Northern Colorado Crematory Inc

08/28/2025

It is with great sadness that we announce that William (Bill) McCutchen passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 4, 2025, at the age of 79 in Johnstown, Colorado. He was born in California on May 15, 1946, to Charles and Audrey McCutchen. He was a beloved husband to Liz McCutchen, and a devoted father to his daughter Kristina Jones and three sons, Todd Christensen (wife: Gina) James McCutchen (wife: Amanda) and Sean McCutchen.

Bill was known for his “Wild Bill” stories and no-nonsense attitude. After graduating from San Diego State College, he worked as an engineer. He quit his job as an engineer and drove around the US and Canada going to as many meetings he could find while writing a book about his adventures. He then went back to school to become a High School teacher in Mathematics and Chemistry. He retired from teaching in 2012 and then moved to Colorado to enjoy the rest of his life near the Rocky Mountains. Bill loved camping in the mountains, bird watching and had a passion for all animals and nature.

He is survived by his wife Liz and his children, Kristina, Todd, James and Sean. His grandchildren, Riley, Camden and Sutton Christiansen and a large loving extended family.

08/28/2025

Bradley John Taylor passed into the next life on July 20, 2025. He is survived by his father Lee Taylor, brother Greg Taylor, sister-in-law Donna Taylor, and many of his care workers.

Services will be held on Saturday September 13, 2025, at 1 PM at the below location with a reception to honor him at the same location following the service.

Connections for Independent Living office
1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631

PLEASE RSVP your full name, number of people attending for both the service and reception to Greg Taylor at the email address given below. Please put BRAD’S MEMORIAL as the subject line:

gptmusic24@gmail.com

If you have issues sending this email you also may send a text to 720-921-6543

Thank you.

If you cannot attend in person, the celebration of his life will be streamed at the following meeting link: Topic: Brad Taylor Memorial ServiceTime: Sep 13, 2025, 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89043029436?pwd=7W3WyLDd6OJVk3dInn1TzzwqtBYM96.1

Biography

Brad was born on January 25, 1961, in Denver, Colorado to Dr. D. Lee and Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor. Lee Taylor was an optometrist, and Betty had recently been a schoolteacher. When growing up, Brad was a very active boy with a gift for mechanical skills and was very social with the other children around him. At an early age, Brad took to his father’s hobby of flying model airplanes and helicopters.

During his life, Brad worked several jobs. In his teens he swept an office parking lot, mopped the floors at a beauty shop, and found lawns to mow. As a young man, he worked in an automobile repair shop, a paint shop, and worked for a roofing company hanging gutters, driving and other duties. However, his most important vocation was to come later.

Brad happened to be somewhat of a daring person, and he was extremely fast and daring skier. At the age of ten he broke his leg while skiing but quickly recovered. Brad also built a hot-rod car in High School which was a ‘62 Chevy Nova with an over-sized 287 engine bore out to a 301, two 4-barrel carburetors and other modifications. This souped-up car could go from zero to fifty before you knew what happened!

Brad’s main focus became dirt bikes. At age 11 Brad wanted to get a motorcycle, but his parents would not allow this yet, but they allowed him to buy a minibike. Soon after, however, Brad was riding motorcycles and as a teenager he started competing in motor-cross races. Brad would work during the week and compete in the motocross races during the summer weekends. Brad had various “minor” injuries from this sport but nothing life changing, until October 16, 1988. At 27 years old, Brad was riding an ‘end of the season’ race. Somehow, he flew over the handlebars and broke his neck with an injury that would paralyze him from the neck down for the rest of his natural life.

Brad was flown to St. Anthony's via helicopter and had many challenges while in the hospital. Eventually, he was well enough to attend Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado for rehabilitation. After rehabilitation, Brad’s father Lee encouraged Brad to move to Greeley where there was a well-established support community for the disabled.

By this time, Brad had learned how to operate a ‘sip and puff’ straw connected to his wheelchair, which gave him the ability to go places on his own, and he did go many places. Instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for himself, Brad enrolled in a bachelor’s program at University of Northern Colorado (UNC) with a major in Rehabilitation Counseling. Brad Graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree. But Brad was not done yet – he went back and earned a master’s degree in the same field of study. With the exception of his first paper, Brad used a mouth stick at a computer keyboard to type all of his college papers!

