Loraine Adele Steves

LORAINE A. (CRESTO) STEVES Funeral services for former area resident, Loraine A. (Cresto) Steves will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2006 at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Loraine passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 79 years of age, in Phoenix, Ariz. after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved mother of Joyce Storm, Stewart Steves, Chardell Steves, Gordon Steves, and Bonnie Steves; and was the cherished grandmother of Cory Steves and Teri Ray Steves. Loraine’s family settled in Rico, Colo. in 1905 from Castle Monte, Italy. Her father, Terzo Cresto and mother, Adele Roscio founded the Cresto Ranch on the West Fork of the Dolores River, which thrives today as a working cattle ranch. She grew up in Dunton and McElmo, Colo., riding horseback three miles and attending class at a one room schoolhouse. She was an avid student, attaining a chemistry scholarship from Cortez Union High School in 1945. She went on to graduate from Albuquerque Business College in Albuquerque, N.M. After marrying Forest Steves in 1947, she worked side by side with her husband, now deceased, in the practice of veterinary medicine in Cortez until 1963. During the late 80’s and 90’s, Loraine became an entrepreneur in her own right, establishing in Phoenix an eclectic service and retail business involving check cashing, jewelry and a Laundromat. Recently, until her death, she perused an active and interesting life. She loved traveling the world, growing orchids at home, following her local sports teams, laughing with friends and family, and spending her summers at the family ranch. With a steadfast love, she was devoted to her five children and two grandchildren, who were the center of her life. In lieu of flowers, Loraine’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made in her name to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, New York 10087.