Jim was born at the Montrose Hospital on October 21, 1947. He died unexpectedly on July 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. His parents were Clarence and Elsa Pickens, long-time residents of Olathe, Colorado. He was the youngest of four children and spent his youth helping his parents run storage cellars for the area’s onion farmers. He was active in Boy Scouts, Little League, and band. He graduated from Olathe High School in 1965. With a music scholarship, he attended Western State College in Gunnison, where he graduated with a B.A. in business administration. The Vietnam War required a lottery system to meet the draft requirements. Jim’s low number meant he had to prepare to serve. With friends from college, he joined the Army National Guard in Montrose and spent the next six years in training for possible deployment. He and his wife of nearly 55 years were married in Las Vegas in 1970 and settled in Grand Junction shortly thereafter. Jim worked most of his life in different Savings and Loan companies and as a Realtor. He retired after 20 years as an appraiser for Mesa County government. He was an amazing husband, father of two, and grandfather, and would do anything for his family. He could fix anything, given time, and he didn’t need permission to curse at whatever he was repairing. He and Terry loved hiking and covered many miles on the Colorado Monument and all the big national parks in the West. They had a travel trailer and particularly enjoyed camping at Ridgway Reservoir. Jim was known for his friendliness, kindness, and generosity. He will be missed by his many friends, the people he helped, and those he met while walking the dirt roads of Matchett Field. More recently, he and Terry walked daily at Canyon View Park with their little dog, Missy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Ruth, June, and Alice. He is survived by his wife, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandson Damon, of Grand Junction, as well as daughter Katie, an artist living in Breckenridge. At his request, there will be no services.

January 9, 1929 - July 27, 2026 Rose Ward entered the Kingdom of Heaven on July 27th. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Born Vartoni Torosian on January 9,1929, she was raised in Racine, Wisconsin. She was one of eight children born to Manam and Azar Torosian, Armenian Christians who made their lives in the United States after fleeing the Armenian genocide.They were a large family in a small home that was filled with love and laughter. Rose was the first of her family to go to college, attending nursing school in Chicago where she met a handsome young medical student from Idaho named Bruce Ward. They married six months later and eventually moved to Grand Junction, Colorado and raised a family. In Grand Junction, she worked as a nurse for many years at St. Mary's Hospital. She also enjoyed Saturday Nighters, book club, and her long-time bridge group. She was an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church whose parishioners welcomed her and her husband and provided a spiritual home for her family. Rose's enjoyment in her family was evident in her tireless work to create a beautiful home and life for those she loved. She was an avid gardener, an accomplished cook and a gracious host. Her family remembers her not only as a devoted mother, but as a true comedian. She. brought levity to any situation, always making a silly face at the dinner table or poking light-hearted fun. She laughed with abandon. She loved her grandchildren, played a mean game of Go Fish, and made the best mac and cheese. Rose believed strongly in education and, a prolific reader herself, encouraged her children to buy as many books as they wanted from the scholastic book-order form. She taught her children and grandchildren to study diligently, urging them to take advantage of every educational opportunity. Rose loved to sing and dance and noticed beauty at every turn. She taught us all to appreciate a good piece of bread, a pretty flower, or a fresh cup of coffee. May we all remember Rose when these simple blessings come our way. Rose is survived by her three children, Karen, Mimi (Brad), Bruce (Christy), her grandchildren Wilson, Whitaker, Nola Rose, Carver, Raglan and Levi, and her siblings Nora Soens, George Torosian and Alice O'Brien. Services will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 3585 N 12 th St. in Grand Junction, with a Trisagion service on Monday, August 17 at 6pm (viewing starting at 5pm) and the Funeral Service on Tuesday, August 18 at 10am. May her memory be eternal.

