Milford Ralph Whitmer

MILFORD RALPH WHITMER Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Milford Ralph Whitmer will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 29 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Empire Chapel. Milford was born on July 14, 1931 in Luna, N.M. the son of Ralph Judd and Virginia (Swapp) Whitmer. He passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at his residence at the age of 79. On April 30, 1976, Milford married Deana Ruth Kirk in Cortez. Milford was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Great Lakes Mission in 1952. A hard working man, Milford held many different jobs during his life. He was a truck driver for Animas Aggregate and Four Corners Materials. He also was employed by Atlantic Richfield and Shell Oil Company. Milford then worked for Kerr-McGee as a Foreman in Shiprock, N.M. His heart was in ranching. Milford enjoyed ranching, roping and working with race horses. Milford loved his family dearly, spending time with his daughter and grandchildren brought him much happiness. Surviving Milford are his wife of 34 years, Deana Whitmer of Cortez; his daughter, Glenda Rae Wilcox and husband, Kenneth of Gillette, Wyo.; and his grandchildren, Wade Wilcox and Haylee Wilcox. Milford was preceded in death by his parents; by three brothers; and by one sister. Memorial contributions may be made in Milford Whitmer’s name at Vectra Bank.