Obituary: Dwight David Willman

April 11, 1953 – February 29, 2024

Dwight David Willman, 70, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado passed away on Feb. 29, 2024, at Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Dwight was active in sports growing up while attending grade school in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. Learning to play guitar would eventually find Dwight alongside his brother, Tom, in a band they dubbed “The Selmores” in their high school years. Dwight was an accomplished lead guitarist in the band, and they had quite the local following. Learning to fish at an early age, Dwight had a lifetime of adventures…from bay trips with his grandparents to deep sea adventures with friends, Dwight was in his element on the water.
Occupationally, Dwight developed a passion for retail sales and upon moving to Steamboat Springs in 1976, Dwight gained employment at F.M. Light & Sons, where he worked for 10 years before opening several successful retail stores in Steamboat.
Dwight is survived by his mother, Jeanne Willman; daughter Amanda Starbuck, her husband Leo and their son, August; Sister Melinda Willman; Nephews Aaron Willman and Shane Burdette, Nieces Sarah Willman, Kayleigh Kerbs and Elisa Burdette. Dwight was predeceased by his father, C. Lee Willman; Brother, Thomas Willman; grandparents Charles and Ruth Bortz and Clarence and Sadie Willman.
There will be a celebration of Dwight’s life held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9th, 2024, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Steamboat Springs, with a reception following. The Willman family would love to hear a great story shared by friends and loved ones as we honor his memory and the moments we shared together. Arrangements made by: Yampa Valley Funeral Home 970-879-1494

Obituary: Harold Ivan Bristol

November 9, 1943 – February 8, 2024

Harold Ivan Bristol, beloved, selfless, and unassuming, peacefully passed away February 8, 2024, at the age of 80. Born November 9, 1943, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to Lola Mae (Robinson) and Wayne Bristol.

The family moved from Steamboat to Ft. Morgan and then Frisco, CO, where Harold attended the two-room schoolhouse (now part of the Frisco Historic Park and Museum) on Main Street. He graduated, in a class of 18, from Breckenridge High School in 1962, forging lifelong friendships within the close-knit Summit County community.

Growing up, Harold cared for several local widows by shoveling snow and coal, hauling water from their wells, and trapping the occasional skunk. With the mountains as his backyard, if he wasn’t at school or working, Harold was hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, or exploring. He modified his Model A car with two transmissions allowing him to traverse steep mountain terrain.

After high school, Harold worked with his father at Bristol Excavating and Sons, operating machinery on many projects such as setting the first chairlift towers at Breckenridge and Vail, logging, and building access roads for the eventual Eisenhower Tunnel. Like many locals, he also worked at the Climax Mine. However, Harold’s passion was ranching, inspired by the significant time he spent learning from his grandparents on their ranch near Steamboat Springs.

On December 5, 1970, in Dillon, CO he married Susan Lee Nelson. Together, they moved to the Davidson Ranch south of Nathrop, CO to live the ranch life, raise a family, and build community; church, 4-H and the Cattlemen’s Association. They established Bristol Excavating, Inc., and moved into Buena Vista in 1983, while continuing their cattle business till retirement.

As an avid runner and lover of horses, mules, and burros, it was only fitting that Harold competed and twice won the World’s Championship Pack Burro Race between Leadville to Fairplay 1968 and Breckenridge to Fairplay in 1969. He even won the Tenderfoot Hill Climb scramble up S-Mountain in Salida in 1975 (while his wife was in the hospital giving birth).

Harold grew his team of pack animals and hauled out countless deer and elk during hunting season. He packed in supplies for the military participants of Spring Canyon’s Rocky Mountain High program a few times every summer. And before the existence of Chaffee County Search and Rescue he would pack in and help search when needed.

Harold is survived by his sons, Bruce (Diane) Bristol, Andrew Bristol, and John (Ana) Bristol; grandson, Ethan Bristol; siblings, Marvin (Coleen) Bristol, Sylvia (Rick) Grady, and Joe Bristol. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bonnie (Ron) Foreseen and David Bristol, and his beloved wife, Susan, who passed 17 days earlier.

A memorial service for both Harold and Susan will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Buena Vista at 2 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

Obituary: Matthew Lynn Moore

October 10, 1975 – February 18, 2024

Matthew Lynn Moore passed away as a result of an aneurysm on Sunday, February 18th at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the age of 48, surrounded by his loving wife and sons.