December 21, 1939 - August 6, 2026 Lance was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Spencer William Oswald and Lillian Burger Oswald on December 21,1939 and passed into the Great Mystery on August 6, 2026. Who was this wonderful, compassionate human being that we called Dad, husband, brother, son and friend? He was a deep thinker and lifelong learner, a spiritual seeker and peace activist. He was a lover of music and nature, a skier, hiker, camper, fisherman, swimmer and cyclist. A fixer of all things and a whiz at puns and dad jokes. He loved singing and acting in plays at Mesa College, now CMU. He worked as a counselor at various colleges and later owned and operated Better Books and Teaching Aids. A true Renaissance man. Lance, you lived your one wild and precious life to the fullest. Thanks for teaching us all how to live our best lives. Lance is survived by his wife Peg, his daughter Alyssa and his son Aaron. A celebration of life will be held on August 22nd at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley at 536 Ouray Avenue. Memorial gifts may be made to Grand Valley Peace and Justice or the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley.

Mary Pollard, 77 of Fruita, Colorado, passed away on July 06, 2026 at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction.

January 10, 1961 - July 26, 2026 It is with great sadness that the family of Timothy Joseph Brown announces his passing on July 26, 2026 after a brief and fierce bout with cancer.The day he was diagnosed with cancer, he said all he felt was gratitude. Gratitude for the life he was given. Gratitude for his parents, brothers, and the family he was raised in. Gratitude for finding Cheryl, his wife of almost 40 years and the life they shared. Gratitude for his four amazing sons and their families. And above all else, gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Lord. He maintained that sense of gratitude throughout his 4 1/2 week battle before the Lord called him home. Timothy was born the middle child of Don Brown and Norma Brown (Black) on January 10, 1961 in Colorado Springs. He later attended Lewis Palmer High School where he excelled in Wrestling and Football. A fisher of men, Tim led many people to Jesus Christ through his ministry in Colorado and New Mexico. He was a pastor for 28 years. He traveled to Africa, Russia, and Guatemala to train pastors and minister. He continued serving his community in Colorado where he worked with veterans, children, and anyone else who happened into his path. He is preceded in his journey to the Lord by his mother and father and baby sister Brenda. His memory lives on through his beloved wife, Cheryl Brown (Mallett), his sons Timothy, Isaac, Caleb, and Joel, his daughter-in-laws Dale, Mandy, and Marina, as well as his brothers Don and Jeff, and his nine grandchildren, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Church's Chapel at 736 24 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505 on August 22nd at 2:00 PM.

1.21.1934 - 8.04.2026 Mary Lou Hoppe was born on January 21, 1934 to Jared and Maude Phelps in Abilene Kansas. She was the youngest of eight children. Her parents and all of her siblings precede her in death.Mary married Vernon Watson in October of 1950. Mary dropped out of high school to become a wife and mother. They had three children... Costa, Larry, and Vernetta. In their early marriage, Mary and Vernon traveled to different job sites around Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. They finally tired of traveling life and settled their family in Mack, Colorado. In October of 1963 Vernon was killed in a motorcycle accident. Having a strong work ethic and three young children depending on her, Mary sold the house in Mack, finished her high school diploma, and graduated from the first stenographic class offered at Mesa College. She was then hired as the office attendant at Fruita Junior / Senior High School, where she worked for the next few years. In May of 1970, Mary married Frank Hoppe. He was a truck driver and together they spent many years moving job sites and working road construction. At many of the job sites Mary worked as a flagger and even drove a dump truck for a time. Mary also worked as an office assistant in many of the towns they moved to. No matter where she moved, Mary would find a church to attend. She loved Jesus and lead many Bible studies. She was out-going and made friends everywhere she went. Many of these people remained her friends for life. Mary was a fierce prayer warrior and prayed for family and friends daily. If you crossed Mary's path you can be assured you have been prayed for. In addition to her parents, siblings and both husbands, Mary is preceded in death by daughter (Costa Bourg), son-in-law (Rich Bourg), great-granddaughter (Jacinda Bourg) and great-grandson (Garrett Abbott). She is survived by her son (Larry Watson), daughter (Vernetta Edwards), six grandkids, sixteen great-grandkids and six great-great grandkids. A memorial service for Mary will be held on August 19, 2026 at 10:00 am at Martin's Mortuary, 550 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.

