March 19, 1930 – December 23, 2011

Wilma Louise Ewing (Cooper), 81, passed away on December 23, 2011 at Boulder Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family. A Remembrance Gathering was held at the Black Forest Inn, Nederland, Colorado at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 30^th.
Wilma was born March 19, 1930 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to John and Gertrude Cooper. She had two older brothers, James and Floyd, who loved to spoil her. She spent most of her childhood in the Loveland area, which she loved to reminisce about. In 1948 at the age of 18 she married the love of her life Bill, in Denver, Colorado. The next 63 years she was devoted to her family and business ventures. Bill and Wilma raised five children in Black Hawk, Colorado teaching them the values of family and hard work.  As evidence of her strength and determination, Wilma and Bill owned and operated many small businesses over the years. These included South Beaver Saw Mill & Lumber Yard, LA Griffith Construction, and Ewing Trucking & Construction. Wilma was happiest when surrounded by her large family and friends.
After her retirement as CFO of Ewing Trucking & Construction in 2006, she enjoyed relaxing with her husband and playing games and shopping with her grandchildren. Wilma always loved the mountains of Colorado. They moved to Eagle County in 1983, yet never giving up their life in Black Hawk. After splitting their time between their two homes for so many years, they moved permanently back to Black Hawk in 2011 where she spent her final days.
She was preceded in death by her brother James (Nellie) Cooper, and her son James Ewing.
She is survived by her husband, William Ewing, brother Floyd (Lorraine), children Cathy Ewing, Charles (Isela) Ewing, Bart (Mary Kate) Ewing, and Debbie (Todd) Ellsworth and 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Wilma will be greatly missed by her many family and friends. She will always be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. She was a wonderful, devout wife, mother, and grandmother, who consistently embodied her core values of determination, persistence, and truth.
She left a legacy of love and respect for family and friends.

Wilma and her family are in the care of Darrell Howe Mortuary, 1701 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, CO.

August 19, 1913 – November 15, 2011

Florence Ruth Gruchy, a wise, adventurous, spirited, joyous long-time resident of Gilpin County passed away peacefully at her home, built by her husband David, November 15, 2011. She met each day with gusto and everyone with her attitude phrase of “better than good”, anytime she was asked about her life.

Florence, the eldest of three children, was born August 19, 1913 on a homestead in Sedgwick, Colorado, where her parents and grandfather were beet farmers. Her father, Ture Nelson, immigrated from Sweden, becoming a US citizen in the early 1900s. She never forgot the stories of his struggles, nor of life on the prairie, proudly regaling them to anyone willing to listen. Swimming in the ditch, following after her father in the fields, playing with the family bands, and playing piano for the silent movies were favorite early memories. These were the roots of Florence’s lifelong love of the natural world and the rhythms of music, art, and dance.

Graduating with honors from high school, Florence went on to Colorado A & M, now CSU, where she obtained a Home Economics diploma and Colorado teaching certificate in the early years of the Great Depression. She was also a proud member of the women’s synchronized swim team. It was during her college years that Florence visited her Aunt Mert and Uncle Floyd outside of Coal Creek Canyon at the old cabin and sawmill that later became part of the “Dowdle Estates.” Florence and her siblings later purchased the old Skankee Ranch on Gap Road in 1942, where her parents would soon move because the Dust Bowl era made farming in Sedgwick increasingly difficult.

After college, Florence taught in many one-room school houses throughout northeastern Colorado, riding to school on horse-back regardless of the season. She was a tough, yet progressive educator for the times and was loved by her students. Her generous, loving nature found her using her salary to assist siblings Chloe and Harold with college.

It was back to college in the mid-1930s, this time completing a degree in Dietetics. This she would later learn would lead her out of Colorado. As America entered World War II, Florence was in Washington D.C. working as a civilian dietician at Walter Reed Army Hospital. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, she became a First Lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corp, serving as a dietician in Hawaii and Guam – just a little different from Colorado’s open prairies. Florence served 42 months in the Pacific Theater with the 204^th General Hospital.  During this time she rose to the rank of Captain.

While in the Pacific, Florence met Captain David Gruchy and as many know they were married immediately after the war. Once again she found herself in new territory – this time in Mississippi where David lived and taught at Chamberlin-Hunt Academy. Soon after moving to Mississippi, daughters Tyra and Carolyn were born. After a few years in Mississippi, it was on to the next adventure, back to CSU where both Florence and David advanced their degrees using the GI bill. While at CSU, their daughter Fran was born. Next came a move to Michigan where David received his doctorate, Florence continued her education in dietetics, and their son David was born.

