It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mom and grandmother, Louise Duran, on Dec. 9, 2024. She was 86 years old. 

Stephen Lee Blount died at his home in Del Norte under hospice care on Dec. 18, 2024. He was born in Charleston, S.C., on Oct. 1, 1952, to Herbert and Phyllis (Snyder) Blount. 

Tony Gazzola, 88, passed away peacefully Nov. 20, 2024, in San Diego, Calif., surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Jose Eliazar Sanchez, 100, known affectionately as Eli to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2024, in Del Norte, Colo. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Eli’s journey through …

Longtime Antonito resident Jose J. Archuleta, 75, was called home on Dec. 17, 2024, in Colorado Springs under Hospice care with his loving family by his side. Jose was born on Nov. 23, 1949, in Monte Vista, the son of Esequiel Archuleta and Maria Celia Archuleta. 

ALAMOSA – Lillian Klutts, a beloved figure in the Alamosa community, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Dec. 17, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on Aug. 27, 1949, in Alamosa, Colo., Lillian's life was one marked by love, passion, and a vivacious spirit that left an indelible mark on all who knew her. 

On Dec. 14, 2024, Born Silent…..Oakley William Lopez, made a sudden arrival, weighing 1lb 5 oz and measuring 12 1/2 inches long. Though his time was short, his impact will be felt forever. 

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Aiyana Renee Chavez. Aiyana gained her angel wings on Dec. 9, 2024. She passed at Children's Hospital in Denver with her loving family right by her side. Aiyana made her grand entrance into the world on Aug. 2, 2008, the only daughter of Jon Chavez and Vanessa Sanchez. 

David C. Keiry, 92, of Monte Vista, Colo., passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord he served. He was born at home in Monte Vista in 1932 to Oliver and Ruth Keiry. David was well loved by family and community.  

Antonito Resident Frank Rueben Montoya “Papa”, 73, was called home Dec. 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born Nov. 5, 1951, to Eva Helen Pacheco and Jose Valois Montoya in La Jara, Colo. 

Dennis Maestas, 73, gained his wings on Nov. 27, 2024, in Espanola, N.M. Dennis was born on Feb. 7, 1951, and was son to Guillermo and Andrea Maestas of Capulin, Colo. He was a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, and friend. During Dennis’ earlier days, he worked as an assistant manager at Denny’s where he inherited the love for culinary specialties. 

Gained his wings Oct. 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born June 25, 1963, to Eva H. Padilla and Joe V. Padilla in La Jara, Colo. 

Stephen Frank Malouff was born on Sept. 24,1942, in Capulin, Colo. He entered into his eternal resting place on Dec. 3, 2024, in Aztec, N.M. at the age of 82. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Stephen’s life was a testament to strength, love, loyalty, compassion, and faith.  

ALAMOSA – Robert Don Gallegos, a cherished father, son, brother, and friend, passed away suddenly on Dec. 6, 2024, in Alamosa, Colo. Born on July 23, 1978, in La Jara, Colo., Robert's life was a testament to his loving, courageous, and selfless nature. 

DEL NORTE – Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother. Eileen was born Feb. 15, 1944, in Cortez, Colo. She passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2024, in her own bed. She has lived in Del Norte, Colo., for 49 years.  

Irene S. Monter-Chadwick passed away on Oct. 10, 2024, in Arvada, Colo. Irene was born to William Ziebell and Sophia Esslinger Ziebell on July 23, 1922, in Arapahoe, Neb. 

Felipe “Don” Donaldo Cruz, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 28, 2024. Born on April 4, 1941, in Los Pinos, N.M. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

Marilyn Slingerland Owsley was born March 4, 1928 to Leon Earl and Mary Ethel (Decker) Slingerland. She was the youngest of three children. She and her older brothers, Earl and Carl, enjoyed being raised in the Sargent Community. Marilyn attended Sargent High School and graduated in 1946. She was proud she was able to drive the school bus during her senior year. 

Thomas Alan Purcell, 69, passed away peacefully in his own home in Bear Creek, Colo., on Nov. 28, 2024. Born in California on Aug. 30, 1955, to James and Iris (Wilson) Purcell. He married the love of his life, Denise Hidlebaugh on Jan. 24, 1981, and together they enjoyed 44 years of marriage. 

Barbara L. Pruett, 78, passed away on Nov. 26, 2024, in UC Memorial Central Hospital, with family by her side. She was born on May 18, 1946, to Robert Norman Werner Sr. and Arleen (Lund) Werner in Ashland, Wis.