Lorraine Beagles

LORRAINE BEAGLES Memorial services for Lorraine Beagles will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 at the Cortez First United Methodist Church. Reverend Suzanne Listemann and Reverend Tom Towns will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Born April 10, 1920 in Helper, Utah, the daughter of Lon Lewis and Pearl Eliza (Maxey) Stephens. She passed away at her home Thanksgiving Day at the age of 94. Lorraine was preceded in death by her four brothers, Maxey, Lon, Wendell and Ken; two sisters, Leona and Ellen; and her parents. Surviving Lorraine are her two daughters, Donna Case and husband, Danny, and Debbie Branson and husband Rodney; grandchildren, Justin Watkins and wife, Jessica, Scott Watkins and wife, Shawna, Tim Case and wife, Kayoomia, Michelle Simmons, Monica Wrast and husband, Mark, Chelsea Chavez and husband, Kevin; and her eight great grandchildren, Tanner, Trevor, Kendall, Damon, Jasille, Ava, Kingston and Jaxton. In 1927 Lorraine moved to Cortez where she attended second and third grade in the Old Rock School on First Street. She graduated from high school as Salutatorian with a 4.0 average; playing basketball as a forward, singing in the glee club, was a cheerleader and played in many theatrical plays. Upon graduation, Lorraine attended La Rosa Business School, then worked at the court house in the assessor's office; later working at a Ford dealership as secretary. This is where she met the love of her life, Wenzel. The war was on at this time and he had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. So Lorraine heard of job openings in Ogden, Utah at Hill Field Air Force Base. She applied, moved to Ogden and soon became secretary to the Colonel. She loved her job and was very proud of her work. Living with her two best friends, Josephine and Mary; sharing expenses during war time. Josephine, Mary and Lorraine have stayed best friends and have stayed in touch with one another all these years. Four years later, Wenzel was honorably discharged from the Marines and sent back to San Diego, Calif. Lorraine left Hill Field, met him in San Diego where they were married on April 6, 1945, spending 62 wonderful years together. Wenzel called Lorraine his "Little Turtle Dove". They enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, taking an Alaska trip with wonderful friends, winters in Wickenburg, Ariz. and dancing every chance they got. Lorraine could not read a single note, but could play the piano by ear beautifully. She enjoyed her time so much with her Sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, receiving her 50 year pin this year. But her greatest love of life, was her time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved each and every one of them to the fullest and so looked forward to the holiday gatherings and family fun. We are going to miss our precious mother and grandmother. Rest In Peace! Memorial contributions can be made in Lorraine's memory to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, Colo.