Mississippi beckoned once again and the family returned to Chamberlain-Hunt Academy. This time, Florence rendered a key role as the campus dietician consultant. She also provided daily accompaniment to the morning worship services for the cadets, was active in the PTA, the Presbyterian Women of the Church, and was a Brownie and Cub Scout den mother. She ensured the girls had music and dance lessons and routinely made wonderful costumes and prom dresses. Florence was room mother for son Dave as a young boy and later encouraged him in track and football.  Florence instilled her love of adventure and the natural world in everyone she met; the children were given free range of the 250-acre campus. She taught them to be kind and accepting toward everyone. These values and attributes would be needed during the desegregation years in the South. Florence supported David in relocating as department head of one of the first Mississippi Colleges’ to be desegregated. Florence took part in a nutrition study in northern Mississippi, as commissioned by the Kennedy administration. She then went on to work with a state program aimed at improving nutrition in nursing homes. During these years, Florence began to travel back and forth to Colorado to help care for her aging parents.

David and Florence moved to Colorado in 1976 to the home on Gap Road. Florence continued her career as a dietitian at Boulder Psychiatric Institute and began work with the Colorado Council of Governments and what are now the Senior Nutrition and Meals on Wheels programs in northwest Colorado. She liked to tell the story about how at age eighty-four, when she rolled her car on her way to work during a blizzard and was hanging upside down in her seatbelt, the highway patrolman who stopped to help asked her, “Isn’t it about time to think of retiring?” Florence replied that when you love what you’re doing and you enjoy being of service to others, it doesn’t really feel like work!

When Florence formally retired from her nutrition career, she became more involved in the community – church and Sunday School activities, CCCIA dinners, bingo nights, pancake breakfasts and other canyon events. Florence and husband David donated land to Coal Creek Canyon Fire Department to build Station 4. For a number of years, Florence and David were active with the Gilpin County and Coal Creek Seniors’ groups, hosting summer picnics and attending other events. It was during this time they were both approached by the Gilpin County Veteran’s Officer at the time, Bill Squire, who asked them about medals from WWII. They said after the war all they wanted to do was come home, so they didn’t wait to get their medals. Bill Squire arranged a special ceremony and presented those medals to them almost 60 years after the war.

Love of God, the natural world, family, and service to country and community were central to Florence’s life. During these last years, it was Florence’s joy to look out her corner window at the world, upon her beloved mountain, meadow, woodland landscapes and curious wildlife. Florence remained young at heart and fully engaged with current events and those around her, including The Denver Hospice and her expanded caregiver teams.

For those who knew Florence and her husband David, who passed a couple years ago, David told her he would wait for her at the pearly gates. When she met him there, if he asked how she was, there is no doubt her response was capitalized and emphasized – “Better Than Good!”

A personal note from the writer – I knew from the moment I met Florence, she was a gift from God. She was there for me when my mother died and on many other occasions. She used to tell me and others to pull up on our boot straps and get to work – no free rides. She loved my children as her own. I know heaven is richer for her presence. I also believe she would not want us to mourn her passing, as hard as that is, but to celebrate her life. A memorial service will be held December 7, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel in the Hills in Coal Creek Canyon. Good-bye for now Florence; we will see you again someday and it will be better than good.

September 4, 1928 – November 16, 2011

Irene Joyce Storms, 83, Hugoton, Kansas, passed on to her rewards in heaven on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at the Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, Kansas.

The daughter of Grovy E. & Cora E. (Garman) Morford, she was born in rural Stevens County, Kansas.

She and Robert T. Storms were married August 5, 1951 at Hugoton, KS. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2011, so they will be happily reunited.

She was a homemaker, minister’s wife, and mother to her family. She enjoyed playing ping pong, baseball, and other games with her kids, as well as helping with homework, caring for her mother, and being a gracious hostess for visiting church guests. She was a great cook, and managed the finances for her family.

They lived at various place in their ministry, including Centerview, KS, Springfield, CO, Coldwater, KS, Belleville, KS, La Junta, CO, and Chivington, CO. They retired from the ministry and moved back to their hometown of Hugoton, KS on July 15, 1997. She remained a member of the Chivington Friends Church, but they attended both the Friends Church and Nazarene Church in Hugoton.

