June 12, 1941 – April 7, 2023

Mr. James W. Lawrence of Gypsum Colorado died April 7, 2023 at the age of 81.  He was born June 12, 1941 in Montevideo, Minnesota to Robert and Ivy Lawrence, both whom pre deceased him.
James is survived by his sister Millie Hull, daughter Shannon Rambo and sons Todd and Robert Lawrence.  He is also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
After graduating high school in Edmonds Washington, Jim started his own successful business as a drywall contractor and 40 years ago, moved to Gypsum Colorado, where he chose to settle in and call home. His success in both his personal and professional lives made him a very happy man.  Jim was a whistler!  His blue eyes would sparkle when he smiled which will be deeply missed.  So if you should happen to hear a whistle in the wind, it’s probably Jim just saying Hi!
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4:30, June 4, at the Creekside Clubhouse and grill in Gypsum, Colorado.

July 24, 1929 – April 23, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of the kindest gentlest women we know. Those of us who had the honor and pleasure to know her knew that you were a stranger only once. She had a way to make you feel comfortable and carry a conversation in her own special way. She had an infectious smile and an equally infectious laugh. She could listen to you and give you advice. And even tell you in uncertain terms how she felt whether you wanted to hear it or not. Because she cared and loved everyone so much. She always spoke with hand gestures that made her unique.

She married her soul mate Amadeo Gonzales on November 30, 1946 in Ojo Feliz New Mexico. For 74 years they were inseparable. Raising a family of 5 siblings in Minturn, Colorado. Filled with love and happiness in the beautiful Colorado Mountains. Family was everything to her. She was an amazing cook, meals with family and friends around the table with good conversations. Amazing food and green chili that most times was very hot. She canned different foods and kept a very clean inviting home. Always ready to give as a mother, to her extended family and to her friends. With love, friendship and compassion.

She also delved in different ways to make money. She sold Tupperware, Stanley Home Products and the parties were filled with fun and comradery. She made silk flower corsages for the girls for the prom one year. She made clothes and dresses. And beautiful quilling creations. Her best work were the amazing beautiful quilts she made. If you were lucky enough to receive one you knew what a special gift it was. Her talent in making these beautiful quilts was something to behold.

With her husband they purchased a big truck camper and spent a lot of time camping Stillwater Reservoir was one of their favorites. A trip to Oregon and up the coast thru the Redwoods and the Columbia River Gorge was such a beautiful memory with family. Winter was a fun time they helped create a snowmobile club. The Grouse Mountain Night Riders. It was so much fun for them. Riding the mountains and having amazing lunches on the mountains with friends. And the annual Santa Clause event on Meadow Mountain with a mounted Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer on the front of Santa’s sleigh. Santa rode down to the waiting children. The children all received candy and gifts from Santa and a good time was had by all.

Her faith and love for God and Jesus meant so much to her. She was active in her church New Life Assembly Of God in Avon, CO. She would praise God with everyone who would listen and profess her faith with such love and devotion. Bringing many closer to God. She sang in such a beautiful voice and always recited the Morning Prayer in a loud voice with hand gestures. Her caregivers would come to her room and pray with her. And she was always there for them as well. She meant so much to them also. Loved by all especially her loving family.

She was loved by so many in the community and will certainly be missed by everyone. She leaves a legacy with herself and her husband. That will live on with her children, grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Amadeo and eldest son Larry. Her children are Loraine (Roy), Larry (Jeanne) James, Jesse and Robert (Mary). Her 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren
There will be a celebration of life for Dolores on August 12th. At Little Beach Park in Minturn. Please come and celebrate the life of Dolores with her family and friends everyone is welcome.

So please pray The Morning Prayer to remember her with her loud voice and hand gestures and for yourself.
The Morning Prayer: Good Morning God! You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new. So here I am to ask you, God, if you’ll renew me too. Forgive the many errors that I made yesterday and let me try again dear God. To walk closer in your way. But Lord, I am well aware, that I can’t make it on my own. So, take my hand and hold it tight, for I cannot walk alone. Amen.

