Bonnie C. Bates (Van Woerkom)

Bonnie C. Bates (Van Woerkom), 58, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away May 11, 2008, in Pagosa Springs. She was born Sept. 21, 1949, to Marvin and LouAnne Bates. She was raised on a farm in Pasco, Wash., and learned the value of hard work.

Bonnie obtained Certified Purchasing Manager status, lived and worked in a number of states, and was always a conscientious employee. On July 21, 1969, while stationed in Alaska with her military husband, she was chosen to be an assistant to the historic meeting of President Nixon and Emperor Hirohito.

Bonnie attended First Baptist Church of Pasco, Wash., with her family as a youth, and accepted Christ as Savior under the ministry of Pastor Elvon Nelson. While living in Pagosa Springs, she attended Community United Methodist Church, and greatly appreciated the Christian fellowship and support. She renewed her faith in God and found strength in reading the Bible and praying in recent years.

She was an avid quilter and won awards for her extraordinary and intricate designs. Bonnie was greatly involved in the Genealogy Society, and served with the Phoenix Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter. Bonnie’s hobbies included cooking, entertaining, outdoor activities, and enjoyed singing.

Survivors include brother Alan Bates and his wife, Leah, of Kennewick ,Wash.; sister Diane, of Kennewick; and father Marvin Bates, of Canada. She was preceded in death by her mother, LouAnne Lederer; and stepfather, Bob Lederer.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St.

Bonnie had an infectious laugh, enjoyed humor, and always looked on the bright side. She will be greatly missed.

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Kathy Fritch

Kathleen Dorothy (Clark) Fritch, of Durango, passed away May 5, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 74.

Kathy was born Feb. 22, 1934, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Harold William (Bob) and Ruth Clark. Raised in Minnesota, she pursued her desire to study forestry, graduating from Iowa State College with a B.S. in Forest management in 1956. She worked summers for the U.S. Forest Service in Black Hills National Forest as a fire lookout ranger, where she met her love, Don. They married in Minneapolis, March 21, 1956. Kathy joined Don in Germany where he was stationed with the U.S. Army for two years. They returned to the Forest Service in Spearfish, S.D., where Kathy learned to ski, joining Don on the slopes. In 1960, they moved to Pagosa Springs, with the Forest Service, and then to Durango in 1963. As their children grew, so did the number of activities that Kathy was involved with. She was a Foster Parent, 4-H Leader, Girl Scout Leader and chief coordinator of the “Fritch Funny Farm.” With the development of the Purgatory Ski Area, Kathy became the first woman to be a member of their Ski Patrol. She went on to become an instructor at the Silverton Avalanche School. In 1977, they moved to Jackson Hole, Wyo. Kathy immediately became involved, joining the National Ski Patrol at Snow King Ski Area and Grand Targhee Ski Area. Summer found her working with the U.S. Forest Service on a helitack fire crew and fire control with Grand Teton National Park. She organized the first Nordic Ski Patrol and Search and Rescue for Teton County. Kathy became the first woman in the National Ski Patrol to earn a “Senior” Classification in both Nordic and Alpine Divisions. In 1982, she was awarded “Outstanding Ski Patroller” for the Intermountain Division and the Silver Star for National Outstanding Patroller. Kathy continued to instruct at the Silverton Avalanche School and became a charter member of the American Association of Avalanche Professionals. In 1988, Don retired from the Forest Service and they returned to Durango. Kathy remained active with the Hesperus Ski Patrol, Silverton Avalanche School, and organized the Hesperus Avalanche School. Her life of adventures included climbing the Grand Teton and numerous ascents of the San Juan Mountains, skiing with her family and friends, and exploring the deserts of the southwest. She greatly enjoyed kayaking and rafting the rivers of the Four Corners including the Grand Canyon. Kathy leaves behind her husband and best friend of 52 years, Don Fritch. Their children, Mary and (Joe) Berning of Arvada; Robin Fritch and (Stephen Saltsman) of Durango; Darla and (Ray) Baumgarten of Eldridge, Iowa.; Ken and (Ginger) Fritch of Denver; eight grandchildren, Michael, Amy, and Christopher Berning; Jurgen and Steffen Baumgarten; Kaitlyn, Kyndall, and Kylene Fritch. Also by her sisters Ruth Kamena and Mary Fry and her nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her many wonderful friends and beloved dog Stony.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Oncology, 1 Mercado Street, Suite 100, Durango, CO 81301. A memorial service for Kathy will be held later this summer and will be announced. Memorial for Kathy Fritch will be held June 28 at the Elks Picnic Grounds in Durango.