Survivors include son Aaron K. Storms & wife Robin of Black Hawk, CO; daughter Gayle M. Brown & husband Jeff of Wallace, KS; sister Lona Ratcliff of Hutchinson, KS; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Grovy & Cora, her husband Robert, four brothers – Gordon, Leland, Lester, and Glen Morford, three sisters – Gwendolyn Morford, Vivian Morford, and Lucile Martin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Church of the Nazarene in Hugoton, followed by burial at the Hugoton Cemetery.

A memorial has been established at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home under their name. Memorials may be mailed to Paul’s Funeral Home, PO 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

She will be missed.

September 24, 1951 – October 13, 2011

Michael Copp passed away on October 13, 2011, at the age of 60. Mike was born in Pueble, Colorado, on September 24, 1951 to Simon and Bessie Copp. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University Pueblo, and his Master’s degree from the University of Colorado. Mike spent 34 years in a career as a city manager, with his final tenure in the City of Black Hawk, Colorado.

Mike’s passion was golfing, and he loved to spend time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his brother, Gary Copp, and sister, Debra Bair. He was grandfather to Koda Riley Ellison, step-father to Michael Ellison, uncle to Cassandra Cassity, Kris Rod, Jeremy Copp, Kyle Copp, Jeb Bair, Jake Bair, and grand-uncle to Cole Kucewesky, Benjamin Cassity, and Samantha Cassity.

Mike will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. Interment and graveside services were held Friday, October 14^th at the B’Nai Jacob Cemetery in Pueblo, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Assistance at www.rockymountaincancerassistance.org or at RMCA, 1161 S Vivian Street, Lakewood, CO 80228 in his name.

March 26, 1940 – August 31, 2011

  Marko was born in Maribor, Yugoslavia to parents Hans and Vera Lah. In his teens Marko escaped from communism to Austria and for two tears helped others do the same.

  Soon after while working for the publication Stars and Stripes in Germany, during the sixties, Marko was able to secure a sponsorship and visa to come to the United States, while not speaking one word of English. Once in the country, Marko settled in Minnesota where he was a salesman and motorcycle racer.

  In the late sixties Marko was drafted into the U.S. Army and served proudly as a Military Policeman during the Vietnam War. Following his stint in the Army Marko moved to Denver Colorado and with his entrepreneurial spirit opened his own business, then later worked as regional sales manager for Keebler Cookies and H.H. Post.

  In 1972 Marko met and married Joanne Ramsey and together in 1977 welcomed their only child, a son, Sasha. In 1980 the family moved to Black Hawk and purchased the Black Hawk Conoco, and over 11 years grew it into a thriving business.

  In 1991 Colorado Gaming changed everything for the people of Black Hawk and Central City. The Conoco station became the Gold Mine Casino. In order to support gaming and specifically the Gold Mine Casino, Marko purchased Peoples’ Choice Transportation in 1992. The bus line provided scheduled service to Black Hawk and Central City.

  Marko retired in 1999 and in 2000 suffered a debilitating stroke. With Marko’s strong will and perseverance he regained his speech and mobility, becoming able to live on his own.

  In 2009 Alondra Isabella Lah was born and became the light of Marko’s life. Marko lived the American Dream to its fullest. He was a great father and grandfather – he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

  Marko is survived by son Sasha, granddaughter Alondra, niece and grandniece Astrid and Sashita, cousins Eci, Yanci, Karen, Radeja, and Meda.

July 12th, 1952 – July 23^rd, 2011

  Born in Seaford, Delaware, on July 12, 1952, Steve Higgins passed away on Saturday, July 23^rd, 2011 of heart failure. He enjoyed the ocean at his mother’s (McCabe) family cottage in Bethany Beach, Delaware – later sharing this beautiful spot with his family most every summer. Catching and cracking blue crabs was a must! Family was the center of his entire life and he was an exceptionally loving and devoted father and husband.

  Steve graduated from Newark High School in 1970, entering the University of Virginia where he majored in Chemical Engineering in 1972, but made the decision to expand his horizons by riding his Triumph motorcycle cross country to San Francisco. Returning to the East Coast, he stopped in Boulder and fell in love with the mountains and decided to stay and enrolled at the University of Colorado – Boulder in the Liberal Arts enjoying the Honors Program. He loved working outside for Drexel Barrel Surveyors & Engineers from 1973-1975. But, his love of mountain climbing led him to Peter Whittaker’s School, Mt. Rainer,Washington, summiting the Peak with Peter, July 10, 1983. Peter invited him to climb Denali in Alaska, but he decided to settle down with his wife Laurel.