November 19, 1926 – February 25, 2022

Marcet grew up in Arvada, CO. Her father, Joseph Howard was the Postmaster in Denver. She graduated South High School, Denver Co in 1944.
December 21, 1947 she married Ray “Bud” Benedict in Brighton Co. Marcet worked in the family business and raised 4 children in Brighton before moving to Vail in 1968. Marcet worked as secretary for the first Vail Elementary School. She opened “Marcets.” a ladies boutique in Lionshead. In 1990 She and Bud retired to Washington, then moved to Texas. Marcet is survived by her sons; Ron Benedict, of West Richland, Wash., Tracy Benedict, of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Roger Benedict, of Vail; and daughter, Claudia Ehrlich, of South Padre Island, Texas.

September 11, 1929 – April 18, 2023

Patricia Graddis, 93, who had a passion for skiing, gardening, and international travel, passed away peacefully in Amman, Jordan on April 18, 2023, while on a cruise to the Middle East.
Born Patricia Ann Luckenbill to Adrian and Edna (McDonald) Luckenbill on September 11, 1929; near Mediapolis, IA before moving to a farm in rural New Boston, IL where she graduated from high school in 1946 and attended two years of college. She married Jack L. Poffenbarger in November 1949 and had four children – Adrienne, Jaclyn, Richard, and Kim – before Jack was killed in a car accident on his way home from work.
She was married to and divorced from James R. Sleezer before moving to Glenwood Springs, CO in 1968 where she took a job with the New Castle School as a physical education teacher and pursued her love of skiing. She taught for five years in New Castle during which time she developed a ski program, teaching dozens of students to ski.
In 1971, she met and later married Morton Graddis, one of the supporters of the school’s ski program and a prominent builder in the area. Together they built a 41-unit low-income apartment complex – 23rd St. East, over 500 homes in the Roaring Fork Valley, and two senior citizen projects – Manor 1 & Manor 2, in Glenwood Springs. They loved to travel and ski internationally and upon his death in 1987, Patricia continued both skiing and traveling as well as taking up gardening.
In 1990, she met her longtime partner and companion, John “Jack” Pavell of Aspen, CO. They enjoyed skiing, gardening, horseback riding at Sweetwater Lake Resort, dining at The Rivers, and traveling together until his passing in 2008. After his passing, she continued to maintain her large garden and began exercising regularly at the Community Center in Glenwood Springs as well as walking several miles a day to keep in shape. She was able to ski until age 88 and continued traveling and gardening thereafter. She took numerous river cruises throughout Europe and Russia up to the end, doing what she loved – traveling to faraway lands.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son, Richard M. Poffenbarger, and longtime companion, Jack Pavell. She is survived by her daughters, Adrienne Brink Scheu (Kent), Jaclyn M. Wenschhof, and Kim Poffenbarger Decker (Byron), her sister Joan (Jerry) Fausett, brother, William “Bill” Luckenbill, and sister-in-law, Benita Grooms, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, six stepchildren, and ten step grandchildren, and her many friends.
Two Celebrations of Her Life will be held:
June 3, 2023 Glenwood Springs Community Center, Glenwood Springs, CO 2pm – 4pm and
July 15, 2023 Fish Fry Park, New Boston, IL 11am – 4pm where lunch will be served at noon

We ask in lieu of flowers that people donate to the charity of your choice in her memory.

August 30, 1925 – April 15, 2012

Ray “Bud” Benedict, 86, of Weslaco, Texas, died at his home April 15, 2012.
Born Aug. 30, 1925. He graduated from Brighton High School in 1943 and served in the U. S. Navy as a sonarman aboard the YMS 425 during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Colorado and later Denver University where he majored in business administration. He married Marcet Howard in 1947, In the 1950s and 1960s, Bud was active in the Brighton Chamber of Commerce and the Brighton Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief. Bud moved to Vail in 1967 where he was a real estate broker, managed The Antlers and a number of condominium complexes He was active in the city council.
Bud is survived by his wife;Marcet Benedict of Harlingen, Texas, his sons, Ron Benedict, of West Richland, Wash., Tracy Benedict, of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Roger Benedict, of Vail; and daughter, Claudia Ehrlich, of South Padre Island, Texas.

