Progressive Men of Western Colorado

Early Life in Colorado

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.

Obituary of Mrs. Betty L. Colson Van Cleave

Betty L. Van Cleave age 81, passed away July 7, 2008 in Pendleton, Ore. She was born Feb. 5, 1927 in Baker, Ore. Betty was the seventh of 13 children to Carl and Florence “Doolittle” Colson. She attended school until the 10th grade, and then went to work to help the family. She was a waitress and owned two restaurants, one in Durkee, Ore. and one in Burley, Idaho. Betty is survived by two daughters and one son, Sandy Howland of Pendleton, Ore., Sonny and wife Bonnie Van Cleave of Parma, ID and Georgia and husband Steve Wallis of Pendleton, … Read more