  He began a career in real estate after his marriage in 1984, working for Jerry Ward of Rollinsville, and Rena Mans of Jamestown/Ward. In 1990, he joined Heritage West Realty & John Ficke of Black Hawk. He bought the business and became the Real Estate Broker/ Owner of Heritage West Realty specializing in Resort Development, (land assemblage, pre-development & entitlements, PUD Process & Construction Management) developing the assemblage of patented mining claims to create the foot print for the following Casinos: Fitzgerald’s Casino, Canyon Casino, Riviera Casino, Ameristar (formerly Black Hawk Casino by Hyatt), the Historic Mountain Village for the City of Black Hawk, and the Century Casino/ Hotel. 

  He testified before the State Attorney General in hearings to establish final Gaming Boundaries for Black Hawk/ Central City. He also served on a three judge panel in the First Judicial District Court hearing the Condemnation-Valuation case – City of Black Hawk vs. Pearl Yonkers, a historic case decision appealed and upheld all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court. 

  He founded Eye of the Heart Wildlife Refuge with Laurel and Colorado Open Lands (a Conservation Easement Land Trust). He donated the 1923 Bucyrus B-50 Model taken from the Refuge to the Nederland Mining Museum & the Boulder County Historical Society with documentation and filming by the History Channel’s Mega Mover series, “Lost and Found” voted one of the top three series over a two year period. (The Bucyrus is the only Steam Shovel in existence that worked digging utility lines on the Panama Canal and today, the plan is to continue to make it into a National Historic Landmark and Working Exhibit.) 

  One of Steve’s greatest joys was riding his 1984 1000cc BMW Café Racer over Rocky National Park at least once a year. He also enjoyed riding his Arabian horse Ace, and camping with family in Mammoth Basin. Steve was an extremely intelligent, socially lively, but simple – uncomplicated, a private man who loved everyone and was loved in return. He accomplished much, unselfishly gave his services to others in business and friendship and was a natural leader prone to helping anyway he could in his community. He is greatly missed by his wife, Laurel, sons, Gove and Stuart of Rollinsville, mother Pauline McCabe Higgins, brother Joseph Higgins, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from Seaford and Bethany Beach in Delaware.

  Donations in his memory may be made to Eye of the Heart Wildlife Refuge at www.eyeoftheheartwildliferefuge.com

June 12, 1920 – July 28, 2011

  Heaven surely rejoiced in the coming of Robert Thomas Storms last week. He was 91, and after a long and rich life, passed from this world Thursday evening, July 28, 2011 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hugoton, Kansas. The son of Irvin Ralph Storms and Hattie Lee Westerfield Storms, he was born June 12, 1920 in rural Hugoton.
  He served his country in the United States Army during World War II, and was a communications officer for his unit during the invasion of the beaches of Normandy. Using the GI Bill, Robert graduated from Friends Bible College, then received his Masters degrees in both Theology and Sociology from George Fox University in Oregon. On August 5, 1951, Robert and Irene Joyce Morford were united in marriage in Hugoton.
  Reverend Storms was a minister preaching at the Friends Quaker Churches in Centerview, KS, Springfield, CO, Coldwater, KS, Belleville, KS, La Junta, CO, and finished his pastoral career in Chivington, CO. He retired at 77 years of age and they moved from Chivington back to their home town of Hugoton in July of 1997.
  Robert loved people, never met a stranger, and had a strong belief in God. He loved his wife and family and worked hard to provide for them – instilling great life values in his family through his own example.
  Survivors include his wife Irene J. Storms of Hugoton, KS; son Aaron Storms and wife Robin of Black Hawk, CO; daughter Gayle Brown and husband Jeff of Wallace, KS; his sister Clara Sissel of Odessa, TX; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
  Preceding Mr. Storms in death were his parents; two brothers – George Lee Storms and Irvin Ralph Storms, Jr.; and five sisters, Helen Andrews, Clemmie Morford Thacker, Pearl L. Storms, Joyce Ann Brewer, and Alice Betsworth.
  Services were attended Saturday afternoon, July 30, 2011 at the Church of The Nazarene in Hugoton with Rev. David Piper and Pastor Eric Mason presiding. Military graveside services were observed at Hugoton Cemetery. Paul’s Funeral Home of Hugoton was in charge of the arrangements.
  A memorial has been established for Pioneer Manor Nursing Home, and may be mailed to Paul’s Funeral Home, Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

March 25, 1956 – July 27, 2011

Robert R. Wozny, 55 years of age, was born March 25, 1956 in Chicago, IL and passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, CO after a tough battle with cancer. Robert “Bob” is survived by wife Jane (Flaig) Wozny of Central City,CO; parents Robert and Marian Wozny of Falcon CO; brothers Steven Wozny, VA,  Joseph Wozny, AZ, John Wozny, CO; sisters Susan White, GA, and Rosemary O’Leary, WA. 