As his internship in 1992, Brad worked for “Greeley Resources for Independent People” in Greeley, Colorado, later to become “Connections for Independent Living”. In 1994 he became employed at Connections as an Independent Living Specialist. In 1999 Brad worked as an Executive Director for “Denver’s Disability Center for Independent Living” in Denver, Colorado However, it became too cumbersome for him to live in the Denver area, so in 2000 Brad resumed his position at Connections. In 2003 he accepted the role of a Transitions Specialist. In this role, Brad helped people move into their own homes, as opposed to living in some care facility such as a nursing home. In 2023 Brad’s own health issues became so great to force him into retirement.

For more details about Brad’s professional career please visit the following website: https://connectionscolorado.org/remembering-brad-taylor-advocate-leader-and-friend-to-the-independent-living-community/

Brad was an amazing example of how to live independently. After living in an arranged independent living (“Camelot”), Brad moved into his own apartment, followed by purchasing a mobile home. Then in 2003, Brad bought his own house in northeast Greeley where he lived for the rest of his life. Brad had several cats including the last one named Pita. Ask one of his care givers or family members the meaning of this name (hint – it is an acronym!).

Sometime after buying his house, Brad started a new hobby, racing remote-controlled model boats. He was involved in races organized by the North American Model Boating Association (NAMBA), which conducted races nationally, including Denver and Greeley. Brad operated a remote control with his mouth stick while his father acted as his partner to throw the boat in the lake and retrieve after the race. Brad raced boats powered by nitro, gasoline, and electricity. Some of the boats would go sixty miles an hour or faster, and at times Brad won these races.

In late 2023, even with Brad’s failing health himself, he managed to travel to Lakewood, Colorado two times to visit his mother who was in an assisted living facility. In January 2024 Brad’s mother Betty passed away due to natural causes at the age of 93.

Despite all of his challenges, Brad never gave into the pressures from organizations and people to live in a nursing home. When it was apparent in 2025 that Brad was not going to recover from his severe health issues, he insisted that he wanted to go home to live the remainder of his days “with my cat”. Brad had a very diligent and caring team of care givers that he hired directly through the PALCO government program. On July 20, 2025, when Brad was generally not able to respond, Brad’s family and primary care givers came over to his house to say good-bye.

Due to the brevity of this biography, it is not possible to mention all of the people Brad has helped and inspired throughout his life. He will most certainly be remembered by all of those who knew him.

08/28/2025

Samoni Dominguez (Harpole) of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on August 15, 2025, with her family by her side.

Samoni was born in Greeley, Colorado, to Mike and Anna Harpole.

Samoni grew up riding horses and helping out in the family welding shop. She was there for anyone in need, with a helping hand. She took pride in owning and operating a welding shop alongside her husband and son. Samoni loved animals and shopping. Her kind heart and willingness to help others will live on through her family.

Samoni is survived by her son, Scott, two grandchildren, Anna (Aaron) and Ryan (Kathy), along with four great-grandchildren (Khloe, Jaxson, Brynlee, and Eva); her dog, Cheyenne, and a large, loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Mike and Anna), Brother (Don), and Husband (Moses).

08/28/2025

Jana Marie Jensen, 52, of Greeley, CO, passed away following a sudden illness Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.

Jana was born May 24th, 1973, in Fort Dodge, IA, to Colin and Kathleen (Jondle) Jensen. She was raised on a farm near Otho and attended St. Paul Lutheran School, Fair Oaks Middle School, and Fort Dodge Senior High, graduating in the top of her class in 1991. Jana earned her LPN and RN degrees from Iowa Central Community College following high school. While in high school and college, she worked at Tom Thumb Drive In. After earning her degrees, Jana worked at Villa Care Center and the Marion Home in Fort Dodge for many years. In 2008, she and her family moved from Coalville, IA, to Ault, CO, and she worked at Bonnell Good Samaritan Rehab and Health Care in Greeley for over a decade.

Jana was well respected among her peers and loved by her residents. Her keen assessment skills, calm demeanor, and ability to deliver gold standard care to anyone she was charged with, earned her a place in the hearts of many. Jana’s true pride came from raising her family with her first love, Terry Messerly in Ault. Together, they had four intelligent, attractive, confident daughters that enriched and blessed their lives. Jana later found love with Jennifer Scott, making their home in Greeley.

Jana is survived by her daughters Cory (Donald) Schmidt, Evans, CO; Karmen, Evyn and Ella Messerly, all of Greeley; granddaughter, Norah Schmidt; parents, Colin and Kathy Jensen, Pierce, CO; sisters, Carolyn (Edward) Maschino, Badger, IA; Karla Jensen, Phoenix, AZ; Joey Jensen, Fort Dodge, IA; brother Lucas Jensen, Pierce, CO; nieces Hannah and Emma Maschino, and Adison Vega; nephews Ethan Vega and Jacob (Allie) Jensen; girlfriend, Jennifer Scott, Greeley; longtime partner and friend, Terry Messerly, Greeley; and a large, loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kenneth and Ethel Jensen, Otho, IA; and Russell and Florence Jondle, Callender, IA.

