This manuscript, in its essence, is a collection of 948 biographies of prominent men and women, all leading citizens of Western Colorado. In this context, Western Colorado encompasses the counties of Archuleta, Chaffee, Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Lake, Mesa, Mineral, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, and San Miguel.
Lucius Cozzens Rice, born on June 30, 1867, in Riceville, New York, became a prominent businessman and Idaho’s state treasurer. He prepared for college at Clinton Seminary and attended Union College, where he excelled in leadership. After moving to Idaho in 1891, he established a successful general merchandise store in St. Anthony. Rice was instrumental in founding the First Bank of Fremont County and the Snake River Valley Telephone Company. Elected state treasurer in 1898, he was noted for his prudent management of public funds and was deeply involved in Democratic politics.
Eloise Jennings, 74, passed away on August 10, 2002, in Union. Her funeral is set for August 14 at the Cove Seventh-day Adventist Church, with interment at Cove Cemetery. Born on May 6, 1928, in Colorado Springs, she graduated from Companion Academy and taught grades 1-8. Eloise married Glenn Jennings in 1948 and was dedicated to her family and church, actively serving as church clerk. She is survived by her husband, three children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Contributions in her memory may be made to Diabetes or Heart associations.
Chester C. McGranahan, 65, prominent banker and veteran, passed away on October 6, 1957, in Bellevue. Born in Colorado and raised in Ellensburg, he served in World War I and had a distinguished banking career, including leadership roles at the Farmers Bank and the National Bank of Commerce. Active in community affairs, he was a founding member of the Ellensburg Rodeo posse and served on various boards. He is survived by his wife Edith, a son, and four grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Tuesday.
Melvin Wallace Shock, aged 86, passed away on May 10, 1981, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Halfway. His funeral service took place on May 13 at Pine Valley Presbyterian Church. Born on January 29, 1895, in Delta, Colorado, he moved to Baker Valley as a child and lived in Pine Valley since 1910, working as a farmer and stockman. He was married to Lora Bell Irwin until her death in 1948 and is survived by several nieces, a sister-in-law, and numerous extended family members.
Elizabeth C. Long, known as Lizzie, passed away at 92 after a prolonged illness. Her funeral will be held at Grays West Co. Pioneer Chapel, with interment at Haines Cemetery. Born on April 2, 1886, in Weatherford, Texas, she moved to Baker County as a child and married Archie Jackson Long in 1905. A devoted member of the Methodist Church, she leaves behind five daughters, numerous grandchildren, and extended family. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of choice.
This page lists known online cemetery transcriptions, burial records, and gravestone images for Delta County, Colorado. Resources vary by cemetery and may include full surveys, partial records, mapping, or photographs. Links lead to external sites providing the available data.
Marguerite Edith McBath, 81, passed away on November 4, 2000, in La Grande, formerly of Baker City. Born on September 3, 1919, in Delta, Colorado, she graduated from Aberdeen High School and owned the Baker Flower Shop. She married Raymond McBath in 1963 and was active in the First Presbyterian Church and Beta Sigma Phi. Marguerite enjoyed outdoor activities and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Donations can be made to the Presbyterian Women’s Guild in her memory.