Snyder Grand Valley Memorials

01/20/2026

Stephen Allen Hildebrand

Stephen A. Hildebrand passed away peacefully at his residence on January 7, 2026. Services will be held at the VA Cemetery at the committal shelter on Thursday January 29th at 1pm. Dinner to follow at Uranium Downs.

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01/15/2026

Gregory Robert Hazelhurst

Gregory Robert Hazelhurst passed away on January 8, 2026, in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the age of 75. He was born on November 2, 1950, in Denver, Colorado.

Greg is survived by his wife, Claudia; his sons, Sean (wife Jenna) and Drew, and grandchildren, Evelyn and Finn.

He dedicated much of his early career to helping others. He worked as a ski patrolman at Powderhorn Resort before becoming a paramedic and firefighter for the City of Grand Junction. Later, he transitioned into business management working for Keystone Custom Builders for many years. Greg was a longtime member of the JUCO committee and ran the message board for over 30 years.

Greg was the go to person for anything you needed. Whether it was lending a helping hand, or fixing something that seemed beyond repair, he was often found tinkering on projects in his garage, where sports were always playing — one game on the television and another simultaneously on the radio.

Greg had a true passion for the outdoors and was always planning his next adventure for him, his family and friends. His love for skiing, fly fishing, golfing, taking road trips and spending time in South Park were the things that brought him the most joy.

Greg’s kindness, generosity, and love of life will not be forgotten. He will be missed.

A service to honor Greg’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary, located at 790 26 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506. Reception to follow at Bookcliff Country Club from 2-5pm.

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01/13/2026

John Benson

John Benson, age 93, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026.

John lived a full and meaningful life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and an appreciation for simple pleasures. He especially enjoyed fishing, finding peace and satisfaction in time spent near the water. Those moments reflected the patience and thoughtfulness that defined him throughout his life.

He will be remembered fondly by family and friends who were touched by his steady presence and gentle nature. John’s life was well lived, and his memory will be carried on with gratitude and love.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11am at Snyder Memorials and Funeral Home.

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01/12/2026

Linda Mae Stack

Our beloved mother, Linda Mae Stack passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026. She will be dearly missed by all who know her.

Linda graduated in 1969 from Grand Junction High School. The following year she attended Mesa State College where she obtained her vocational degree.

In 1970, she was employed at Community Action where she met her future husband, Robert James Stack. Linda became a homemaker and raised two children, Natalie Dawn Stack and Elliot Stack.

Linda is survived by her sisters Jeanne Waters, Darlene Damiani, Jessica Seufert, and Lisa Pinkerton, and brother, Marvin Gallegos. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Stack, her brother, Joseph Gallegos and sister Dolores Hererra.

For nearly 30 years Linda volunteered at Grand Valley Catholic outreach soup kitchen where she met many friends along the way.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church at 10am Saturday January 17th and burial will take place at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.

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01/08/2026

Robert O. Engelke

Robert O. Engelke, 87, of Grand Junction, CO passed away on January 6, 2026.

Robert (Bob) was born on March 6, 1938 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Otto and Mary Ellen Engelke. He graduated from University High School, a part of University of Michigan, in 1956. After earning his bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University, he went on to join the U.S. Navy and serve aboard ship as Ensign and was later promoted to LTJG from 1962-1965.

Prior to entering the Navy and immediately after his return, Bob attended University of Colorado where he studied Public Administration. He would continue to work in positions related to public administration, including Assistant Planning Director in Fort Collins, City and County Planning Director in Grand Junction and a term as City Manager of Fruita, Colorado. Later Bob became an independent planning consultant, working with Western Slope developers and cities. Bob was previously married to Deanne Parrish with whom he shared two children, Kelly Weeks and Karl Engelke. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Lynsday Engelke and Melissa Weeks, and two great grandchildren, Brayden Engelke and Kinzley Engelke. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and cousins.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping, especially on the Grand Mesa. He always had dogs as companions and for duck hunting. Later, he became a member of the Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club.

Military honors graveside service will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. February 13, 2026.

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01/07/2026

Allan Ledebur

Allan Ledebur went to be with his Lord and Savior in January 2026. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Al was a man of faith, which guided the way he lived his life. He loved his wife and family and worked hard throughout his life with the goal of providing for them. He was an avid bridge player, attended church regularly, and loved golf. He was a great storyteller and had a curiosity about the world.

Al was born in Fairmont Minnesota to Roy and Elsie Ledebur. He played football for Fairmont High School as a linebacker, where he earned the nickname “Cardinal Beef”. He served in the army in the 1950s. He graduated from Augustana University where he met the love of his life, Lola, by asking for her help filling out a registration form. They married in 1961 and had two children.

