Lorna Mable Gafford

LORNA MABLE GAFFORD Lorna Mable Gafford passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at the Vista Grande Nursing Home at the age of 83. Lorna was born on July 5, 1922 in Cortez, Colo., one of the first babies born on record in the Johnson Hospital. In her younger years Lorna played the piano wonderfully. She remembered living in a house just east of the old Calkins School then moved to a farm near Beulah School and then on the old place across the old Garret Ridge School (Road U and 21). After Lorna graduated high school she spent two years in business school in Phoenix, Ariz. obtaining an Associates Degree. Later moving to California she worked in the business office of an aircraft manufacturing company during WWII. Some of Lorna’s other places of employment included the telephone office in Cortez and an apple orchard. She felt very strongly about her contributions to farming. In her younger years Lorna played the piano wonderfully. Lorna married Doug Gafford on January 5, 1951 in Aztec, N.M., because you didn’t have to wait for three days as in Colorado. Doug and Lorna purchased land west of Lewis and eventually after contemplating moving to Canada to ranch, purchased cows with a Forest Service permit from Walter Everett. After Lorna had almost raised three children she started working at the very hospital where she was born. She continued to work and retired from Southwest Memorial Hospital in the kitchen as early morning cook. Her mother and father, Art and Ella Cowling; her brother, Keith Cowling; and her beloved husband, Doug Gafford preceded Lorna in death. Lorna is survived by her children, Lynn Ketchem and husband, Johnny; Beth Gafford, and Logan Gafford and wife, Jan; Lynn’s children, John Duane (JD), Gina, and Jana; Beth’s children, Bryan, Blake and Austin; and Logan’s children, Staci and Salinda. Lorna was on dialysis the last six years of her life and always believed that those six years were an extra gift from God. She met many friends and loved every one. She wanted to express her deep gratitude and love for the people that have helped her in these last years. She spent the last days of her life talking old times and about the things she had accomplished, the people and friends she had met. The family would wish that you donate to Hospice instead of flowers. At Lorna’s request, no services are planned.