Matthew began his incredible life on October 10, 1975, in Denver, Colorado. Parents Gary and Diane Moore watched proudly as, even at a young age, Matthew was described by others as having the kindest of hearts. Matthew and his brother, Justin, loved camping and skiing in the beautiful mountains of Steamboat as children. That love of the great outdoors and adventure continued into adulthood as Matthew traveled throughout Europe and South America and planned to hike the Appalachian Trail with his wife, Rhonda.

Matthew attended Colorado State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and developed an incredible dedication and passion for his work. Matthew was a highly respected engineer for over 24 years and was responsible for building highways and runways for military bases and airports across the country.

Matthew’s inquisitive nature and love of learning contributed to his passion for reading, taking on new challenges, and researching his family ancestry. He had a zest for life, was creative, and was known as an avid reader, builder, and artist. Family always enjoyed Matt’s dry and unique sense of humor that included a twinkle in his eye and a great smile.

Matthew was a deeply loyal man and cherished family with all his being. His son was the light of his life, and he always went above and beyond to support loved ones. He organized a family trip to Ireland so his Grandpa Thompson could reach his life-long dream of visiting his ancestral roots.

Matthew’s integrity and kindness were beyond compare, and all those who met him can attest to his admirable character. Those touched by his life are better people for having known him.

Matthew leaves behind his wife, Rhonda Moore, son Charlie Moore, stepsons Andrew Brown and Christopher Brown, mother Diane Moore, brother Justin Moore, sister-in-law Elsy Moore, grandmother Lovie Thompson; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and niece, who will miss him dearly.

The family is planning a celebration of life in early summer.

Obituary: Scott Denniston

October 20, 1951 – February 17, 2024

Jeffrey “Scott” Denniston passed away February 17, 2024, at his home in Hahn’s Peak.  He was born on October 20, 1951, in Redwood City, CA to F. Edwin and Anne Denniston.  He was preceded in death by his father.  He is survived by his wife Michelle of 41 plus years; his mother Anne of Canaan, CT;  sisters, Leslie (Don) Hastings of Millerton, NY and Lory (Gary) Salberg of Eagle, ID; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Scott grew up in Palo Alto, CA. until the family moved to Lake Oswego, OR, where he graduated high school. 

His love of music started at a very young age when he would listen to the radio in bed and sing himself to sleep with “Happy Trails To You, Until We Meet Again”.  He continued with his music by playing guitar in garage bands in Jr. High on.  He fell in with the pedal steel guitar which lasted for the rest of his life.

He was an adventurer.  You could tell that by his hitchhiking trip around the world, and that trip opened up his horizons and taught him great lessons in life.

Scott was a self-learner.  When he wanted to learn something he researched it until he was satisfied he could achieve it.  His Mom and Dad were so proud of his achievements and were awed by the house he and his wife Michelle built.

He spent over 30 years over the road trucking with Michelle.

Scott’s family always enjoyed his great sense of humor. His Mom said he really loved his family, and he ended every phone call with “I Love You Mom.”
And So, Scott, we say, with Love “Happy Trails To You.”

Celebration of Life will be at a later date.

Obituary: Betty June Florquist

May 14, 1932 – February 5, 2024

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm, Sat Mar 2 at The Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests contributions to the Sancy Shaw Scholarship Fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation.

Obituary: Joanne (Jojo) Davidson

May 20, 1961 – January 3, 2024

Joanne “Jojo” Davidson, died on January 3, 2024, in Colorado following a brief illness that included hospital stays in Steamboat Springs and Denver. She was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, and then raised in West Concord (MA). Jojo enjoyed growing up in a wonderful neighborhood and going on family beach trips to Hampton Beach, NH, Old Orchard Beach, ME, and other fun locales.

While maintaining her deep love of Massachusetts, in 1986, she relocated to the charming ski town of Steamboat Springs. There, she found a wonderful community of supportive friends, and Joanne made it her home for the rest of her life. During her more than 37 years in Steamboat, she worked at Beckett’s Drug Store, a t-shirt shop, the Harbor Hotel, Alpine Taxi, and then the Quality Inn for 12 years.

She was well known for cheering on New England sports teams and for being a volunteer bell ringer for the Salvation Army for 22 Christmas seasons. Joanne’s friendliness, love of socializing, and warm personality made it seem like she knew everyone in Steamboat. She returned to New England often to visit life-long friends and family, to see her beloved Red Sox play at Fenway Park, and for concerts and beach vacations.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph J. Davidson, Jr., and Jean M. (Rice) Davidson, as well as her four grandparents and other family members. She is survived by her three siblings, Pat Davidson, Linda Munroe-Davidson, and Jim Davidson; her brother-in-law, Jim Munroe-Davidson; her sister-in-law, Gloria Davidson; her beloved nieces and nephew (Meaghan, Adina, Naomi, Jess, and Nick), as well as by her extended family.

