From Rio Blanco County, Colorado:
Donald Eugene Rhodes
November 27, 1965 ~ October 29, 2003
Donald Eugene Rhodes, survived by his wife Lynn, and two daughters, Sara and Laura, died on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003, as the result of a plane crash.
Rhodes left a Christian legacy with his family and friends, being known as one of the most charitable individuals to grace their lives. He never forsook the opportunity to love and bless others. His life was truly a legacy of good works.
Born Nov. 27, 1965, in Denver, Colo., he was graduated Durango High School in 1984. Rhodes fulfilled his long-time dream of flying when he ventured into an 18-year flying career by enrolling at Colorado Northwester Community College in Rangely in 1985. It was there he met his wife-to-be, Lynn Thayer.
After receiving his A.S. in Aviation Technology, he and Lynn traveled the U.S., flying for FedEx, Rio Grande Aviation and Airborne Express. They lived in many states including Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas and Georgia. Flying brought them to Casper, Wyo., and for the last nearly six years, they have enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, skiing and camping.
Rhodes, a devout Christian, a most loving husband and father, filed with compassion and goodness, now awaits the return of his Lord Jesus Christ. At that time, we will se him once again.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at Bustard’s Funeral home and Crematory with Rev. Jerry Brown of Richardson Biblical Research Center officiating.
Mary Lee Smith
July 14, 1929 ~ October 22, 2003
Mary Lee Smith, 74, of Rangely, died Oct. 22, 2003, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction after suffering a heart attack at home.
Smith was born July 14, 1929, in Ft. Garland, Colorado the daughter of Burl and Ione Robinson. On March 19, 1949, she was united in marriage to Harold Smith in Alamosa. Mr. Smith survives in the family home.
Mary Lee and Harold moved to Rangely in 1979 when they began working at
CNCC in the aviation program. Mary Lee instructed ground school for potential pilots. She was a licensed instrument pilot. She had become one of Rangely’s most notable senior citizens in her more recent occupations at the Rangely Senior Citizen’s Center and as an Avon representative.
In addition to her husband of 54 years, Harold, Mary Lee is survived by one daughter, Colleen Anderson and her husband Howard of Snowflake, Arizona; one son, Duane Smith and his wife Sharon of St. Genevieve, Missouri; two sisters, Donna Catlin and her husband Keith of Montrose, Wilma Charos and her husband Harry of Fruita; two brothers, Curt Robinson and his wife Rose of Montrose; Wes Robinson and his wife Martha of Gunnison, five grandchildren, Jaime Smith, April Williams, Nathan and Zachary Smith and Andy Anderson and one great-grandchild, Angel Williams.
Memorial services were held Friday, Oct. 24 at the Rangely Christian Church with Pastor Wayne Nickson officiating. Friends may make memorial contributions to the breast cancer research organization of their choice in Mary Lee’s name.
Rangely Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Patricia L. Warren
December 10, 1925 ~ October 12, 2003
Patricia L. Warren, 77, of Meeker died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, at the home of her son on Strawberry Creek.
Patricia Louise Moore was born Dec. 10, 1925, in Los Angeles, Calif., the daughter of Tom and Katherine (Kennison) Moore. She attended school in California and on Aug. 24, 1954, was united in marriage to Lewis “Glen” Warren.
The couple honeymooned to Meeker, returning in October of 1965 where they made their home. Glen preceded her in death on June 28, 1973.
For many years, Warren worked as a nursing assistant at Pioneers Hospital where she was known for her quiet, gentle spirit and her loving ways.
She was a devoted mother who enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many booties and blankets for newborn Meeker babies.
Survivors include her two children, Kathy and Bill and his wife Kim, all of Meeker, three-sister-in-laws, Doris Warren, Charlotte Wix and Betty Kincher and numerous friends and neighbors.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 16 from Cochran Memorial Chapel in Meeker. Interment followed in the Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pioneers Hospital Memorial Fund.
Cochran Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Wesley Edward Slaugh
July 21, 1917 ~ October 15, 2003
Wesley Edward Slaugh, 86, of Manila, Utah, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003. Wesley was born on July 21, 1917, in Vernal, Utah, to Curtis Edward and Chloe Roberts Slaugh. He married Buliah Marie Burton on Oct. 12, 1942, in Green River, Wyo. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
Wesley was a sheepherder, rancher and logger. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as 1st and 2nd counselor in the Bishopric of McKinnon Ward. He was also a veteran of the US Army. Wesley enjoyed playing the harmonica. He loved doing things in the outdoors with his five sons, 29 grandkids and 30 great-grandkids.
Wesley is survived by his wife of 61 years, Buliah of Manila, Utah; sons, Kenneth Slaugh of Manila, Utah; Clyde (Carol) Slaugh of McKinnon, Wyo.; Jesse (Fran) Slaugh of Dutch John, Utah; Allen (Kathy) Slaugh of Meeker; brother, Myron (Wanda) Slaugh of Vernal, Utah; sisters, Relva Potter of Lyman, Wyo.; Virgie Peterson of Evanston, Wyo.; Sybil (Leon) Brady of Green River, Wyo.; Arva (Leo) Slagowski of Vernal, Utah; 29 grandkids and 30 great-grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Chloe Slaugh; brother, Marvin Slaugh; son, Calvin Slaugh; granddaughters, Joyce and Delora Slaugh; great-grandson, Austin Thomas.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at the Manila Ward LDS Chapel at 11 a.m. under the direction of Thomson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Burial was in the Manila Cemetery.
Dixie Zimmerman (Purcell)
1933 ~ 2003
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 30 in Mesquite, Nev., for Dixie Zimmerman (Purcell). She passed away Sept. 28, 2003, at Dixie Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah.
Zimmerman was born in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1933 to Oka and Richard Purcell. Shortly after, her family moved to Meeker. In 1949, she married Reed Murr. To this union were born a son Lance and a daughter Sherry. They owned a ranch in the Little Beaver area for several years.
After Reed’s death, Dixie moved to Denver. Later, Dixie met and married Carl Zimmerman. They remained in Denver until she and Carl retired and then moved to St. George, Utah and then later to Mesquite, Nev. She was employed at the Oasis Casino at the time of her death.
Zimmerman was proceeded in death by her parents, Oka and Richard Purcell and grandson Jason. She is survived by her husband Carl, sister Patsy Porter and Bill Taylor of Mesquite, Nev., and two brothers Jimmy and Shirly Purcell, Meeker and Jerry and Linda Purcell also of Meeker. Four children Lance and Sherry Murr, Tim and Karen Zimmerman all of Denver and Terri and Mike Hammer of Aurora. Seven grandchildren and one great grandson including numerous nieces and nephews.
Those attending the services were Kelly and Stanley Crawford, Rick, Kim and Caleb Dodds and Jimmy and Shirly Purcell, all of Meeker, son Lance and granddaughter Torrie Murr, Tim and Karen Zimmerman of Denver and Terri and Mike Hammer of Aurora.
