In Memory of

Vicki Lynn Conklin

Vicki L. Conklin, age 65, of Holyoke, died April 23, 2013. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Vicki Lynn was born to Ardis Marie Kropp and Robert Lewis Conklin on March 17, 1948, in Holyoke.

The first of six children, she grew up watching her household grow with each new little brother or sister, as her beloved hometown was growing around them. She attended and was baptized and confirmed in Zion Lutheran Church. She graduated from Phillips County High School in 1966.

Vicki married James E. Faubel in 1968 and moved to Sacramento, Calif., where he was stationed. In 1969 she came back home to give birth to a daughter, Brenna Michelle. Later she married Larry R. Rothenberger and had a son, Kyle Ray, in 1971.

She briefly attended NJC and instilled in her children a love of reading and lifelong learning. She proved over the years that a formal education was not required to become an expert in a chosen field; curiosity and passion drove her.

While living in Colorado, Vicki worked at various times for Co-op, Holyoke Information Center, Dudden Implement and Speer Cushion. While in Fort Collins, she was a social worker for the Salvation Army.

Vicki loved to travel. She lived in Colorado, Nebraska, California, Arizona and Oregon over the years and had large groups of friends everywhere she lived and worked, along with a house full of plants and a large garden whenever she could. Friends would bring her ailing, half-dead plants, and within days they would be recovering. Everything she tended just seemed to flourish under her green thumb.

Vicki was an excellent embroiderer, and her beautiful work was always displayed proudly on the walls of her home, as well as those of her friends and family.

Vicki returned home from Oregon in 1998 to be near her parents and siblings. Coming home seemed to bring out her passion for Holyoke and the history of the area. She spent many years volunteering at the Phillips County Museum and collecting a large archive of genealogical and historical records. Her greatest pleasure was to share them with others and preserve them for future generations.

Vicki wrote the Times Past column for the Haxtun Herald from 2005-2013 and enjoyed reading 100-year-old papers with her morning coffee. As her health failed, she continued to open the museum to visitors and help anyone who asked with their own family history research. She was able to help people from all over the world find each of their own family connections via the Internet, and it brought her great joy in her final days.

Her MS flares caused her to use a crutch for many years, but even as her health declined and she was forced to use her wheelchair more often, Vicki still worked in her yard and mowed with a push mower. She built raised beds so she could tend her garden more easily. She could be seen zipping around town with her camera, hoping to spot an interesting bird to photograph.

Vicki had a lifelong love of birds, especially owls, prompting her to become an expert backyard birdwatcher. She learned all she could about squirrel behavior to better protect her feathered friends from the vile little critters, and she was especially pleased that her photograph of a Mississippi Kite was featured on the front cover of the September 2008 issue of Colorado Field Notes magazine.

Vicki is survived by her mother, Ardis Conklin of Holyoke; sisters, Gail Harvey of Greeley, Karla Buck of Holyoke and Robin Conklin of Fleming; brother, Eric Conklin of Holyoke; daughter, Brenna Tidwell of Portland, Ore.; son, Kyle Conklin of Holyoke; grandchildren, Joshua, Brandon and Nicholas Tidwell of Portland, Ore., Anastasia Conklin of Holyoke and James, Jacob, Garrett, Elvin and Tyler Conklin of Iowa; and one great-grandson, Logan Waite of Beaverton, Ore.

She is also survived by aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins galore, and she included everyone up to fifth cousin, twice-removed as family. She will be greatly missed on this earthly plane, but she has joined her beloved ancestors on another. Her father, her brother Randy, nephew Troy and great-niece Sophie Leigh have welcomed her into their loving arms and the everlasting peace of heaven.

Services were held April 27 at Gerk Funeral Home, and Vicki’s ashes were interred at the Kropp family plot at the Amherst Cemetery. A memorial lunch was served at the historic Amherst Church, where many of Vicki’s famous recipes were served and enjoyed by family and loved ones.

