Carmen Eileen Wilson

CARMEN EILEEN WILSON Carmen Eileen Wilson, a lifelong resident of this area, passed away at Vista Grande Inn on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the age of 88. Carmen was born to J. Ward Robinson and Angela Kathleen Lofquist in Telluride on June 21, 1925. She was the oldest girl in a large family, so she learned to cook, clean, garden, and work outside with her dad at an early age. When she was young, the family lived at Bear Creek where she and her older brother Jesse would walk to Taylor Creek for school. The family moved to McElmo Canyon in the winters where her father farmed. Carmen married Merle E. Wilson on October 18, 1943. To this union three children were born, DJ, Jeanie, and Linda. They resided in the Lebanon area where Merle farmed and Carmen labored with a huge garden. Carmen worked at City Market for several years, later retiring from Montezuma County School District where she was manager of the high school cafeteria. Carmen and Merle enjoyed riding horses and fishing at Bear Creek. They loved to take the grand children along for the day and sometimes a campout. Many great memories were made in the mountains. Carmen enjoyed raising a garden, canning and sharing the fruits of her labor with friends and neighbors. She raised beautiful rose bushes of every color she could find. You could always enjoy a piece of cake or pie when you came to visit, as Merle had a sweet tooth that every one benefited from. After retiring, Carmen joined the Pink Ladies Auxiliary volunteering over 20 years and 6500 hours helping others. Carmen is survived by her children, DJ Wilson and wife Stanna of Copper Center, Alaska, Jeanie Hodges and husband Vic of Dolores, and Linda Marie Luna of Crestone, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Shalmarie Wilson of Arlington, Wash., Debbie Hite and husband Brent of Dolores, Todd Wilson and wife Julie of Anchorage, Alaska, Tami Jones and husband Ty of Fruita, Colorado, Alonda Singson and husband Erick, of Barrow, Alaska, Wylder Wilson of Telluride, Colorado, and Rio Coyotl of Crestone, Colorado. Carmen was blessed with nine great grandchildren: Natasha and Shannon Wilson, Ericka, Andrea, and Brooke Singson, Hunter and Tanner Hite, and Zoe and Kylee Jones. Carmen is survived by four sisters, Marguerite Wesch of Dolores, Rosemary Hopkins of Mtn. Home, Idaho, Joanne Odom of Soldotna, Alaska, and Carol Melton of Cortez. She was preceded in death by her parents, her only brother Jesse Robinson, youngest sister Barbara Faneuf, and her beloved husband Merle Wilson. They had shared 67 years of marriage together before Merle's passing in 2011. After Merle's passing, Carmen moved into Madison House and later Vista Grande Inn where she could not have received any better care. The family appreciates the loving care from both facilities. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at the Lebanon Cemetery. At Carmen's request, no memorial services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Madison House or the charity of choice.