Her loved ones will miss her generous spirit, holiday cards, epic magnet collection, knowledge of family history, and diligent genealogy research. A memorial reception will take place at the Old Town Pub (600 US-40, Steamboat Springs) on Sunday, March 10, 2024. The event will be from 4 pm through 7 pm. There will be a brief presentation at 5:00 pm to share favorite stories about Jojo. In lieu of flowers, Joanne requested that donations be made to one of her favorite local charities: United Way of Yampa Valley.

Obituary: Betty June Florquist

May 14, 1932 – February 5, 2024

Betty J Florquist died Feb 5, 2024, in Steamboat Springs, CO. Betty was born May 14, 1932, in Cullman, AL, daughter of Hoyt Brown and Agnes (Humphreys) Brown.
After graduating high school in 1950, the Brown family moved to Fraser, CO where she met a young sailor, Walt Florquist. The two were married on Feb. 27, 1953, when Walt was on leave from the Navy. What followed was a 71-year marriage that epitomized their love and devotion to each other.
Betty was a devoted mother and wife. She enjoyed exploring the West with her husband and children; the family hiked several Colorado 14ers and 13ers, explored the Grand Canyon from the top to the bottom and back again, and all of them navigated a month-long hike across the Continental Divide.
Betty was an athlete; she skied both downhill and cross-country during the winter months, enjoyed tennis and golf during the summer months and she even competed in softball and bowling leagues – often with women much younger than she was.
For 19 years, she worked for FM Lights in Steamboat, sometimes riding her Honda motorcycle to work from her home south of town. She could also be seen adventuring down Hwy 40 on her Honda, making a trip to “the mall” in Craig. She was a 40-year member of PEO and a life-long member of the Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Willa and brother Johnny. She is survived by her husband, Walt; son Keith (Bonnie) of Evergreen, CO; and son, Kraig (Tammy) of Lander, WY. Betty loved her 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm, Sat Mar 2 at The Heart of Steamboat Methodist Church, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests contributions to the Shaw Scholarship Fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation.

Obituary: Nancy Lou DeRosa

September 26, 1941 – January 20, 2024

Nancy Lou (Strejc) DeRosa went peacefully to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at her home in Oak Creek, WI. She was born in Chicago, IL to William and Mildred Strejc. The family later settled in southwestern Michigan in the small town of Coloma. Nancy graduated from Coloma High School in 1959, the same year she was crowned Miss Blossomtime. She met her husband Tom DeRosa while at Coloma High and they married in 1961 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Watervliet. They raised a family, moved to Colorado where she worked and retired from the United States Postal Service. They traveled the world lived a full, rich life together and celebrated 61 years happily married this past December. Her true joys in life were singing in her church choir, cruising all over the world, playing bingo and watching her Milwaukee Bucks.

She is preceded in death by her Father and Mother, William and Mildred Strejc. She leaves behind her beloved husband Tom, daughter Lauren (Lynn), son Greg (Michele) with granddaughters Carley, Abigail and Jolie, son Brad (Amy) with granddaughters Josie and Kenna, sister Marianne (Dave) Vogie with nephews Jeff, Roger, Tom, Rob and Chris and brother Bill Strejc (Debora) with nephews Nick and Blake and her most beloved dog Gracie. She had friends from all over the country where they have lived, from Steamboat Springs to Fort Collins, CO and Dunedin, FL to Bluffton, SC. She will be missed by us all and it is our hope that anyone that knew her will keep her memory alive in their thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Fund at stjude.org or at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

There will be a 1 hour gathering at the church from 10-11:00am before a full Catholic Mass on February 16, 2024 at 11:00am at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 800 Marquette Ave., South Milwaukee, WI. A celebration of her life will be held at a location TBD on Friday afternoon following the mass for all who are able to attend. She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a later date in Coloma, MI.

Obituary: Macpherson “Moke” Raymond

September 21, 1941 – January 9, 2024

Macpherson “Moke” Raymond, Jr., 82, died in Denver, Colorado on January 9, 2024 of natural causes.