In honor of her many years and countless hours of research into everyone’s shared history, the family requests all memorial donations go to the Phillips County Museum in her name. [Vicki was a gracious contributor to COGenWeb.]

Gerk Funeral Homes was entrusted with the arrangements.

Donald Leroy Kelly

Born on Mar. 25, 1934
Departed on Aug. 3, 2012
Resided in Cornelius, OR

Don Kelly passed away on the evening of Thursday, August 3, 2012. As his daughter said, "He was very dedicated to his family, his job and his life's work of genealogical research. My father kept in contact with hundred's of people in the spirit of that research that took up so much of his time because he enjoyed it so much. My father is already and will continue to be missed by many many people."

Don Kelly served as the County Coordinator for Franklin County in the ARGenWeb Project since 1997. But even before that, he was involved in the WorldGenWeb Project providing information for Ireland, Wales and England. He later founded the Ireland Genealogy Project. He was a former State Coordinator for the IAGenWeb Project and had other counties through the years for the USGenWeb Project. Don was passionate about genealogy and had strong opinions about the subject.

Obituary as taken from the IAGenWeb Memorial page:
Donald Leroy Kelly, 79, died suddenly on the 3rd of August 2012. He was born March 25th, 1934 in Arkansas (USA) to Oscar and Gladys (Pruitt) Kelly. At a young age he lived in the Los Angles area with family, though he called Anchorage, Alaska is hometown. Don worked as a master electrician for forty years. He was also a Captain in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, of Ft. Lewis, WA.

Don was one of the early contributors of Internet genealogy. He gave many years of dedicated service to IAGenWeb as past State Coordinator and as the County Coordinator for Des Moines County since 1998. He was the manager of the Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) website for the last 12 years and county coordinator for a few other USGenWeb state sites. Don was extremely proud of his Irish Roots. He liked to use the name Donal O’Collough (the Gaelic form of the anglicized "Kelly") for his online name, as a way of celebrating his heritage. Don also managed numerous Rootsweb email lists and message boards. On his lists, he came into contact with hundreds of people researching their family and was happy to help and encourage all who wrote to him.

Don leaves behind a wife, Irene, and three daughters, Tracy, Angela and Tawnya, and a grand daughter Cheyanna Alexander. He lived in Cornelius (near Forest Grove), Oregon.

Memorial messages: Fuiten Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home, Forest Grove, Oregon.

[Courtesy of ARGenWeb]

Gail Meyer Kilgore

Gail Ann Meyer Kilgore, 78 passed away on Saturday, 22 May 2021, with family by her side. She passed in Hospice care at Penrose Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gail resided in Florence, Colorado.

Gail Ann was born to Richard Wilhelm Meyer and Viola Ruth Groen on 30 July 1942, in Rockford, Illinois. She, with her family moved to Twin Lakes, Colorado in 1958 at the age of 16. Gail married James Emmett Irwin in 1960, divorced 1980. Gail married John Joseph Kilgore in 1981.

Gail had a passion for animals and all activities outdoors. She enjoyed camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking and boating. One of her most extensive hobbies was conducting research into her family's genealogy. Gail enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her strength and perseverance.

Gail is survived by her five children: daughter, Lynne Marie (Irwin) Dahl and husband Keith Dahl of Durango, Colorado; son James Kevin Irwin and wife Vicky Irwin of Loveland, Colorado; son Michael Patrick Irwin and wife Julie Irwin of Twin Lakes, Colorado; son Richard "Rick" Andrew Irwin of Leadville, Colorado; and son William "Bill" Shawn Irwin and wife Tina Marie Irwin of Divide, Colorado.

Gail will be forever remembered by her thirteen grandchildren: Patrick "Ryan" Dahl (Megan), Brandice Dahl Nobis (Andrew), Shawn Dahl (Rose) and Katherine Dahl Harter (Nathaniel); Shane Irwin (Kasi), Monica Irwin Michaud and Emily Irwin; Jessie Palmer (Dustin); Joseph "Joey" Irwin; William Irwin (Desiree), Erica Irwin (Tailer), McKaela Irwin Candelario (Carlo) and Shaelynn Irwin.