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Joe B. Gallegos

Joe B. Gallegos was born July 4, 1931, to Tomas and Delfinia Gallegos in Rosa, N.M. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Arboles, Colo., where they resided at their ranch.

He worked as a truck driver for many years. He eventually retired from the county as a heavy equipment operator. After his retirement, he often saw his co-workers down in Arboles where he spent time reminiscing about the “good old days.”

Joe B. lived out his life on the ranch where he raised his two sons. He lived a simple life — one in which he loved to hunt, fish, hike, plant a garden, and spend time with his family. He also loved to watch old westerns, play his guitar and tell jokes.

He is survived by his two sons: Baltazar Jose Gallegos, Jr., of Pagosa Springs, Colo., and Jose P. Gallegos, of Arboles; his five grandchildren: Angela Schrader of Ukiah, Calif.; Jeremy Gallegos of Pagosa Springs; Phillip, Autumn and Josh Gallegos, all of Arboles; and a great-grandson, Kaeden Rhys Schrader, of Ukiah, Calif.

Joe B. is also survived by his sisters, Clara, Della and Elviria; and his brothers, Diego, Tomas and Joe A.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tomas and Delfinia Gallegos; his sisters, Dora, Loyola, MaryAnn, Cordelia, Lupe and Ramonda; and his brother, Adolfo.

A Rosary was held at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church in Arboles, Wednesday, May 7, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, May 8. The celebrant was Father Doug Hunt, of Ignacio. Interment took place at the New Rosa Cemetery in Rosa, N.M.

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Charles F. Erdman

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March 19, 1933, to March 18, 2008.

A celebration of life will be held May 11, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Josephine’s home in Juanita on the river (22 mile marker, County Road 500).

Tiny wanted everyone she ever met to be happy.

So, bring a dish, a happy smile, a good memory, enjoy the music and help us send her to a better place.

Lt. Gen. Hugh M. Elwood

Lieutenant Gen. Hugh M. Elwood passed away April 18, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Theobald Elwood, and three children: Nan Rowe, of Pagosa Springs; Hugh T. Elwood and his wife, Marilyn; and Barbara Elwood, of Santa Fe, N.M.

Elwood retired from active duty June 28, 1973, ending more than 35 years of military service. During those years, at least several of Pagosa’s retired military personnel recall having served simultaneously with Gen. Elwood at the same duty stations, including Ralph Goulds, Captain, USN (retired); and Sepp Ramsperger, Colonel, USMC (retired).

Elwood was born Nov. 15, 1915, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and graduated from Oakmont High School, Oakmont, Pa. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Aug. 2, 1932.

Elwood served as executive officer and later commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 212 in the Solomon Islands area during World War II. During this assignment, he shot down five enemy aircraft and was designated a Marine Corps Ace.

On his return to the United States, he commanded the Marine Air Force and the Marine Air Detachment, Marine Air Reserve Training Command, St. Louis, Mo., until July 1949. He was next assigned to the Naval Academy where he was an instructor in the Aviation Department for two years.

Ordered to Korea in August 1951, he took part in combat as executive officer and tactical officer, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He earned a Gold Star in lieu of a second Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in this capacity on Jan. 26, 1952, when he led his division on a 12-plane interdiction mission against 15 hostile tanks, executed a series of devastating bombing and strafing attacks in the face of enemy antiaircraft fire, then escorted the damaged plane of his wingman safely back to base. He also earned a Bronze Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Air Medal in Korea.

In January 1963, he was named assistant deputy chief of staff (Plans), at Headquarters Marine Corps, and the following month was promoted to brigadier general.

He was assigned duty as assistant chief of staff, (J-3), Operations, Staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Admiral John S. McCain, Jr.), in Hawaii. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his service in this capacity. While serving with the Commander in Chief, he was nominated for promotion to the three-star rank by President Nixon in October 1970, his nomination confirmed by the Senate Dec. 9, 1970.

A complete list of medals and decorations include: the Distinguished Service Medal with gold stir in lieu of second award; the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”; the Distinguished Flying Cross with one gold star in lieu of second award; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”; the Air Medal with gold stars in lieu of second and third awards, the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star; Navy Unit Commendation; the American Defense Service Medal; the American Campaign Medal; one Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star; the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars; the Vietnamese Service Medal with two bronze stars; the Peruvian Aviation Cross-First Class; the National Order of Vietnam-5th Class; the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm; the United Nations Service Medal; he Korean Presidential Unit Citation; and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

General Elwood will be interred with full military honors June 26, 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Ryan Lister

Ryan was born June 2, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents are Lawrence (Lonnie) Ells, and Pam Lister.

