Ruth Jacox, 1929-2005

Margaret “Ruth” Jacox died March 24 at Grand River Hospital in Rifle surrounded by her children. She was 75. Jacox was born June 15, 1929 in Glenwood Springs to Herman Peter and Alice May Tomlinson Schultz. She was the eighth of 11 children.She spent her early years in the Red Dirt and Colorado River area. On March 4, 1951, she married Don Jacox in Grand Junction They made their home on the Colorado River Road in a home known as “Rancho Starvo,” where they raised six children.Jacox was a very good cook and enjoyed feeding all who came through the door, friends and family members said. She loved being a mother, and devoted most of her time to her family, always worrying about each one, friends and family members said. Jacox spent the last two months under the care of Sharon at the “Just Like Home” assisted living facility in Silt.Jacox is survived by her six children: Dale and his wife, Debbie, of Gypsum; Darrell and his wife, Monica, of Gypsum; Diane Zatarain and her husband, Ron, of Eagle; Debra Hill of Montrose; Donna Jo Long and her husband, Richard, of Gypsum; and Janelle Smith and her husband, David, of Silt.She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Roy and Jadd Jacox; Emily and Jesse Zatarain; Shawn and Justin Hill; Ray and Mike Long; Donny and Jimmi Jacox; and Katie, John and Jake Smith. Survivors also include two great-grandchildren, Sydney and Ashley Jacox; and a brother, Herman “Junior” Schultz of Golden.She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and nine brothers and sisters. Graveside services were held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Gypsum on Monday.The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends of Ruth spend a day with their loved ones in her memory.Vail, Colorado