Gail will also be lovingly remembered by her twenty great-grandchildren: Melidy Jean, Haily Mae, Korbin Ryan, Claire Evelynn, Tristan Shawn, Landon Everett, Genevieve Lynne, James Nathaniel, Emeri Rose, Jameson Lee, Dayvanee Sky, Bellamee Raine, Kylee Leann, Nicklas James, Arianna Sloan, Ayla Nicole, Kaylea Marshae, Shawn William, Levi Thomas, and Isabella Rose.

Gail is survived by her mother Viola Ruth Guyette of Woodlands, Texas, sister Marilyn Elaine Diamond, her brother Richard Wilhelm Meyer II (Michelle), and brother Gary K. Meyer (Allana). She leaves numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Joseph Kilgore and her father Richard Wilhelm Meyer.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, June 4th, 2021 from 1-4pm in the Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home Chapel, 203 E. Sacket Ave., Salida. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 at 2pm in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Buena Vista.

Reception to follow at The American Legion Post 55 Annex. 306 E Arkansas St. Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

Online condolences may be made at www.lewisandglenn.com

Daryl John Lytton

Daryl John Lytton, age 62, passed away in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 31, 2011, after a brief bout with cancer.

Born May 24, 1949, in Chicago, Ill., to parents Ann Lucas Lytton and Amos H. Lytton, he grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and Madison, Wis.; and graduated West High in 1967. With international friendships, he was a leading genealogist who pioneered computer tracking of genealogies. Decades were devoted to studying his family tree and extended Lytton genealogies. Intellectually gifted and creative, Daryl also began unique businesses, including one that sold the first computer networks. Daryl was personable, enjoyed helping others, and was a good friend to many.

His parents; and older brother, David Lytton (Clark Bordner Jr.) predeceased him. He is survived by sister, Diane Lytton (husband, Rev. Dr. Thomas Fritz) of Appleton; son, David Newton; cousins, Wade, Bruce and Karl Lucas of Ohio; and nieces and nephews.

He wished to thank Kathy and David Jamison for their help during his recent illness. There will be no formal memorial service; burial will be at Twelve Corners Cemetery, Town of Center, Wis. Daryl served as one of our many Assistant State Coordinators.

Jeff Donald Murphy

Ronald Odis Singleton

Ron was born 27 April 1940 in St. Louis the son of Marie (Mrs. James) Lipsey of Kennett, Mo., and the late Cleo Singleton. Ronald was married to Lois Dean Arnel and they had 3 sons named Ronald Gene, Charles Kirk and the late Kenneth Wayne. They were divorced. On 12 January, 1962 Ron married Ida Holland and they remained together until his death. Ron and Ida were blessed with 4 boys and 1 daughter. Dennis Keith and Kevin Dewane are the only ones who lived to maturity (youngest and oldest). Ron's daughter, Debra Denise lived 2 yrs and 3 mos. and the 2 middle boys, David Wayne and Gregory Scott passed over to heaven at very young ages.

Ronald had green eyes, brown hair, was 5' 11" and weighed about 189 lbs. He had been diabetic for around 12 years or so. Ron was a resident of the City of St. Louis, Missouri.

He was researching the Singleton and Boyer families of Puxico, Mo. and Stoddard Co., Mo. Ronald was a very quiet man but he meant what he said when he said something. He was an active member of the Meramec Heights Assembly of God, and enjoyed talking about the Bible. He was very thrilled to be a part of The USGenWeb Project and he took it to heart and worked very long hours on it and he loved it. Ida is very proud of him concerning his love for the project and that The USGenWeb Project loved and will miss him. Ron will always be in our hearts and memory. Ron is buried at the Corith Baptist Church Cemetery, Salem, Mo.

Ron was a great asset to our organization, having been the state coordinator for both Nevada and Colorado. He also supported St. Louis County in Missouri, and was one of the USGenWeb project archivists.