Al was in the flooring business from young adulthood through his mid-eighties. He began as a warehouseman and worked in various sales and management positions. He and Lola started their own business, Carpetime, in 1975. In 1992, they moved to Grand Junction to focus on the business. He took pride in helping customers find the right flooring and was known for his honesty, generosity, and integrity. He retired knowing the business was in good hands with his son and family.

Al loved sharing his Christian faith with others. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and an active and involved member in the churches he attended. At the time of his death, he was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife Lola, his son Mark Ledebur (Kären), daughter Sheri Blue (Yuvi), and grandchildren Luke, Chase, Dashiell (Echo), and Savyon. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Roy, and by his siblings, Patricia and Roger.

Al was a devoted son and brother, a loyal friend, a businessman, church leader, and an outstanding husband and father. He will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Friends are welcome to attend a reception honoring Allan on January 24 th from 3-5pm at Bookcliff Country Club.

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01/05/2026

Suzanne Callaghan

Suzanne Kimberly Callaghan (Sue), a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away at home on December 4th, 2025 at the age of 70. Sue is survived by her brothers, Tim, Pat, and Chuck Callaghan; her daughters, Lisa Nelson, Erin Taylor, and Kattie Horvath; and her five grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, Dorothy Callaghan and Richard Callaghan.

Sue was born on August 18th, 1955 in Aurora, Illinois to Dorothy and Richard Callaghan. She grew up as the only sister with her three brothers. Growing up, she was vibrant, highly spirited, and beloved by many friends. In 1973, she graduated from West Aurora High School, getting married to Kalman Horvath later that year in the fall. The following year, Sue's mother passed away. Her father passed away three years later. Despite these challenges, Sue would go on to attend classes at Waubonsee Community College, work at Copley Hospital as a med tech, become a dental assistant, and work with children in daycare. Sue was known for being driven and highly motivated, always passionate about the work she did and the people she helped. She would also have and raise her three children—Lisa, Erin, and Kattie—her proudest achievement and the most important part of her life. Her children remember how she made anything into a celebration, always looking for the best in everything. In her early twenties, Sue would also take in her youngest brother, Chuck, while he was a teenager. After he moved out, she later moved to Colorado with her family in 1991. Once she was in Colorado, she would continue working in the dental field by becoming an oral surgery assistant, and buy her own home in 1996 before becoming a mental health worker. As a grandmother, she enjoyed doing crafts and playing games with her grandkids. She later retired, dedicated to spending time with her dogs and family to whom she spent her life devoted.

Sue’s family recalls countless heartfelt memories with her. Her daughters Lisa and Erin hold fond memories of birthdays spent at hot springs, the effort she put into decorations for every birthday and special occasion, and listening to the Beatles birthday song. Sue’s youngest daughter, Kattie, reflects on the privilege of her mother being her best friend. Sue's grandkids remember her wittiness and sense of humor, their late-night talks with her, and climbing on the roof to stargaze together. One remembers how she turned her house into a summer vacation in the middle of winter—turning up the heater and drinking smoothies—yet another instance of her making the best of what she had in the moment to create joy with those she loved. Sue loved to cook and be in her kitchen, and was a friend to every animal, from dogs to squirrels to raccoons. She touched many hearts, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. A celebration of life will be held with close loved ones at a later date.

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12/29/2025

Eldine "Dean" Ivan Branham

Eldine (Dean) Ivan Branham

Dean passed away at his home in Glade Park, CO on 12/27/25. He was born on his parents' Dairy Farm in Antigo, Wisconsin, on January 22, 1928, where he attended school and worked until age 17. He was an adventurer, strong and determined individual. He started pursuing flying small airplanes and acquired his pilot's license at the age of 16. Where he flew his family all over Wisconsin and beyond. He ventured to Alaska at the age of 18, he was a big game guide and a bush pilot dropping mail from his airplane to remote areas. He spent two winters tapping at Rainy Pass and on the lditarod Trail with his dog team. He moved from Wisconsin to Utah in 1957 for a short time and then back to Alaska in 1958. He moved his family to Unimak Island where he was the station manager for Reeve Aleutian Airways and later moved to Cold Bay. Returning to Utah in 1962, he was in the lumber, sawmill, cattle and racehorse business. He always cut firewood on the side and cut his own firewood until age 91. He traveled all over the west, with the horses, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, California, as well as New York, Massachusetts, Ohio and Vermont. He moved to Glade Park in 1977 where he worked as a swayer at a local sawmill, on ranches and was a big game guide for many years.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 55 years Bessie Ann Kotarski. His parents Cecil Vernon Branham and Hazel Margaret Bores Branham. One brother, 3 sisters and two grandsons Clay and Jason Branham.

He is survived by his partner of 20 years Lori Drotar. Three amazing children and their spouses. Paul and Ronnie Branham, Belle and Tom Chesnick and Bud and Ellen Branham. 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and a few great great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 12:00 p.m.at the Glade Park Cemetery.