08/18/2025

Noel Beauvais, 18, of Greeley CO was peacefully placed back into the arms of Jesus from whom she was first given to her family. Noel entered into her Heavenly home wrapped in the arms of her family and surround by precious loved ones. Born on November 17th, 2006. Noel overcame every obstacle that came her way. She embraced life with courage, humor, and a sparkle that inspired everyone she met.

Known for her quick wit, sass, and infectious sense of humor, Noel had a gift for making people feel seen and loved. She poured kindness into the world with the same boldness she approached every day of her life.

Noel was born with a rare muscular condition that impacted every part of her body. She was fortunate enough to use a ventilator and wheelchair which allowed her to live out the most amazing life. Noel faced every obstacle with determination, turning “can’t” into “can” and showing others what true perseverance looks like. She had an unshakable Faith; she knew that God was writing an incredible story with her life.

Her strength of spirit was matched only by her heart -Treasuring moments spent with her family, friends, nurses and therapists.

She never once let her medical challenges or wheelchair define her. Whether she was out shopping, doing crafts or playing in her cherished Unified Bowling and Basketball leagues, Noel lived fully and joyfully.

Noel’s presence was a blessing—a gentle reminder that joy can co-exist alongside struggle, and that a full life is not measured in years, but in love, laughter, and the lives we touch.

A celebration of Noel’s life will be held at 2:00 on August 23rd at Zoe’s in Downton Greeley where all who knew her are invited to share stories, smiles, and the love she so freely gave. In honor of her beautiful spirit, the family encourages guests to wear something colorful—just as Noel would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the families go fund me to cover end of life expenses https://gofund.me/b5c1ce7e

Though our hearts ache, we take comfort knowing that Noel is dancing at the greatest party Heaven has ever thrown! She is now free from all limitations, and soaring high— she will be deeply missed by mom, Tina; her dad, Dustin; her older sister, Lily; her “twin” brother, Landen; her younger sister, Macie; and her younger brother, Beau; along with several Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Heaven has now received yet another angel!

08/14/2025

Connie Rae Gierhart, 76, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Connie was born on December 20, 1948, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Dean and Arlene (Frantz) Gierhart. She spent time in Holmesville, Nebraska, before relocating to Colorado, where she graduated from Greeley West High School. On August 14, 1970, she married Joe Castillo Jr.; although their paths later diverged, they shared years together and family ties that endured.

Connie lived a life marked by warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she brought comfort and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was known for her generous spirit, strong faith, and deep compassion—qualities that touched the lives of many.

Connie always had a smile on her face and was always willing to help out, no matter the circumstance. She especially loved planning the work Christmas parties, where her creativity and joy for celebration shone through. Whether through her dedication to family, or the simple pleasures of daily life, Connie left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

One of Connie’s greatest joys was living with her mother, Arlene, and spending time together over long talks and laughter at the kitchen table-a simple, cherished routine that brought both of them happiness.

She is survived by her daughters, Stacy Garcia and Trudy (John) Garcia; her grandchildren, Jordyne, Elias (Kaylee), Tysen, Devon (Jonathan), Darrien, Dylan (Hunter), Nicole (Bryan), Deirdra, Johnnie, and Trini; and great-grandchildren, Linkyn, Janaya, Jaden, Kaiden, and Ethan. She is also survived by her mother, Arlene Gierhart; sister, Kate Gierhart; brother, Dennis (Cindee) Gierhart; nephews, Josiah and River; niece; Zyana; and her beloved dog Toby

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Dean Gierhart; brother, Dean Gierhart Jr.; and her grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 1301 15th St, Greeley, CO 80631. All who knew Connie are welcome to attend and share memories as we honor her life and legacy.

The family kindly requests that flowers and cards be delivered to:Northern Colorado Crematory700 8th StreetGreeley, CO 80631

08/14/2025

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Cody Jerrod Highley. A loving father, brother, son & friend. Born May 3, 1992, in Greeley, Colorado. Cody’s spirit left us July 22, 2025. His big laugh, big heart & outgoing personality will forever be missed.

Cody was an avid bowler and was always striving for his next 300 game. He was a dedicated Patriots fan, and a longtime fan of Tom Brady, he also liked basketball and followed Luka Doncic and Caitlin Clark. He loved “Strange Music” and almost always had it playing on his stereo. He even named his beloved fur baby, Strange.