Lee Charles Zion

Lee Zion was one of the original members of the Colorado Genealogical Web. He coordinated various counties and several different special projects from time to time. He also volunteered in the U.S. Genealogical Web. Lee was always willing and able to lend a hand where ever needed, whether it was helping a new coordinator or taking over from someone who needed to leave the project for one reason or another.

Lee Charles Zion was born on September 11, 1946 in the Wray Hospital. He was the first born child of Elbert and LuJean Zion. He departed this life on June 22, 2008 at the young age of 61 years, 9 months and 11 days.

Lee grew up in the Vernon community, where he attended school until the High School in Vernon was closed. He graduated from the Wray High School in 1964. Because of his height, he was a part of the Wray Basketball Team. He was, however not any good. This was a source of consolation to his youngest un-athletic but tall daughter when she was stuck playing basketball.

Lee loved reading, hunting, fishing and building things with his hands. He played golf and was a train collector. He dreamed of being a mechanical engineer. After High School, Lee was accepted into the Colorado School of Mines. He helped pay his way by coming home every year and helping with custom harvesting. while in Colorado Springs, he often stayed with his cousin, Julie and her parents, and they developed a closeness that has lasted through till this day.

Before Lee was able to graduate college, after he had completed 3 years, the Vietnam War took center stage in his life. He was notified that he was the next in line to be drafted. Being pragmatic, he enlisted. In this way, he could choose the schooling he wanted.

He attended basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas. After training and attending Army Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ, he married Linda Wakefield, also a native of Wray, on December 27, 1968 at the Methodist church in Wray. They knew each other from high school, but did not start dating until his college years. Their romance began when he gave her a ride home one weekend from Denver where she was living, after she was involved in an accident which disabled her car.

After Lee and Linda married, he went to Vietnam, where he received the bronze star. After his tour of duty ended, he and Linda continued with their military and domestic life. They moved frequently, first to Ft. Huachuca, AZ, where they celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Michelle Lee. Next stop on this ride was Turkey, then North Dakota, where their second daughter, Mary Katherine, was born.

Their children and they continued back to Arizona, then Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Then to Ft. Gordon, GA, Worms, Germany, and finally Ft. Monmouth, NJ. 27 years, 2 months, and 29 days after beginning his call of duty, he completed it where it began.

In his long service to his country, Lee acquired many honors. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major, and received the Legion of Merit in addition to the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal three times, and the Good Conduct Medal nine times and others too numerous to mention.
After being notified by the Army of his impending promotion, he received the Scabbard as an unofficial honor from the Sergeants Major Association in Worms, Germany. While at Ft. Monmouth he belonged to the Senior NCO Association and they carried out one major project a year. They had a Christmas party for 300 - 500 young children a year. They were given lunch and a gift from Mr. or Mrs. Santa Claus.

Following his retirement, he returned to Vernon. He spent his retirement years spoiling his grandchildren, Hannah and Jenna Gelvin, and initially helping his mother working with the Colorado Genealogy Society and the Yuma County Historical Society. He then later took over what she had started himself. He initially answered queries from people away from here looking for information on their families. Having been an avid computer fan all his adult life, he was happy at home, writing programs and building and maintaining web sites to include the Colorado Gen Web and The Gold Star veterans site.

Preceding Lee in death by only a few months was Elbert Zion, his father, and LuJean Zion, his mother. Surviving Lee is his wife of 39 years, Linda, his two daughters, Michelle and Mary, his sons-in-law, Dennis Davis and Jeffrey Gelvin and two granddaughters, Hannah and Jenna Gelvin. Also mourning Lee is his two brothers, John and J. Paul, his sister, Joyce, their spouses and children, his mother-in-law, Lela Wakefield, sister-in-law, Karla and husband, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and nieces, and nephews and their families.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 26, 2008, 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Wray, with Rev. Bernerd Buchanan officiating. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Wray Museum and Wray Veterans Association. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

[Colorado Genealogical Web CC: 1996 - 2008. Lee Zion created our County Evolution Records and was an incredibly helpful member of COGenWeb.]

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