11/07/1942 - 07/20/2026 Barbara Yvonne Courtney, 83, of Grand Junction, Colorado, was a devoted Christian, beloved teacher, and faithful mother whose life reflected a quiet commitment to serving God, her family, and every child she taught. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 20, 2026.Born November 7, 1942, in Denison, Texas, to Clarence Newton and Alice Jett-Scroggins, Barbara spent her childhood in Texas and New Mexico. In her twenties, she moved to Colorado after marrying David Courtney, where they raised three children. She later fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mesa College and a master's degree in reading. She taught in District 51 and local Baptist schools, where she had a special gift for helping children with learning disabilities. She treasured the moment when understanding dawned in a child's eyes. To Barbara, teaching was more than a career - it was a ministry rooted in the belief that every child deserved love, encouragement, and the opportunity to succeed. Her Christian faith shaped every part of her life. Before sunrise each morning, Barbara could often be found with her Bible open, a cup of coffee nearby, spending quiet time with the Lord. Those daily moments of devotion were the foundation of her compassion, gentleness, and faithful service to others. She loved Colorado's mountains, gardening, long walks, and reading with a dog curled up in her lap. She believed Vaseline could cure nearly anything and rarely missed an opportunity to apply it—to herself or anyone else. She delighted in family traditions, especially the annual Mother's Day photograph in front of the blooming lilac bush before church. Above all, Barbara was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Newton and Alice Jett- Scroggins; her sister, Donna Warfe; and her brother, David Newton. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Ronald (Geri) Courtney, Robert (Tracy) Courtney, and Deborah Courtney; her grandchildren, Hannah (Scott) Stephens, Andrew (Sadie) Courtney, and Tyler Courtney; her great-grandchildren, Eli, Grace, and Seth Stephens, and Hunter and Caleb Courtney; along with many extended family members, former students, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at Pear Park Baptist Church, 3102 E Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, on August 14th at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pear Park Baptist Church in honor of Barbara's lifelong commitment to sharing Christ's love through education, compassion, and faith. Barbara's legacy lives on in those she loved, and her family rejoices that the faith she shared so faithfully has now become her eternal joy.

John Abeyta, 78 of Montrose , Colorado, passed away on August 06, 2026 at his residence in Montrose. Arrangements are in the care of Snyder Memorials and Funeral Home in Grand Junction, CO. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:30am at Church on the Hill in 62985 CO-90 Montrose, CO. A graveside service will be Monday, August 31, 2026 at 10am at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. Online condolences at https://www.snydergrandvalleymemorials.com/