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12/24/2025

Cecil Roy Drake

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12/19/2025

View Lorna Lugen Divinny's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/19/2025

Lorna Lugen Divinny

Lorna Lugen Divinny, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away on December 17, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado, after a long battle with renal cancer. Born on October 8, 1952, in Cañon City, Colorado, Lorna lived a life filled with love, kindness, and dedication to her family and career.

Lorna's early life was marked by frequent moves, which led her to attend several schools. Her intelligence and determination shone through as she excelled academically, ultimately graduating near the top of her class from Fruita High School in 1971. Following her graduation, Lorna began her professional journey by becoming a paralegal in the 1970s, a field in which she thrived until 2000. Demonstrating a passion for lifelong learning, she went back to school and earned a degree in accounting, continuing to work in this capacity until her passing. The last company she served was Orchard Mesa Lanes, where she loved and excelled at her job, bringing her expertise and warm heart to everyone she encountered.

Throughout her life, Lorna was celebrated for her unwavering kindness and generosity. Friends often remarked that she was the smartest and most giving person they knew. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her love and support, which enriched their lives immeasurably.

Lorna is survived by her devoted husband, Darryl Divinny; her daughters, Kimberly Hannigan of Pittsburg, PA, and Kirsten (Brandon) Aarness of Grand Junction, CO; her grandsons, Austin and Greyden Aarness; her siblings, Rita Kanten of Grand Junction, CO, Gaius (Sandy) Wilkinson of Abilen, TX, Mark Wilkinson of Canon City, CO, Cecil (Cindy) Wilkinson of Loma, CO, and Barbara (Doug) Weatherby of Clifton, CO; her sister-in-law Darlene Wilkinson of Grand Junction, CO; along with many nieces and nephews who admired her dearly.

Lorna was preceded in death by her father, Gene Harris; her mother, Mildred Wilkinson; her stepfather, Lester Wilkinson; and her brother, Leslie Wilkinson.

Her family will honor her memory during a Celebration of Life on December 22, 2025, at New Haven Church located at 426 Kluge Ave, Palisade, CO 81526, beginning at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will take place later that day at 2:00 PM at New Elmwood Cemetery, 1175 17 1/4 Road, Fruita, CO 81521.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Lorna will remember a woman who exemplified strength, intelligence, and an unparalleled love for her family. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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12/19/2025

Ruby L. Hodson

Ruby (Newitt) Hodson was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah on June 6, 1934 to parents George and Minnie Newitt. The family moved to Fruita where she attended Hunter Elementary School and Fruita Union High School. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, child of God, and friend who emanated beauty inside and out. She passed away on December 15, 2025.

In 1951, she married Ernest Duane Hodson. Ruby joined Duane at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. They were later stationed in Topeka, Kansas where she welcomed her first child, Debra, in 1954. After Duane's Air Force career, the family returned to Loma where they purchased a farm and welcomed their second child, Tom. Their third child, Patti, joined the family in 1960. The couple were married for 68 years before the passing of Duane in 2019.

Ruby excelled in canning, gardening, baking and cooking. She was a gifted artist who worked in several mediums, including oil and tole painting and fiber arts-sewing, quilting, and crocheting. Her work was featured in several craft fairs and is still enjoyed by family and friends. She played the piano and was an organist for her church. She was an avid Colorado sports fan who rooted for the Rockies, Avs, and Broncos.

Ruby was most happy when surrounded by family. She prioritized spending quality time with her family members and went above and beyond to make them feel special and loved. She was often found behind the lens of a video camera documenting their milestones. Her home cooked meals and five layer chocolate cake were legendary. She often prepared family and friends' favorite meals or baked treats for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. She went out of her way to make her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews feel loved. She became a surrogate patriarch to her nieces and nephews after the passing of her brothers and sister, stepping in to offer support and comfort.

Ruby had a fondness for animals and had several pets (large and small) over the course of her lifetime. She welcomed her children's and grandchildren's pets into the family and spoiled them as if they were her own.

In her later years, she discovered the power of texting and soon became the hub of all family communication. She relished in sharing and celebrating her loved ones' accomplishments and she regularly updated friends and family. She loved receiving messages and pictures through text. Throughout her life she took the time to acknowledge special occasions with a handwritten card. These acts of love and kindness soon evolved into loving texts (including emojis) on holidays and birthdays expressing her love and appreciation.

Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Duane, her son Tom, sister Bettie Muhlestein, brothers Joe and Corky Newitt, and other nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by her daughters Debra (Melvin) Buniger, Patti (Nick) Cholas, her five grandchildren-Sarah, Matt, Luke (Rochelle), Ashley, and Zach (Iesha,) 11 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to recognize La Villa Grande and HopeWest for their compassion and kindness while caring for Ruby. In lieu of flowers, they request that a donation be made to HopeWest in her honor.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2026.

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