Obituaries - The Monte Vista Journal (2025)

Kenneth George Teunis

Kenneth George Teunis, 94, of Creede, Colo., passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024. Born on June 3, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Mich., Kenneth was a man whose warmth and friendliness touched the lives of many. Kenneth's journey led him from the place of his birth, through California, and to the scenic expanses of Creede, where he embraced the community and its natural beauty.

Leola Roberts

Longtime Monte Vista resident Leola Roberts, 95, died May 24, 2024 at her home in Monte Vista. Leola’s life began in Monte Vista, Colo., on Sept. 5, 1928, the daughter to Delbert Stillings and Blanche M. Jones Stillings. She married James Roberts on Nov. 6, 1949, at the Christian Church in Monte Vista. They enjoyed over 63 years until his death in 2012.

Charlotte Marie Valdez York

Charlotte Marie Valdez York was called home by her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 17, 1946, in Del Norte, Colo., the daughter of Anna Marie Valdez Gallegos.

Vivian Gay Deitrich-MacLean

Vivian Gay Deitrich-MacLean died suddenly on July 10, 2024, while on vacation in Southern Colorado at the age of 69. She was born to Richard and Margaret (Burkholder) Deitrich in Del Norte, Colo. She lived her childhood in Baltimore, Md., and Denver, Colo.

Michal Jean Thompson

Michal Jean Thompson, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of July 9, 2024, at her home in Highland Village, Texas. Born to Gladys and Alton Berry on Oct. 24, 1945, Michal’s life was a tapestry of loyalty, kindness, and dedication to her family and friends.

Leonard Martinez

MONTE VISTA – Leonard Martinez, a man of spirited intelligence and profound faith, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, in Pueblo, Colo. Born on Aug. 5, 1950, in Center, Colo., Leonard's life was a testament to the love and dedication he had for his family, his country, and the simple joys that life had to offer.

Karla Elizabeth Heckaman

Karla Elizabeth Heckaman, a dedicated and respected longtime Deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, passed away on July 25, 2024, in Del Norte, Colo. She was born on May 27, 1955, in Del Norte, Colo. Karla led a fulfilling life that touched the hearts of many.

Lonnie Torrez

CENTER – The effervescent spirit of Lonnie Torrez, a man whose laughter echoed louder than any karaoke track, has taken his final bow on the stage of life, leaving behind a legacy of joy and selflessness. Lonnie, born under the Colorado skies of Monte Vista on Dec. 29, 1963, closed his eyes in the comforting embrace of his hometown, Center, Colo., on his 60th birthday, Dec. 29, 2023.

Shirley Ricketts

Shirley Ann Shuler was born to Mabel Clare McKinley Shuler and Covert Preston Shuler in Springfield Colo., baby sister to Betty Jayne and Patricia Louise. In 1935, the family settled in Del Norte, …

Angelina Ortega

This obituary is in the loving memory of our mother. She died at the golden age of not quite 88 years old.

(Harriet) Lynn Knight-Montaño

(Harriet) Lynn Knight-Montaño passed away peacefully on the morning of June 22, 2024, in Crestview, Fla., at the age of 83. Born May 3, 1941, in Frankton, Ind., she was one of nine children to Helen (Soots) and Woodrow Knight.

Larry Eugene Carpenter

Larry Eugene Carpenter, a longtime Valley resident, passed away in Alamosa, Colo., on July 4, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 22, 1941, in Center, Colo., to LT and Alice …

Leola Roberts

Longtime Monte Vista resident Leola Roberts, 95, died May 24, 2024, at her home in Monte Vista.

George W. Blake

George W. Blake, 103, passed away at Homelake Veterans Center in Monte Vista, Colo., on May 8, 2024

Leola Roberts

Longtime Monte Vista resident Leola Roberts, 95, died May 24, 2024, at her home in Monte Vista.

Stanley Dale

Stanley Dale "Cowboy" Henderson, 66, died surrounded by family and his loving fur babies Derby, Moose, Clifford and Lucky, at his residence in Del Norte on Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was born on Jan. 26, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas, to Daniel "Byrd" and Beverly Henderson.

Jeffrey John Gonzales

Jeffrey John Gonzales, a self-employed Carpenter known for his loving, competitive, outgoing, and fun personality, passed away on April 1, 2024, in Pueblo, Colo. He was born on Nov. 22, 1979, in Del Norte, Colo.

Beverly Sue Benson (formerly O’Rourke) Bacon

Co-founder of Miner, Tines passes awayBeverly Sue Benson (formerly O’Rourke) Bacon, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully in her Tucson, Ariz., home on March 4, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Tulsa, Okla., on Sept. 21, 1935, Beverly lived a life filled with love, passion, and remarkable accomplishments.

Calvin Harold Kernen

Calvin Harold Kernen passed on Feb. 11, 2024, in Arcata, Calif. Cal was born Aug. 5, 1925, in Del Norte, Colo., to Swiss immigrants Friederick Alfred and Mary Albertina Kernen and was proud to have turned 98 ½ years old just days before his passing.

Paul Carlton Douglas

Paul Carlton Douglas, 66, a lifelong resident of Colorado was tragically lost on March 6, 2024, in Villa Grove, Colo. Mr. Douglas was born Nov. 9, 1957, in California to Jim Franklin and Ella May (Wilson) Douglas.