7.25.1973 - 8.7.2026 The family of Wayne Bobo Leatherman sadly shares that Wayne peacefully went to rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, at HopeWest in Grand Junction, Colorado. Wayne was born in Rifle, Colorado, on July 25, 1973. He grew up in Parachute, Colorado, where he attended school and was active in sports and many school activities. He made the most of every opportunity to be involved and was known for his outgoing personality and ability to make friends. During his teenage years, Wayne spent his summers working at the Battlement Mesa Golf Course, where he continued to build friendships and enjoy being around people. Wayne was the Valedictorian of the Grand Valley High School Class of 1992, an accomplishment that reflected his determination and dedication. He went on to attend Adams State College and Colorado Mesa University. In the summer of 1994, Wayne's life changed when he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment at St. Mary's Hospital. Wayne became a cancer survivor, and that experience shaped the way he lived the rest of his life. He was deeply grateful to God for the life he had been given and never took it for granted. Wayne had a remarkable ability to find joy in life and share it with others. He loved to make people laugh and was well known for his many jokes and stories. His sense of humor was one of the things people will remember most about him. Wayne didn't simply tell jokes—he used laughter to connect with people, brighten their days, and share the happiness he carried with him. In the summer of 1999, Wayne moved to the Life Adjustment Program (LAP) in Grand Junction, Colorado. What began as a new chapter in his life became a home for the next 27 years. At LAP, Wayne made countless friends, participated in a variety of activities, and, of course, told more than his fair share of jokes. Wayne was blessed to have so many nurses, caregivers, staff members, friends, and fellow residents become an important part of his life. His family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Life Adjustment Program who cared for Wayne, supported him, laughed with him, and helped make these 27 years so meaningful. Wayne lived his life to the fullest, one day at a time. He never met a stranger. His outgoing personality, kindness, humor, and genuine love for people touched more lives than his family could ever count. He had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and, most importantly, happy. Wayne's faith was also an important part of who he was. He was a member of the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church and remained grateful to God for the many blessings in his life. His faith, perseverance, and joyful spirit carried him through both the difficult and wonderful moments of his life. The family is grateful to everyone who gave Wayne the opportunity to share his joy, laughter, friendship, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the memories of his family, but in the countless people whose lives he touched simply by being Wayne. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Oluff G. Leatherman. He is survived by his loving family, including his mother, Linda Jarboe, and father, Roger Jarboe; his siblings, Roy E. Leatherman (Tammy), Katie R. Leatherman-Raygoza (Ricardo), Roger W. Jarboe (Linda), Heather Sharrar (Jason), and Kimberly Enright (Ryan); numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends who became like family. Andrea Stone, who brought immense joy, companionship, and love into the final nine years of his life. A special thank you goes to Wayne's nieces, Nicole and Shelby, for being by his side during his final days and surrounding him with love and comfort. Services A graveside service for Wayne will be held at Battlement Mesa Cemetery in Parachute, Colorado, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Those attending are asked to please bring lawn chairs. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18th at 3 pm at Grand Valley Oasis 535 Hoover Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81504 In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Wayne's memory to: Life Adjustment Program - "Helping Hands" 1405 Wellington Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 HopeWest 3090 North 12th Street Grand Junction, CO 81506 St. Mary's Hospital 2635 North 7th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 Wayne spent his life showing others that even after facing difficult circumstances, there is still so much to be grateful for, so much to laugh about, and so many people to love. His laughter will be missed. His kindness will be remembered. His faith will be honored. And the joy he shared with others will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

July 30, 2026 Thomas Milton "Tom" Cook, 84, of Abilene, Texas, passed away at home on July 30, 2026, with his daughters near. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Caregivers at Chisholm House Assisted Living and Enhabit Hospice for the caring and dedicated support they provided to Tom and the girls the past few months. Thank you Omar, Tom's Visiting Angel and last new friend for brightening Tom's days in a way no one else did. A graveside service will be held on September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Elliott-Hamil's Garden of Memories Cemetery 5701 US Highway 277 South Abilene. A visitation will immediately follow at a location to be announced. Tom was born in Freer, Texas, on September 18, 1941, to M.H. Cook Jr. and Virginia B Lamore Cook. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1959 and continued his education at McMurry College in Abilene, earning a bachelor's degree in education in 1965. Tom began his career as a teacher at Nisley Elementary School in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he taught from 1965 to 1972. His years in the classroom remained a treasured part of his life, and he often shared stories about his students; from holding marching-band practice during his PE class to the student who spelled "relief" as "ROLAIDS" on a spelling test. One especially meaningful reminder of those years was a white angel ornament given to Tom by a student in 1970. He hung it on his Christmas tree every year. During the final three Christmases of his life, it was one of only two ornaments he chose to display. Colorado also gave Tom countless opportunities for adventure. He enjoyed hunting and camping on Grand Mesa, skiing, and sharing other winter activities with friends. He delighted in convincing his young daughters that the Swiss Miss pictured on the hot-chocolate package would come to life and visit with him beside the campfire. Tom's years in Grand Junction and the friendships and memories he made there remained with him throughout his life. In 1972, he returned to Texas and joined the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, where he served Texans with disabilities as a counselor for 27 years. After retiring from TRC, Tom devoted much of his time to his cattle ranch. He married Kathy Lyons in Abilene on October 21, 2000, and together they enjoyed Abilene High School football, researching family history, visiting Civil War sites, and traveling by RV to national parks across the country. In 2013, they adopted Gumbo, their giant gray "talking" tabby cat. Tom was a gifted storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor and a sparkle in his blue eyes. His stories often featured hunting and fishing adventures or the escapades of his blue heeler, "Ole Blu." A loving husband, father, friend, and proud "Pocky," Tom treasured time with his grandchildren at the ranch; fishing, popping fireworks, practicing their driving on rocky roads, and feeding crackers to the donkeys, Rosie and Daisy. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 25 years, Kathy Walters Cook, his parents, father M.H. Cook Jr., devoted stepmother Lera Fleming Cook and mother Virginia LaMore Taylor. He is survived by his daughters, Kristin Daniel and husband Jay of Martindale, Texas, and Kendra Clark and husband Todd of Conroe, Texas; stepdaughter, Susan Hruza Clark of Ft. Worth, Texas; grandsons, Nate Clark and wife Megan, Ben Clark and wife Hannah; granddaughters, Kassy Daniel and Kaelin Clark; great-grandsons, Jack and James. Tom leaves his family with a lifetime of treasured stories, ranch adventures, familiar jokes, and laughter. We find comfort in knowing he is at peace and reunited with Kathy, and we will always remember him as our Dad and our Pocky.

