United States High School Yearbooks by County
Fabian Rodriguez
Fabian Rodriguez, 90, died May 31 at his home in Gypsum, Colo.
He was born in Rio Lucio, N.M. on May 1, 1912, to Jose Maria and Emily (Gurule) Rodriguez. After going to school in Rio Lucio, he married Della Lujan in 1935.
They moved to Gilman, Colo. from 1939 to 1980 where he worked for the Gilman Mining Co. They then moved to Minturn where he worked at the Turntable Restaurant. In 2001, they moved to Gypsum.
He loved fishing, gambling and playing cards with his good friend Reuben Romero. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball, but more than anything else, he loved spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren; two sisters; and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife Della Rodriguez, Gypsum; children Ruby (Jim) Medina, Red Cliff; Fabian Rodriguez, Jr., New York City; Elmer (Rita) Rodriguez, Gypsum; Anthony (Chela) Rodriguez, Denver; Cynthia (Terry) Hollingsworth, Leadville; Frank Rodriguez, Eagle; Donna (Albert) Sisneros; Mary Rodriguez; and Steve Rodriguez; all of Gypsum; brother Sebedeo Rodriguez, Penasco, N.M.; sisters Vivianita (Juan) Vigil, Llana, N.M.; Telesfora Olguin, Farmington, N.M.; and Lydia Maestas, Pocatella, Id. He is also survived by many other relatives.
Services were held on June 5 at the Red Cliff auditorium, with interment in River View Cemetery in Minturn. Elder Terry Hollingsworth officiated. Following the services, the Rodriguez family received friends at a reception at the Red Cliff town hall.
Pallbearers were Randy Medina, Elmer Rodriguez, Jr., Ben Gallegos, Mario Rodriguez, Paul Rodriguez, Kevin Sisneros and Reuben Romero. Honorary pallbearers were D.J. Sandoval and Kenny Sandoval.
Arrangements were handled by Bailey Funeral Home.
Norma Jean "Bitsy" Sorenson
Norma Jean Sorenson, or "Bitsy", as she was known to everyone, died at her home on Tuesday, July 16 at the age of 49.
She was born Norma Jean Barrows in Kansas City, Kansas on June 2, 1953, to Dr. Fredrick William and Jean Etta Koontz-Barrows. The family soon moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where she lived until graduating from South High School in 1971.
She lived almost her entire adult life in Leadville. It was here that she married Donald E. Sorenson on Sept. 7, 1985. They later divorced. And it was in Leadville that she raised her two children, Keri Marie, 13, and William Donald, 11.
Her main focus in life was being a loving mother and homemaker.
Through the years she supported herself and her family with a variety of jobs. Among other things, she worked as a miner at the Climax mine, drove heavy equipment at the Leadville Superfund Reclamation Project, waited tables and worked in various businesses in Leadville.
Known for her devotion to her children, generosity and sense of humor, she was also a great lover of music, especially that of the Beatles, and the books of Stephen King.
She is survived by her children; older sisters Dee (Ron and daughter Alexis) Barrows-LeMaster, Boulder; and Wendy Larson and her daughter Toby, Aspen.
A memorial service was held on July 20 at the Annunciation Catholic Church, which was filled to capacity by family and friends from throughout the state and across the country. The service was followed by a reception at the Eagles Lodge.
She will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 27, in Ness City, Kansas, the birthplace of her father, and location of the family’s burial plot.
A fund has been established in her name for the education of her children. Contributions to the Norma Jean Sorenson fund are greatly appreciated, and can be sent to High Country Bank at 600 Harrison Ave., Leadville, Colorado, 80461.
John Patrick Martin
John Patrick Martin, 95, died Nov. 7, 2002.
He was born Aug. 12, 1907 to Irish immigrants Mary Byrne and Patrick Martin in Leadville. He was the eighth of 10 children. After the death of his father when he was a child, he started delivering coal for the family business, first in a horse-drawn wagon and eventually in "motortrucks." This evolved into his career as a self-employed trucker.
On Aug. 8, 1937, Thelma Proffitt promised to love and honor, but not always obey, John Martin. They honored their love through their service to family, church, and community.
Over the years, he practiced many other trades. He was a skilled carpenter, building the home his family enjoyed for more than forty years. He "retired" to become the head of maintenance at Colorado Mountain College where he became a friend and mentor to many young adults in the tumultuous sixties.
His quiet compassion and caring for those in difficulty was little known by most but much appreciated by those lives he touched.
When he saw a need, he simply tried to meet it. He was as comfortable with a baby in his arms as a load of lumber on his back. Neighbor children often came to his door, "Can John come out to play?" After moving to Columbia, Mo., in 1991, he spent much of his time at his daughter's childcare center, rocking babies.
Before leaving Leadville, he was active as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, in the Elks, and the Royal Order of Hibernians.
He is survived by daughters Maurine (Ellis) Ruble, Edgewater, Colo.; Patricia (George) Miller, Mission, Kan.; and Lucile Martin, Columbia, Mo.; grandchildren Kathleen, Colleen, JohnE, James, Patrick and Katrina; and great grandchildren Eric, Jerome and Ryan.
His life was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Nov. 12. His ashes will be buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Leadville at a later date.
Memorial gifts honoring him may be sent to Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102-4617; the Annunciation Church, 609 Poplar, Leadville, CO 80461; or the church of your choice.
Eugene Lyle “Bud” Crowley
Eugene Lyle “Bud” Crowley, 90, died Dec. 24, 2002, in Wheat Ridge.
He was born on March 8, 1912 in Glenwood Springs to Claude and Lula Crowley.
He attended elementary school in Meredith and graduated from Garfield County High School.
In 1935 he married Pauline Brock and in 1937 they moved to Leadville where he was employed with Public Service Co. of Colo. until his retirement in 1975.
In Leadville he was active in the Lions Club, scouting, the Chamber of Commerce and the Burro Race Committee. He was past Exalted Ruler and life member of Elks lodge #236, and a 32nd degree Mason.
He returned to Thomasville upon retirement where he was volunteer fire chief and an active member of the Thomasville United Methodist Church, relocating to Arvada in 1995.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years; and son E.L. Crowley, Jr.
He is survived by his daughter Junie (David) Johnson, Arvada; sisters Virginia Goode, Paonia; and Marjorie Graham, Ohio; brothers Frank (Pearl) Crowley, Grand Junction; Ray (Chick) Crowley, El Jebel; and James Crowley, Silt; nine grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
A memorial service will be held in Thomasville on Jan. 4, 2003 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to LMC Community Foundation, 6870 West 52nd Ave., Arvada, CO 80002; or the Thomasville United Methodist Church, Box 1006, Basalt, CO 81621.