Cody attended Jefferson High School in Greeley. While in school he met some of his best friends, the “D4L boys” and his close friend, Ambray, whom he often referred to as his “adopted sister”.

No matter what he was doing in life, he always took time to check in on, and help out his parents, family & many friends.

However, the light of Cody’s life were his daughters. He was such a proud father, often bragging about them, showing photos & sharing stories about their latest accomplishments. His favorite role in life was being a dad to his precious girls.

Cody is survived by his daughters Kynley & Penelope, his parents Sheila & Dennis Takumoto, brother Ryan Highley, sister Kayla Highley, nephew Sam Parkin, aunt Suzanne Stromer & Cousin Allie Wahlman.

A fundraising bowling tournament followed by a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 16, beginning at 11AM, at Highland Park Lanes in Greeley, CO. A private family service will be held at a later date.

08/14/2025

Sue Anne Jones 80, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on August 3, 2025, at Fair Acres Manor, following a four-month illness.

Sue was born on July 8, 1945, to Robert & June (Sprinkel) Smith in Arlington, Virginia. She grew up in Arlington and moved to Falls Church, Virginia in 1964. She met her husband Wayne Jones on a blind date and were married on August 4, 1962. When Wayne was discharged from the Army they moved to New Mexico and began their family. The family moved to Granby, Colorado years later and established a cattle ranch. Both Sue and Wayne were bus drivers for the school district for many years. Sue started a successful business with Avon and was known as the Avon lady. Later she also became a business owner owning a printing and photo finishing business. After her divorce she moved to Greeley, Colorado to be with her youngest daughter, Kelli. She completed her associate’s degree at Aims Community College in 2001. She drove the bus for Greeley-Evans Transit and then held various work positions and retired in 2019. With her free time, she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Greeley Senior Choir. She loved her cats and dogs.

Sue is survived by: children: Dale Jones (Jane) of Clayton, New Mexico, Kelli Schaefer (Barry) of Greeley, Colorado; grandchildren: Sarah Jordan (Cody), Ali Jones, Ben Jones, Collin Schaefer (Morgan), Jenna Erazo, and Katelyn Schaefer; sister: Patti Barteck (Mark) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; great grandchildren: Clark, Grant, Claire, Grace, Novaleana, Neva, Quinn, and Nolan; nieces and nephew: Jimmy Lubbers (Cheryl), Michelle Burns (Kevin), Ashley Shaffer (Kyle).

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert & June Smith Athos and daughter Tracey Jones.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Avenue, Greeley.

In lieu of flower, please donate to the NOCO Humane, 1620 42nd St, Evans, CO 80620

https://www.nocohumane.org/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift-2/

08/14/2025

Blanca Castillo
November 22, 1971 ~ August 02, 2025

Send a message to learn more

08/14/2025

Sally Bauer passed away July 30, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sally Bauer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Sally was born August 30, 1943, in Mexico, Missouri to William and Norma Zentmire.

Sally will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Don Bauer of 48 years.Sally graduated from Oakland High School where she excelled academically and on the varsity basketball team. Throughout her career she worked in various data services sectors, and her final occupation was at Aims Community College in Computer Services where she retired after 20 years. She was highly active in the First United Methodist Church. Sally loved being outside working in her flower beds, taking walks, bike riding, taking a drive into the mountains and camping to list a few. She always enjoyed phone calls from family and friends, keeping detailed journals of the conversations. Anytime Sally was at a park you would always find her swinging and playing with her grandchildren. She also could not pass up a good game of any kind, keeping scores of all games she played was her specialty.

Sally is survived by her husband Don Bauer and children Brenda Linzey, Rodney Byers and Kimberly O’Toole and siblings; Carol Brockman (Harold), Nancy Augustine (Mark), Steven Zentmire (Carol), and Brian Zentmire (Jinetta).Grandchildren: Jackie, Matt, Greg, Brandon, Cody, Logan, Bailee, Ryan, Nevin, and Declan Great Grandchildren: Michael, Scotty, Matty, Lizzy, Isabelle, Scarlet, Cameron, Jackson, Isla, Elowen, Miles, Rowan. She was preceded in death by her parents; William and Norma Zentmire and siblings; Sharon Keast, Jeanne Bates and great granddaughter Callie Linzey

Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for you to donate to First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631

08/14/2025

Vincent Angel Ramirez, 21, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on July 30, 2025, in Greeley, the city where he was raised. Known to those who loved him as “Vince,” he was a bright, loyal, and kind-hearted soul whose love for life and family shined in everything he did.