Moke was born on September 21, 1941 to Ramsay Lance Raymond and Macpherson Raymond in East Orange, NJ. He grew up on Dalhousie Farm, in Princeton, NJ, the oldest of eight siblings, and graduated from The Lawrenceville School in 1960. Lover of mountains and eager for adventure, he moved to Boulder, Colorado to study civil engineering at the University of Colorado. Taking a hiatus from his studies, Moke joined the US Marines Corps and was stationed in Subic Bay, Philippines during the Vietnam War. After serving, he returned to the University of Colorado and earned his BA degree in English Literature in 1968, a passion which lasted until his final days.

In 1967, Moke married Susan Grant in Littleton, Colorado. While living on the front range, he attended flight school and earned his certification as a flight instructor at Sky Ranch Airport. Moke and Susan moved to Steamboat Springs in 1971, where Moke worked at Routt County National Bank and taught flight school in the evenings. For many years he stabled his Cessna on their farm and flew back to the east coast, the southwest, and to Baja, Mexico. Gregarious by nature, Moke left the bank to sell real estate as a partner at RE/MAX. The couple had two children, Lance and Mariah, and divorced in 1987. In 1993, Lance died in a car accident at the age of eighteen.

Ever-correcting the grammar of those around him, Moke put his love of the English language to use grading highschool GED papers after retiring from real estate. Along with his long-time partner, Nancy Jewell, Moke renovated properties in Mesa County, bred and raised West Highland White Terriers, and supported her work with Partners and Girl Scouts. A strong believer that nothing was beyond repair, from radios to washing machines, he also established FIXIT, a one-man handyman service.

Jack-of-all-trades and artist to the core, Moke spent his free time taking photographs, painting landscape watercolors, woodworking, writing, brewing beer, wine-making, raising exotic pigeons, renovating his beloved camper, “The Thistlepod,” and devising contraptions to harness wind and solar energy. His passion for art and invention was surpassed only by his love for the outdoors. Whenever time allowed, he explored the desert canyons of the southwest, climbed fourteeners, and camped in all seasons.

In his final years, Moke devoted himself to rescuing senior West Highland White Terriers and enjoyed a quiet existence in relative solitude, interspersed by visits from beloved friends, family and his partner, Ruth Ann. He was preceded in death by his son, Lance, and his brothers, Lance, Kit and Duncan. Moke is survived by his daughter, Mariah (Todd); grandson, Landon; and siblings Cherry, Peter, Whit and Josh. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Westie Rescue Network, Inc., Attn: Hollie Hunter, Treasurer, P.O. Box 884, Lafayette, CO 80026, www.westierescuenetwork.org, Friends of the Yampa at www.friendsoftheyampa.com, or The Community Agriculture Alliance at www.communityagalliance.org.

Obituary: Rusena “Rusty” Faye Ellis Cobb

March 4, 1936 – February 1, 2024

Rusena “Rusty” Faye Ellis Cobb passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, with her devoted husband and family by her side.

She was born on March 4, 1936 to Russell & Zelma (Zimmerman) Ellis in Craig, Colorado.

Rusty graduated from Little Snake River Valley High School in 1954 and married her high school sweetheart, John “Tom” Cobb on October 16, 1955.

Tom and Rusty settled down in Savery, where they built their life together as ranchers and raised three children, Christy, Cindy and Jack.

Rusty had a true passion for serving her community. In addition to her work with the 4-H and FFA groups and various local boards, she was a longtime champion of the Little Snake River Museum.

During their 68 years together, Rusty and Tom welcomed children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, all of whom deeply loved Rusty and will greatly miss her.

Rusty was preceded in death by her parents Russell & Zelma Ellis, sister Claudia Herold, brothers Dale and Donald Ellis, and daughter, Christy Stocks.

She is survived by her husband Tom Cobb, sister Marilyn Gilroy; children Cindy Cobb and Jack (Diana) Cobb; grandchildren Bo (Kristen) Stocks, Kody (Codey) Stocks, Stacy (Brandon) Perry, Corby Cobb, Brice Reid, Ashley (Aaron) Dishman, Jacquelyn (Chet) Harvey, Tyson (Hailey) Cobb; and great-grandchildren Kash, Kaylee, Katelyn, Kase, Colt, Cooper, Nike, Keegan, Ellie, Kyson, Izzy, Stratton and Rosaleigh.

A memorial service will be held February 12 at 1 p.m. at the Valley Community Center in Baggs with a graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christy Stocks Community Fund at PO Box 105, Dixon, WY 82323.