Gustava Loteena "Gussie" Gift

Gustava Loteena Stanford Gift was born the 9th child to Tom Stanford and Ida Simmons Stanford. She was born on her mothers birthday, July 27, 1923 in Oklahoma where she lived her first five years. Her family moved to Colorado in the spring of 1929. She started school in Arriola and then later moved to Cahone and attended high school in Dove Creek. In 1943 she met the love of her life at a dance in Cortez and a few months later, Gussie married Robert Thomas Gift, on Christmas Day. Bob and Gussie lived in Dolores for most of their years together where they farmed and Gussie was the chief cook and truck driver. Gussie joined the Rebekah Lodge in 1949. She moved through the chairs several times and enjoyed her time with the lodge very much. They received their 1st bundle of joy, Bobby, in 1948. And in 1951 they were blessed with their 2nd child Tom. Bob and Gussies life was filled with happiness with their children and grandchildren on the home place for over 30 years. In 1996, after 53 years of marriage, Gussie lost her husband Bob to cancer. For the last 20 years, Gussie spent many fun days with her family and her friends. Gussie loved spending time at the senior center, playing dominoes, listening to music, and dancing. Gussie was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Ida Stanford; her husband, Bob Gift; three brothers, Jake, Delbert and Marvin; five sisters, Dottie, Dora, Jewel, Lottie and Edna. She leaves a brother, Bob (RQ); daughter, Bobby; son, Tom; eight grandchildren, Jeff, Tammie, Wendy, Storme, Raina, Pepper, Carl, and Eve. She also leaves eight great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.