert Skow school photographer, patient transport Northern Colorado Medical Center, Sears photography, and most recently Walmart self-checkout. After their divorce in 2008, Debbie had a long-term relationship with Mickey Arwood until his passing in the spring of 2018, then she moved to Grand Junction where she currently had resided enjoying the company of Walt Williams up to the time of her death. Debbie was an avid Broncos fan and had several hobbies, her most enjoyable was taking pictures (she was known by the family for waiting for that perfect shot which seemed like forever), she loved cooking and baking and was always making something for the grandkids. Holidays were favorite as she would decorate and dress for the occasion, usually in some sort of outfit. She enjoyed being with her 6 grandchildren/great grandsons and 2 great grandsons and held them very dear to her heart. Animals were in her nature, she enjoyed a good horseback ride, and loved her cats, especially Binx, Nellie, Cordy, and most recently Kizzy. She enjoyed traveling and seeing new sites and places, almost always picking up that region's accents after talking with the locals. She is survived by her daughter Amy Grossnickle, grandchildren Sasha (Vinny) Grossnickle, Logan (Haylie) Grossnickle, Lilli (Talon) Caldwell, Landon (Paris) Grossnickle, Luke Grossnickle, and LeLand Burke, great-grandsons Laicota Butler and Tristian Darnell, special friend Walt Williams, and Lonnie Grossnickle. Debbie was preceded in death by Norma Weidenkeller, Clarence (Serena) Grossnickle, Gene (Janice) Weidenkeller, Casey (Briana) Grossnickle, and Mickey Arwood. A life well lived and enjoyed, she has moved on to a new experience. God be with you, Deb. A Celebration of Life will be held May 10th at 2:00 pm from New Horizons Four Square Church, 641 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506. In lieu of flowers, she has asked that donations be made to Steadfast Steeds Mustang Sanctuary, P.O. Box 3953, Grand Junction, CO.

August 2, 1925 - April 2, 2025Jean W. Ogle passed away peacefully in her home just four months shy of her 100th birthday. A beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Jean was born in Port Clinton, Ohio, the youngest of two children of Charles and Hazel Wiechel. Her childhood years during the Great Depression were spent along the shores of Lake Erie and on her grandparents' peach orchard on Catawba Island. Always a top student in math and the sciences, Jean also revealed a singing talent early on and was often the soloist in her church choir. She attended the University of Michigan as a voice major, developing a beautiful operatic soprano voice that her children still clearly recall rising above the din during the national anthem at school and sporting events. Jean's first marriage gave her two sons, Kirk and Christopher Wheaton, before she united with the love of her life, Burdette "Bud" Ogle in 1963. Over the ensuing 44 years they formed an exceptional, dynamic team as Jean played an integral role in Bud's development of his independent oil and gas company. Theirs was an extraordinary and enduring love. They were never happier than when dancing in each other's arms to the big band music they knew from their younger years. During her free time, Jean was an avid bird watcher and master gardener with an extensive knowledge of plant taxonomy. She loved travel, and her saved passports reveal trips to Colombia, Peru, Europe, the UK, Bermuda and, notably, Libya in 1970 shortly after Muammar Gadhafi rose to power. Surprisingly to some, she also enjoyed fly fishing and was a crack shot with her Browning "Sweet Sixteen" shotgun. Jean particularly loved her time on the tennis court, where she developed lifelong friendships and a fierce net game that earned her the nickname "Mean Jean." She later applied that same intensity to a weekly bridge group comprised of dear friends and former tennis partners. Jean unquestionably endured moments of tragedy during her life, losing two sons many years before her own death, but her boundless energy and vibrant spirit always re-emerged from sadness. Following Bud's death in 2007, Jean poured her artistic energy into painting, diligently honing an exceptional talent developed many years before and producing a remarkable and prolific body of work right up until her 99th year. Jean was, above all, a passionate wife wife and partner to Bud, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother to her six grandchildren. Whether decorating a room with abundant color, performing a little "soft shoe" dance routine for her grandchildren, or donning a festive hat for any holiday, Jean strove to live life to its fullest and to celebrate each and every day. She was, simply put, undeniably spunky. Her bouyant personality, sparkling blue eyes and radiant smile lit up every room she entered. She will be sorely missed, but her spirit and light live on in those she loved. Jean is survived by her daughter Scotia Ogle, her son, Flint Ogle (wife, Elisabeth), her grandchildren Linda, Kinnick, Teegan, Clare, Sebastian and Beckett, and three great-grandchildren. Contributions in her memory may be made to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, 5425 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (www.sansum.org), and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, P.O. Box 2496, Alexandria, VA 22301 (cheetah.org).