Lifelong resident of Manassa James “Darold” Vance, 90 passed away peacefully May 31, 2017 at the San Luis Care Center in Alamosa.

Darold was born in Manassa, Colorado on September 23, 1926, the son of James Wesley (Walter) and Viera Ann Vance (Bailey).  He married Beryle Jeanene Robins on March 27, 1946. Their marriage was sealed for all time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2, 1966. They enjoyed over 69 years together until her passing on June 13, 2015.
Darold is most remembered in the community for having owned and operated a successful cattle ranch north of Manassa. Growing this ranch was one of his proudest achievements.  However, he also completed a successful career as a welder and mechanic at the Colorado State Highway Department.  Darold is remembered for his hard work, trustworthiness, and fair dealings with whom he interacted.
Darold was an inspiration to all his children and neighbors. He always loved music and was an accomplished Steel Guitar Player and Banjo Player in various bands throughout his life.  He enjoyed prospecting and spending time on the Prairie east of Manassa. Many of his friendships and associations were formed while engaged in these activities.

Darold also operated a small turquoise and jewelry business. Not only did this give him an opportunity to work alongside members of his family, but afforded him an opportunity to travel through New Mexico, Arizona and Utah while trading stones, jewelry and rugs.   

Darold served four years on the North Conejos School Board. At the end of his service, he gave Keith his diploma.

Darold is survived by his children Patricia (Pat) Eileen (Les) Forbes of Ft. Collins, CO, James (Jim) Darold (Donna) Vance, Jr. of Tualatin, OR, Jesse Dale (Renee) Vance of Harrison, NE, Virginia Louise (David) Svaldi of Gig Harbor, WA, and Keith Douglas (Patricia) Vance of Alamosa; his grandchildren: Shane, Bradley, Tanya, Heather, Jennifer, Jason, Jeffrey, Rachel, Kassie, Chantine, Fletcher, Alexandra, Dillion, Benjamin, and Kaitlyn; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother Lane Wesley Vance, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, twin daughters Jean and Jeanene, his brother and sisters Walter Warren Vance, Margie DeLane Wood, and Charlotte Anne Vance.

Visitations will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa and Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 8:45-9:45 am in the Relief Society Room at the Church in Alamosa. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Alamosa 3rd Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300 Richardson Avenue in Alamosa.  Interment will follow services in the Manassa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and remarks for Darold’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com