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at St. Mary’s of Assumption Catholic Church in Central City, CO. 

  Bob will be missed by many and his family wishes to thank all friends and members of the community for their love, support and prayers. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, or similar cancer research center of your choice.

September 27, 1942 – July 1, 2011

David F. Wiley passed away July 1st, 2011 at age 68 in Deming, NM. He lived in the Dory Lakes subdivision of Gilpin County for over twenty five years and knew many people here. He worked for United Air Lines, retiring as a Captain after 24 years, and was very proud of that job. He moved to New Mexico in 2000 where he loved the warm climate.

David is survived by his wife Rene Wiley of Black Hawk, CO; three sisters Mary Sprague of Ohio; Dona Clark of Mississippi; Ruth Chibis of Florida; brother Galen Wiley of PA; daughter Cyndi Johnson of Cypress, CA; son Dave Wiley of Oakland, CA; three granddaughters, Amber, Hannah and Larissa Johnson of Cypress, CA; a grandson Jared Wiley of CA; a stepson Neal Gillivan of Black Hawk, CO; and stepdaughter Katy Gillivan of Black Hawk, CO.

March 30, 1932 – September 30, 2010

  Robert Andersen, 78, son of long time Gilpin residents Nels and Delia Andersen, passed away September 30^th 2010. 

  Robert was born in Ft. Lupton, CO March 30^th 1932. He graduated from Nederland High School in 1950, a class of two students attending that year. He went on to graduate from the Colorado School of Mines in 1954 with a B.S. in Geophysics.

  At the beginning of his career as a geophysicist Robert was enlisted in the U.S. Navy program for the “critically skilled individuals” serving on active duty for the Navy Reserve. He had to dig his way out through the “big snow” that year (1957) from his family home in Pinecliffe to report back for duty in Great Lakes Region. Robert was honorably discharged in 1967.

  He was hired directly from the School of Mines by GSI (Geophysical Service Intercontinental) and worked in the U.S. and Canada, from 1954-1957. From 1958-1989, he held various geophysical positions within the international geophysical exploration field, ranging from Party Chief on seismic crews in Dhofar, Saudi-Arabia to Project Manager in Houston, Texas. His career took him to various other countries, including Yugoslavia, Denmark (ancestral home) and Singapore.

  Robert loved his time in Arabia, while at camp in the “Empty Quarter” desert in Arabia, he was inadvertently host to a writer doing an article on Saudi Arabia for the National Geographic Magazine and was therefore mentioned by name. In 127º,  the author had experienced car trouble, and decided to detour and stop for repairs at “Seismo-4” an Aramco exploration camp … “Bob Andersen, invited us for some chocolate ice cream…and bunks for the night”… . (Jan.1966 pg. 33)

  Robert shared with us stories about having to make their own booze as it was a dry country and we laugh as we think of his job title…Party Chief! He did host some wonderful pool parties while living in Houston, but all kidding aside, he was extremely valuable in his field, and known as “the quiet one.”

  The corporate office (Citco International) in Singapore commended his initial work mapping all seismic lines, four structural horizons, and three isopach maps within a 1,000+ square mile area for drilling prospect to commence, all in a 24 day period. He continued to work with Citco from 1978-1989.

  During visits back home, he and his father, Nels Andersen, purchased and developed the property that is now known as the Wondervu Ranch Subdivision on Indian Peak Road, behind the Wondervu Café.

  The many years abroad facilitated Robert’s bachelorhood, but he moved from Houston to LaGrange, Texas where he designed and built his home and enjoyed many years of retirement, 14 of them with his dog, Peggy.

  Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Nels & Delia, his sister Margaret Winchell of Smartville, California, and nephew, Jeffery Dwyer. Robert is survived by his sister, Elenore Andersen and niece, both of Pinecliffe, and his remaining four nephews. His beloved dog Peggy, now resides with “Aunt” Elenore.

  A family memorial is planned for Memorial Day May 29^th at the Andersen family home, which he also helped build over the years near Pinecliffe, Colorado. A home that continued to grow along with the family.

  We will share more stories of the life Robert lived and miss him dearly.