Vince was the kind of person who gave freely—his time, his energy, his whole heart. He was hardworking and selfless, always ready to lend a hand or offer his last dollar to someone who needed it. What mattered most to him was his family. He was a loving husband to Alexia and a devoted father to their three beautiful children, who were truly his everything. He was working hard to accomplish his dream of becoming a wild fire firefighter for the State of Colorado, determined to build a strong, stable future for the people he loved most.

Vince was passionate about music and spent many nights enjoying live shows at the Moxi Theater—his happy place. He found joy in concerts, laughter, and the rhythm of life. From childhood, Vince was full of light. Always smiling, always laughing, always moving through the world with a spark that made people feel good just being near him.

As a kid, he was playful and full of energy. As a teen, he was wild, fearless, and bursting with life—and he carried that same spirit into adulthood. He loved capturing moments with photos and had a special appreciation for sunsets. He could see beauty where others might overlook it. To his friends, he was loyal and real—someone you could count on without question. To his family, he was a piece of their heart.

Those who knew Vince describe him as funny, laid-back, and endlessly caring. He cracked jokes, lit up rooms, and never stopped wanting better for the people he loved. He was truly one of a kind—an angel among us, with a heart of gold.

Vince is preceded in death by his grandfather, Allen Zuege. He is survived by his wife, Alexia, (always and forever, my love) and their three young children, who will always carry his love with them. He is also survived by his mother, Karen, and her husband; his father, Celso; and his five siblings. He is deeply missed by countless family members, friends, and everyone lucky enough to know his beautiful soul.

Vincent lived with passion, gave with love, and left behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and light.

Technician, I am whole heartedly in life and in death.

08/14/2025

Our sweet Sarah Louella (Colbert) Burrill entered heaven on June 6th, 2025, at the age of 50 and now is smiling and having conversations with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She passed away from complications of Multiple Sclerosis; a condition she was diagnosed with at the age of 28.

Sarah was born on November 20th, 1974, in Blackwell, Oklahoma: A beautiful Chickasaw Indian baby. At 1 one year old, blessed by her loving parents Connie Lou Ella (Burch), Lewis Patrick Colbert, plus her older brother David Burch; they uprooted and moved to Moore, Oklahoma to be surrounded by friends and family. She went through the public school system and graduated from West Moore High School in 1993.

Growing up, she was affectionately known as "Sarah Star". Sarah took ballet and tap dance lessons for several years, and she expressed her creativity through piano playing, singing, and acting. This led to her participating in numerous Cinderella Pageants, where she won several talent and Miss Congeniality awards, and later as a teenager being highly active in the drama department at her High School and Regency Baptist Church. She was in several stage performances, but of all of them, the ones that she admired the most were 'Oklahoma' and 'Annie'.

Sarah made the move to attend The University of Texas in Austin. Unfortunately, with the complications of being diagnosed with MS and financial constraints she decided to put her education on hold and work as an Administrative Assistant for Texas Lone Star Steel and a major banking conglomerate. Saving enough money, she moved to Colorado where she completed her education with an associate’s degree from Fort Collins Community College and a Bachelors in Natural Science from Colorado State University with an emphasis in Psychology. On graduation, she created her business "Star Services" that began as cleaning business with a large crew; but ended up as one-on-one in-home respite care worker and life trainer for people with special needs.

During that time, Sarah met her husband Brian Scott Burrill one sunny day when he was walking on crutches down the street. She stopped and offered him a ride, when he said no, she offered him a job cleaning, and when he said no offered him beer and pizza. Three days later he asked her to marry him because of how beautiful a person she was. That smile would make any man melt.

Her MS progressed and she had to leave her business and be on disability. Sarah didn't let her share of joy end there, though. She actively was part of the community, society, and anyone that just stopped 'chat' with her. She took up the hobbies of cooking and painting; but always painted portraits for the people around her (never for herself) and always made enough food for a stranger she welcomed into her home. She never had children: Except for the furry and feathered ones that lived their existence knowing nothing but love. She leaves Oreo her adopted kitty son, NoName her chubby Calico kitty, and Magella (the littermate sister she got for me so I wouldn't break the special bond she had with NoName). She also leaves her beautiful chicken birds Equinox, Panda, and Jeremiah Jr.

Most of all, she is survived by all the hearts that she touched. Despite her disability, she rose through it and blessed everyone that stopped and talked to her. She never complained about the pain she was in. She always had an open heart and greeted every stranger as her best friend. Always put everyone else's needs above her own. But most of all...That smile. She smiled to the end.

Her love was more infinite than the stars, more abundant than all the blades of grass in the world, and more cherished than all the water droplets in the ocean.