He died in Bad Salzhausen, Germany, April 21, 2008.

Ryan enjoyed baseball, soccer, basketball and BMX biking.  He earned his GED diploma from Pagosa Springs Education Center and, after graduation, worked in the construction field, most recently as a roofer. He was diagnosed with cancer in September 2007, and died of complications from esophageal cancer.

Ryan and Jesika Brule had a son, Hunter Brule, who lives in Pagosa Springs.

Ryan was cremated, and an account has been established at Wells Fargo — the Ryan M. Lister Fund — to defray medical bills, and to help with the cost of returning Ryan’s remains back to Pagosa Springs in time for a scheduled memorial.

A Rosary is set for Friday at 6 p.m., and a church service will take place Saturday, May 3, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

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Theresa “Vicky” Ginn

October 3, 1957 – April 18, 2008.

Vicky was a loving wife, mother, sister and aunt. She had a heart of gold and was always willing to help someone in need. Vicky loved angels, and it’s only appropriate that she now is one. She can now do that without limitations.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Ginn; children Jason Silva, Dorothy Silva and Mark Ginn Jr.; her mother, Stella Lucero Martinez; grandmother Lilly Gurule; brothers and sisters, LeeRoy Lucero, Eleanor Shelton, Suzanna Valdez, Sonnie Lucero and Dennis Lucero; aunts and uncles Irene Lucero, Tony Gurule, Clifford Lucero and Jesus Lucero.

She is preceded in death by her father, Victor Lucero, sister Dorothy Lucero, nephew Michael Maestas, and her grandparents, Mary and Victor Lucero.

Services were held at St. Theodore Church in Flint Hill, Mo., however, services will also be held in Pagosa Springs, on a date to be announced.

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Gertrude Koy

Gertrude L. Koy, 95, of Eureka, passed away at 1:20 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Maple Lawn Homes where she was a resident.

She was born January 7, 1913, in Melrose Park, Ill., to Henry and Alvina Knuepple Luhrsen. She married Arnold C. Koy July 27, 1935, in Melrose Park. He passed away August 6, 1967, in Hawaii.

Survivors include four children: Kathryn L. Hansen, of Mundelein; Kenneth C. (Kathy) Koy, of Pagosa Springs; Carolyn R. (Stephen L.) Stolarick, of Normal; Karl (Paula) Koy, of Kickapoo; 13 grandchildren, John (Kathy) Hansen; Alicia (Lonnie) Anderson; Bryan (Roberta) Hansen; Kenny (Lisa) Hansen; Karen (Bob) Stadtler; Jeffrey (Kim) Koy; Anthony (Eileen) Koy; Jeremy, Jessica, and Emily Buikema; Kevin, Beth Anne and Stephen (Lara) Stolarick; 18 great-grandchildren: Ben and Zach Anderson; Jake, Haley and Joshua Hansen; Joseph and Danny Hansen; Jordan, Kirsten and Payton Hansen; Kerrigan, Sam, Quentin and Katelyn Stadtler; Mia, Seamus and Kathleen Koy; and Henry Stolarick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers: Myron, Walter, Elmer and Lawrence.

Gertrude was a member of the Eureka United Methodist Church. She loved bowling, enjoyed painting, traveling, camping, playing bridge and cribbage. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and RSVP. She also enjoyed quilting, bird watching, collecting bricks, gardening and thunderstorms.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Maple Lawn Homes Memorial Hall. The Rev. Doug Hicks will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Interment of the cremains will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Hillside, Ill., at a later date. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gertrude Koy Memorial Fund, Maple Lawn Homes, 700 N. Main St. Eureka, IL 61530. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.

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Ryan Lister

Ryan Lister lost his battle with cancer in Germany where he was receiving treatment to help him prolong his life, come back to Pagosa to be with his family and friends, and especially his son, Hunter.

Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2007. He fought a good fight, and thanks to the family and friends who held fund-raisers and an e-mail-a-thon to help raise money, Ryan and his mom, Pam, were able to make the trip to Germany.

 An obituary and announcement of service will be posted on The Sun Web site, www.pagosaSUN.com and printed in an upcoming edition of the newspaper. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contact Wells Fargo Bank (Ryan M. Lister Fund), the Ryan Lister Fund by the Knights of Columbus, or call or write Joe Lister Jr. at jlister@centurytel.net or (970) 946-5019.

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