Mountain Valley Mortuary

06/01/2026

Vicky Naranjo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dassie Victoria "Vicky" Naranjo, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend, who departed this world on May 31, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on April 7, 1950, in San Francisco, CA, Vicky's journey through life led her to beautiful moments in Monte Vista, CO, where she was known for her warmth, love, and unmistakable spirit.

Cremation has been selected, and arrangements for a celebration of Vicky's life are forthcoming. Family and friends are invited to gather for services that will honor her remarkable spirit, a testament to a life lived fully and generously. As we prepare to say farewell, we remember Vicky as a loving, kind, and giving soul who left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

View Vicky Naranjo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Debbie Kemp Darby

We deeply mourn the passing of Debbie Kemp Darby, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on January 2, 1947, in Evanston, Illinois, Deborah's journey through life was marked by her unwavering kindness, infectious positivity, and deep commitment to her community.

Debbie spent much of her early career as the beloved owner-operator of the Garden Cafe in Leadville, where her warmth and culinary talents created a welcoming haven for many. In later years, she transitioned into a successful career in real estate, where her wisdom and integrity shone through, helping families find their dream homes.

Throughout her life, Debbie was dedicated to charitable causes, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her spirit of generosity and her vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Debbie possessed an innate ability to see the silver lining in every situation, inspiring those around her to look on the bright side.

She is survived by her loving significant other, Chuck Weiss; her daughter, Mary Margaret Darby; her granddaughter, Mikaela Casias; and her sisters, Cathy Vance and Melinda Kemp. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edward Kemp, and her sister Melissa Kemp.

Debbie's passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable deeds but also for her laughter, wisdom, and indomitable spirit.

Cremation has been selected, and services will be held at a later date to honor her incredible life. Details of the memorial service will be shared once arrangements are finalized, inviting all whose lives she touched to come together in remembrance and celebration of her beautiful legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Debbie's memory to a charity of your choice, continuing her tradition of giving back to the community she loved so dearly.

View Deborah Kemp Darby's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

Please consider joining us for this year's Lunch n Learns at SLV Health. Our own Stephen Hunzeker will be discussing pre-planning, the importance of it as well as your opportunity to ask questions. LUNCH IS PROVIDED and thanks to our sponsors these events are FREE to attend.

05/26/2026

Delfino Enaldo Sanchez

Delfino Enaldo Sanchez, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully from natural causes on May 24, 2026, in Monte Vista, Colorado, at the age of 78. Born on April 3, 1948, in Del Norte, Colorado, to Delfino and Berneda Sanchez. Delfino lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family.

Delfino, known affectionately as "Little Grampo," "David," "Del," "Kookie," and "Pops," was a true embodiment of resilience and strength. As a miner and mason, he instilled the value of hard work in his children, Jeff, David (Maggie), and Wanda (Dean), encouraging them to appreciate the dedication that goes into building a life. He found immense joy in family gatherings, celebrations, and holiday traditions, fostering a warm and loving atmosphere for all.

Delfino is survived by his beloved children, his son-in-law Robert Gallegos, his former wife and mother of his children, Rose Sanchez, and a legacy of grandchildren who adored him: Hope (Eric) Martinez, Issac (Diane) Gallegos, Noah (Haileigh) Sanchez, Parker Sanchez, Brandon (Marianna) Sanchez, Amanda (Ardee) Reyes, Anyssa (Servando) Moreno, Monique (Kathy) Sanchez, Chantelle (Jimmy Medina), and Jerel (Yessenia) Martinez. Delfino also enjoyed the company of his great-grandchildren, whose names echo a lineage filled with love and laughter: Marcus, Chris, Jacob, Alyssia, Robert, Lexi, Mariah, Dominic, James, Dionisha, Julina, Phillip, Brandon, Sophie, Paisley, Brantley, Emelliano, Kristopher, Khyree, Kylieah, Ximena, Saul, Auvriana, Tiago, and Christian. He is further survived by his dear sisters, Corrina Lovato, Angela Barry, Yolanda Sanchez, and Clista Sanchez.

Preceding Delfino in death were his parents, his beloved daughter Rosalie Gallegos, grandchild Jerome Gallegos, and his siblings: Dylene Sanchez, Charlene Pena, Connie Vasquez, and brother Louis Sanchez.

Delfino found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often spending time in casinos, fishing, enjoying his Copenhagen, and traveling with his family. He will forever be remembered for his compassionate spirit, his hearty laughter, and the countless memories shared with those fortunate enough to know him.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:30 am with Mass following at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista on Friday, May 29, 2026. Following the service, cremation will take place, honoring his earthly journey and allowing his spirit to rest peacefully.

Delfino Enaldo Sanchez leaves behind a family forever enriched by his love and wisdom. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were touched by his kind heart.

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05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer — it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and honor for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

In funeral service, we are reminded often that every life leaves a legacy. The brave individuals we honor today left a legacy of courage, selflessness, and devotion to something greater than themselves. We have had the privilege of serving veterans and military families in our communities, and we have seen firsthand the pride, sacrifice, and deep love that accompanies that service.