March 19, 1944 - August 1, 2026 Don Harper, 82, of Grand Junction, CO, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at the VA hospital with his youngest son by his side.Don was preceded in death by his father, Rayburn Harper; his mother, Lillian "Dee" Harper; his brother, James Harper; and an infant grandchild. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Charlene; his son, James; his daughter, Delaney; all of Grand Junction; his 14 grandchildren, including Elena, Cody, Damon, Easton, Jace, and Piper, as well as 8 grandchildren living abroad; and his sister, Sharon Kennedy, and her husband, Dan. A graveside ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado on August 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

October 1, 1947 - July 30, 2026 Hugh Ray Clingman, 79, passed away on July 30th 2026. Hugh was born on October 1, 1947, in Lusk, Wyoming. At the age of one, he was adopted by his aunt, Nellie Clingman, and her husband, Hugh Walter Clingman. He grew up in several small towns throughout Wyoming alongside his half-siblings, Carol Jean, Connie and Ronnie. In 1962, Hugh and his family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he attended Central High School. Before his senior year, the family relocated to Libya, where his father worked in the oil fields. Hugh returned to Grand Junction in 1967, reenrolled at Central High School, and graduated that spring. Following graduation, Hugh proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years. Stationed in Gaeta, Italy, he served aboard the USS Little Rock, the flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. His military service allowed him to visit many memorable ports throughout the Mediterranean, including Nice, Monaco, Venice and ports in what was then Yugoslavia. On October 2, 1970, Hugh married the love of his life, Sherry Partridge. Together they shared 55 years of marriage and raised two sons, Shawn Walter Clingman and Dirk Charles Clingman. After his military service, Hugh attended Mesa State College and the University of Denver, studying computer programming. He enjoyed a successful career as a computer programmer until his retirement. Family was at the center of Hugh's life. While his sons were growing up, he became actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, earning membership in the Order of the Arrow. He treasured the many camping trips, outdoor adventures and time spent exploring nature with his boys. An avid outdoorsman, Hugh enjoyed camping, hunting and target shooting. In retirement, he found joy tending to his yard and garden and became known as a talented home cook who enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. Hugh was preceded in death by his birth mother, Doris; his adoptive parents, Nellie and Hugh Clingman; his half-sister, Carol Jean; and his beloved eldest son, Shawn Walter Clingman. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sherry Clingman; his son, Dirk Charles Clingman; daughter-in-law, Kelly Asuka Clingman; granddaughter, Zoe Mary Clingman; his half-siblings, Connie and Ronnie; and his three cherished dogs, Malcolm, Scully and Gunther. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the HopeWest team, including the nurses, social workers, CNAs, chaplain and the entire staff, for the compassionate, professional care they provided Hugh and his family. No formal funeral services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest in Hugh's memory.