October 15, 1944 – May 10, 2023

“Susie” Karen Sue Keysor was born October 15, 1944 in Fort Collins, CO to Alice Louise Love Keysor and Wallace Neal Keysor. She passed away peacefully with her friend Terry Fischer and caregiver by her side on May 10, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her parents Neal and Alice, Sisters Cheryl Keysor, Kay Godsoe, and a nephew, Jeremy Neil Godsoe. She leaves behind nephews, Jeff and Travis along with 2 great nephews, Zach Kinnett and Erik Pearson.

She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts with a degree in gymnastics.

She was passionate about sports especially the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos which she held season tickets for many years. She spent many hours at the ball fields throughout the state supporting the teams and met many friends on the ball field. One of the best 1st basemen ever!!

For memorial donation please donate to the Shaw Cancer Pavilion in Edwards or the Humane Society in Eagle.

A memorial party with pizza and drinks will be held at the Eagle Senior Center on June 4 from 12:00 to 4:00.

April 4, 1957 – May 14, 2023

We are brokenhearted to announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, mother, puppy grandma, and friend. Gloria passed on to eternal life surrounded by loving family members on, Sunday 14 May 2023, after a long struggle with liver cancer.
Gloria was born 4 April 1957 in Farmington, NM, to Jose and Ramona Vigil. She grew up in Penasco, NM, graduating from Penasco High School in 1975. After a sort-lived adventure in Washington DC, she returned home and ventured to CO where she worked as a housekeeper, eventually becoming Executive Housekeeper at Creekside at Beavercreek, where she retired and returned home to Penasco. Gloria was extremely well-like by the employees and condo owners. She made many friends there as was witnessed by all the cards and letters she received as she fought this insidious disease.
Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Ramona Vigil, a cherished cousin, Dan Sandoval: and many aunts, uncles and several cousins.
Gloria is survived by her daughter, Amanda Macias and grand puppy, Bugzy; sister Mickey (Mike) McHugh; brother Orlando (Priscilla) Vigil: nieces Melissa Vigil (Felix Archibeque) and their children Natalie, Gabrielle and Vanessa; Deirdre Vigil (Angel Chavez), her daughter Kataleia, and his children Jade and Levi Guzman, cherished cousins, Iris Sandoval and her daughters Ayanna and Annika Sandoval Reid, all of Albuquerque, NM; Glenda Sandoval-Lovato from Penasco, NM; and her friend, Bob Wilkinson, from CO.
Services are scheduled for 10a.m., 26 May 2023 at Second Presbyterian Church, 812 Edith Blvd NE., Albuquerque, NM, with a reception to follow.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, 2211-D Main Street, SE Los Lunas, NM 87031, (505) 866-9992.

December 22, 1965 – May 5, 2023

Devoted wife, mother and daughter, Lauren Beth Huffman died at home on May 5, 2023 after a year-long battle with cancer. Born with the kindest heart in Huntington, West Virginia and reared in the suburbs of Washington DC. Graduated in 1983 from Sherwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Attended the University of Maryland. Moved to Los Angeles as an Associate Producer in the film industry.
Lauren returned to the Washington DC area, married David Charles Huffman on November 6, 1993 and later relocated to Edwards, Colorado in 1999. They have two children, Devin and Tatum, born and reared in the Vail Valley. Lauren was first and foremost an involved mother and a loving friend. She was employed part-time in a variety of roles at Vail Resorts for 23 years. Most recently, she worked at the front desk for Zastrow Dentistry.
Lauren was preceded in death by her father David Herbert Caplan.
She is survived by her mother Ellen Caplan (Bubbe), her husband David Huffman, her son Devin and her daughter Tatum.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Roundup River Ranch in memory of Lauren Beth Huffman at https://roundupriverranch.org/support-us/donate-now/

A Celebration of Lauren’s Life will be on Saturday, June 3rd from 2–4:00 pm at Windance Ranch in Sweetwater, Colorado. Visit www.windanceranch.com for address and directions. Boots and layers are recommended. Carpooling is encouraged. Call 970-331-3141 for additional information.

