Rufus Dean Peabody

RUFUS DEAN PEABODY Graveside services for Rufus Dean Peabody will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29 at Ouray Cemetery in Ignacio, Colo. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Rufus was born April 30, 1965 in Durango, Colo. the son of Joseph Peabody Sr. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Peabody. He passed away at the Valley Inn on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the age of 46. Rufus attended school at Intermountain Indian School in Brigham City, Utah. He was a devoted Denver Broncos fan and loved traditional Sun Dance. Rufus was a carpenter by trade and often commented on his love of his work. He was fondly known by many as "Ground Eagle". Surviving Rufus are his companion, Beverly Whiteskunk; daughter, Alyssa Whiteskunk; granddaughter, Akira Mills; and Judy Knight Frank, who raised him and he loved as a mother. Also surviving Rufus are his father, Joseph Peabody Sr.; sisters and brothers, Joycelyn Dutchie and husband, Gilbert, Alberta Thompson, Jennifer Dixon, Sharon Cloud Martinez, Jerald Peabody, Tyrone Peabody, Melvin Peabody, Rod Grove, Ike Peabody, Linda Dewolf, Charlie Lehi, Lee Ann Pinnecoose, Leuwanna Peabody, Judy Lehi, Hanley Frost and Harvey Frost; and by many nieces, nephews and relatives in the Southern Ute Tribe in Ignacio and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Towaoc. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela (Lopez) Peabody; his mother; four brothers; and one sister.