Aspen Mortuaries

04/28/2026

Joseph E Plancarte

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04/27/2026

Susan Elizabeth Tougaw

Susan E. Tougaw, 93, of Littleton Colorado passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. A memorial service and reception will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, 12:00 pm, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3001 S. Acoma St., Englewood Co. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, walked with her, worked or worshipped with her during her long life.

Sue was born in Versailles, Missouri on Sept 13, 1932, the only child of Ira and Eulah Wilson. She spent her childhood and youth in the central Missouri area, spending much of her time with her parents in their greenhouse and floral business and building her own interests, particularly in music. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied French horn and piano and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. She also became an avid KU basketball fan and followed the team for the rest of her life. While at KU she met Lawrence Tougaw (Larry) and they were married on Sept 6, 1953. They enjoyed a long, married life including three children – Martha, Sara, and Lawrence. Larry’s employment took them to several states including Utah, New Mexico, Alabama and finally to Colorado in 1970, where they remained. Sue was always one to keep busy with many favored activities including traveling, reading, sewing, volunteering and spending time with friends, especially playing Bridge! But her true passion was music, particularly as part of the worship experience. She was active in church music both singing in and directing church

choirs throughout her adult life and she always found great meaning in this work. She also taught elementary and middle school music for 20 years in the Littleton Public schools. She always felt blessed by her family and loved supporting her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. She is survived by her children, Martha Kane (Michael), Sara Tougaw, and Lawrence Tougaw; her grandchildren, Anna Kane (Robert Martin), Elizabeth Kane (Brian Godwin), and Rachael Kane (Colin Taylor), Taylor Tougaw (Afton Hauer), and Ryan Tougaw; her cousins Jodi Wolz and Jan Gibson (William), and her nephew, Phil Cosart. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Warm Hearts, Warm Babies (warmheartswarmbabies.org/monetary-donations), a charitable organization serving newborns and their families, that Sue supported for many years of her life. Or donations may be made to Mayflower Congregational Church (venmo – Mayflower-Church, or mail to 3001 South Acoma St, Littleton, Co. 80110).

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04/24/2026

Walter Ralph Gray

Walter Ralph Gray

Walter Ralph Gray, 93, of Golden, Colorado, passed away in his home on April 10, 2026. Ralph was widely loved and respected, a long time resident of Colorado, a former pastor and business man. Born in Pine Bluff Arkansas on January 7, 1933, Ralph was the third son of Joe Henry Gray and Mattie Lucy (Green) Gray. Ralph moved with his family from Arkansas to Roswell, New Mexico in 1937 due to his mother’s tuberculosis. Upon the death of Ralph’s mother from TB in 1940, his father took the job as foreman on the Coe Ranch, Glenn Coe, New Mexico, and he and his son’s moved to the ranch. Ralph often talked about his fondest childhood memories of the years spent on the Coe Ranch with dozens of pets, horses and living the joys of ranch life in the mountains of New Mexico. In 1944, Ralph’s father moved the family to Dexter, New Mexico where he bought and managed G&G Grocery (a joint enterprise with his brother-in-law) and the local movie theater. From 4th grade on, Ralph assisted his father with his many businesses and attended school in the Dexter public school system. Ralph graduated from high school with honors in 1951, and after graduation, he attended the New Mexico Military Institute for one year.

On January 2, 1952, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Joycelene Drake. They were married for 74 years and have three children: Gary Owen Gray, Debra Ruth (Gray) Gilas and Joel Timothy Gray. In 1955, with one child and a second child on the way, Ralph was called to the Christian ministry, and he moved the family to Plainview, Texas, to attend Wayland Baptist College. While studying in preparation for ministerial service at Wayland Baptist College, Ralph served during his junior and senior years as pastor to the Baptist church at McCoy, Texas. He graduated from Wayland Baptist College with honors in 1959, and began a lifetime of service in Christian ministry. Ralph served as a bi-vocational pastor, full-time pastor and/or interim pastor in nine churches located in Texas, Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania during his over 65-year span of Christian service. His final ministry position was as Pastor to Seniors at Applewood Baptist Church in WheatRidge, Colorado. In addition to his ministry, Ralph was a successful businessman, known for his kindness, honesty, integrity and Christian ethic. He rose from the position of Sales Service and Marketing for CertainTeed Corp., Hillsboro, Texas, to V.P of International Sales and Marketing for CertainTeed, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He also held positions with LCP Plastics and Chemicals, Edison, New Jersey, and Vice President of Fluid Systems Division, Carlon, Inc., Beachwood, Ohio. It was Ralph’s corporate career that funded his true calling, Christian ministry. During his career in international marketing and as a pastor on mission trips, Ralph traveled to approximately 40 different countries of the world. He spent his life devoted to his Lord, his family, and to his calling to the Christian ministry. He built lasting friendships and earned the respect of all who knew him.

Ralph is preceded in death by his father Joe Henry Gray; his mother Mattie Lucy (Green) Gray; an unnamed brother (who died in infancy); his brother Joseph Andrew Gray and his wife Stella Lavon (Bradley) Gray; his brother Joe Henry Gray, Jr. and his wife Fayrene (Rogers) Gray; daughter-in-law Esther Dianne (Brady) Gray (wife of Gary); and grandson Paul Michael Gray (son of Gary).

Ralph is survived by his wife of 74 years Joycelene (Drake) Gray; his son Gary Owen Gray; his daughter Debra Ruth (Gray) Gilas and her husband Nick Gilas; and his son Joel Timothy Gray. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Brian Gray, Jason Gray, Kelly Gilas, Christopher Gilas, Cassie (Gray) Etheridge, and Timothy Gray. Ralph is also survived by six great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Applewood Baptist Church, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Details will be shared with family and friends as they become available.

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07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we express gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made it possible.

06/29/2025

Writing letters can be a powerful way to navigate mourning, allowing you to express emotions that might feel overwhelming. We’ve compiled tips, examples, and a free writing prompt you can download.

Discover the healing power of letter writing after loss and how it can help with grief. Find expert tips and resources to guide you through the process.

06/15/2025

06/13/2025

This Father’s Day, we celebrate and remember the fathers and father figures who left an indelible mark on our lives. Their guidance and love remain with us always. If you’re looking for thoughtful memorial or sympathy gifts to celebrate your dad, click the link below. https://www.afterall.com/memorial-store/gifting/top-gifts-loss-of-a-father.html

06/08/2025

It’s said that you cannot pick your family, but for many of us, our best friends become our family. And when they pass away, the loss can feel insurmountable. Click the link below for gentle coping mechanisms if you’re mourning the loss of a dear friend.

Discover practical ways to cope with the grief of losing a friend, including emotional support strategies and self-care tips to help you heal.

05/26/2025

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we gather, reflect, and stand together in gratitude.

We honor not only their service, but the lives they lived — the families they loved, the dreams they carried, and the legacy they leave behind.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, or the people who paid it.

05/23/2025

As Memorial Day approaches, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning and the traditions that help us remember those who gave their lives in service.
From the red poppy to the story behind coins left on graves, this article explores the history and symbolism behind this solemn holiday.
Learn more:

Discover the history and meaning of Memorial Day, the role of red poppies, and respectful ways to honor fallen U.S. service members each May.

05/21/2025

The days are longer, and the sunshine is stronger, but grief can often feel more intense in spring and summer. It’s not just cold dark winter months that impact our emotions — many people feel loss more keenly this time of year. Learn why and how you can ease your grief as summer approaches.

For those who’ve lost a loved one, spring and summer can bring back memories and intensify grief. Explore why grief often heightens during these seasons and find guidance on coping.