December 26, 1961 – May 7, 2023

James Patrick “JP” was born December 26, 1961 in Mt. Kisco, New York and passed peacefully May 7, 2023 at his home in West Vail. JP moved to the Vail Valley in 1971 and graduated from Battle Mountain High School in 1980 as a member of the ski team. He then went on to attend Colorado State University and then earned his geology degree from Fort Lewis College and a master’s degree from Idaho State University. JP’s choice of schools allowed him to maximize outdoor fun. He was an accomplished back country skier in his time. JP returned to Colorado and worked in the Denver area for about 10 years. As he had always dreamed, JP fled the Front Range and returned to the Vail Valley in 2000. JP then invested in real estate, taught geology and orienteering at CMC and worked for CGS on the mountain. He concluded his career as a hydrologist at Eagle Mine in Gilman. JP was a free spirit who lived life his way. JP is survived by siblings Pamela Ann O’Brien (spouse Lou), Deborah Stewart (spouse Maurice “Maury”) and Paul W. O’Brien (spouse Margret). Also survived by nephews Devon, Robert, Paul and Jack and nieces Julia, Racel and Krissy and of course his beloved dog, Riva. A BIG celebration of life has been scheduled for June 28, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 6 at Donavon Park!

– May 11, 2023

Lynn Gottlieb was always planning her next trip with her family. And playing cards with her husband, John Gottlieb. And creating scavenger hunts for her grandchildren, Quinn, Emmett, and June. And celebrating her children – Murph, Z, and Jed – and their spouses – Jen, Casey, and Jen – through a million acts of kindness and love.

And walking the dog, planting flowers, painting, reading a great book, exploring Europe, volunteering her time, and throwing the world’s best dinner parties.

Lynn was always doing everything, all the time, with an unprecedented amount of energy and enthusiasm, optimism and love.

Born in Wareham, MA, to Edward C. Murphy and Beatrice Wooden in 1943, she never lost her love for New England. She graduated from Penn State and taught 5th and 6th grade. She married the love of her life, John Gottlieb, in 1967. Together they had three terrific children of whom she was very proud and loved dearly, John Edward (Jed), Michael Murphy (Murph), and Elizabeth Eibe (Z). Over the years the family expanded to include her wonderful daughters-in-law Jennifer “North” Gottlieb and Jennifer “South” Gottlieb, and her wonderful son-in-law Casey McDaniel. She especially adored her beloved grandchildren, Quinn and June Gottlieb and Emmett McDaniel. They brought thunderous and wild amounts of fun to her life!

Besides teaching, Lynn and her dear friend, Barbara Ragan, owned and ran The Marmot’s Tale in the old Crossroads shopping center in the heart of Vail. After tutoring in the GED program at Colorado Mountain College, Lynn earned a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 1997 and loved her work with clients and colleagues at Colorado West Mental Health and in private practice. She volunteered and served on the board of the Bright Future Foundation and the Shaw Outreach Team which built Jack’s Place, a Cancer Caring Place. In retirement, she volunteered for the Senior Center.

Lynn loved her daily newspaper and stayed well informed. She enjoyed lively discussions that she shared freely, and always kindheartedly. She had a great empathy for people, which fit her good nature. She loved to laugh and had a lot of fun!

Imbued with a love of flowers by her grandmother, Annie Mitchell Wooden, she treasured every bloom in her garden. She loved reading, being creative, playing bridge with friends, cooking and then enjoying the meal with family and friends, always with a lovely wine – a buttery California chardonnay please. Travel was a big part of her life. With John, she visited many amazing places in this world. Paris was their favorite city and they would often add a few days there at the end of their trips to go to their favorite restaurants!

She had so many friends that she loved deeply. She demonstrated her love anyway and every way that she could. She was always there to help them and stayed in touch with old friends and new ones through messages and phone calls, hosting them in Colorado, New Jersey and Arizona, happily traveling miles to be with them in good times and bad.

As a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, she was the joyful heart of the family. She received a ton of love in her life, and still managed to give out twice as much love as she received.

If you wish to honor her, please make a donation to Bright Future Foundation and the Shaw Cancer Center care of Vail Health Foundation.