Today, we especially hold close the Gold Star families who carry both immense pride and profound loss. Your loved ones will never be forgotten.

As flags wave across our communities and families gather together, may we all take a moment to remember the true meaning of this day and honor those who never made it home.

From all of us at Mountain Valley Mortuary, we extend our deepest gratitude and remembrance this Memorial Day.

05/07/2026

Tomorrow is the day! We have 160 people registered and over 30 resources and sponsors available for the Celebrating Aging Conference at the Ski-Hi conference center in Monte Vista. There is STILL TIME TO REGISTER and remember to bring a friend as well. We are so excited to see all of you at 8:30 am.

05/06/2026

Vincent John Ackerman Jr.

Vincent Ackerman Jr. (Vinny) was born on October 26, 1966 in Colorado Springs, CO. He passed away on May 5, 2026 at the age of 59.

He was a 1985 graduate of Monte Vista High School where he enjoyed running track and field and was a member the very first Monte Vista cross country team.

After high school, he moved to Denver to attend the Denver Institute of Technology on a drafting scholarship, ultimately becoming one of the teachers. He was then recruited by a student for a position with AT&T which set his technology career in motion for years to come across several tech companies including Comcast and Verizon.

He married his wife Lisa in 1994 and Lindsay was a result of that union. A tragic accident changed the course of his life. The effects of the accident left him disabled and he ended up moving back to Monte Vista, closer to his family.

Vinny was always willing to help and volunteered whenever he was needed, whether it was fixing a computer, painting, shoveling gravel, yard work or helping to install a metal roof.

He got the most enjoyment out of helping to gather firewood in the mountains.

Recreationally, he enjoyed running, biking, mountain climbing, skiing, camping with his cousin Steve and the occasional fishing trip. Summiting Mt Blanca was one of his proudest achievements.

He is survived by his parents Dorothy and Vince Ackerman Sr, brother Brian (Kendall) Ackerman, sister Tina (Tom) Milne, daughter Lindsay (AJ) and nieces/nephews Ryan Milne, Trevor (McKinley) Milne, Taylor Ackerman, Jordan Ackerman and Carson Ackerman.

As we gather to honor his memory, we invite family and friends to join us for the following services: a Rosary will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista on Wednesday May 13, 2026, at 9:30 am, followed immediately by a Mass beginning at 10:00 am. A graveside service will take place at the Monte Vista Cemetery following the Mass, where he will be laid to rest. Contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista.

He was a son, brother, father... but mostly a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly. We all will. Rest in peace Vinny.

Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Mountain Valley Mortuary

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05/05/2026

Louis Norvell Hafermehl

Louis Norvell Hafermehl, a passionate historian and dedicated preservationalist, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was 83 years old. Born on December 30, 1942, in Washington, D.C., he was the cherished son of Arthur Henry and Allie Gladys Hafermehl.

Louis graduated from McPherson High School in 1960, where he proudly served as Senior Class President. He went on to attend Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in South Asian Studies. His profound interest in history and culture was greatly influenced by his service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966. After returning home he married Anita Gustafson in 1968 and went on to complete his Masters. Louis and Anita welcomed their beloved daughter, Lyndsay Leigh Hafermehl Seymour (Jon), who resides in Valley Center, Kansas, along with his two granddaughters, Josey Leigh and Allie Hazel. Louis and Anita divorced in 1988.

Louis is survived by his sister, Dona (Lou) Siatras of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and two nieces, Karen and Carol Siatras. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Lynn, who left this world too soon in 1967.

An avid scholar, Louis pursued further academic ambitions at Duke University, aspiring to earn a doctorate degree in history. Eventually, he found his true calling in World History, serving as site manager in Edenton, North Carolina, before becoming Head of the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, where he served for many years until his retirement. Even after retiring, his passion for history endured, leading him to complete historical research and contribute articles to various organizations.

A true lover of travel, Louis enriched his life by exploring different cultures. His studies took him to India, where he received a grant to study language and culture, and he enjoyed many journeys throughout the Middle East and Europe.

Beyond his professional achievements, Louis was known for his impeccable manners, a gracious nature, a delightful sense of humor and a strong curiosity. He cherished moments spent teasing his granddaughters and engaging with everyone he met, always taking a genuine interest in their lives. Lou had a profound appreciation for American history, often found with his nose buried in a history book, and enjoyed hobbies like sailing, cooking, and crafting a rowboat.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Louis's memory to any historical society of your choice, helping to preserve the rich tapestry of history he so dearly cherished.

Louis Norvell Hafermehl will be remembered not only for his contributions to preserving history but also for the warmth, humor, and kindness he shared with all who had the privilege to know him.

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04/26/2026

Steven Allen Owens Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Allen Owens Sr., of Del Norte, a beloved husband and friend, who left us on April 25, 2026.

Cremation was selected and In honor of Steven, A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday May 16th at the Mountain Valley Mortuary Chapel in Monte Vista. Contributions are suggested to Tunnels to Towers, an organization that Steven was very supportive of.

Steve's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. In our grief, let us also find solace in the profound impact he had on our lives, and let us carry forward his spirit of kindness and love.

View Steven Allen Owens Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.