Wilford "Willie" Uptain

WILFORD EDWARD UPTAIN A lifelong Lewis, Colo. resident Wilford "Willie" Uptain passed away at his home on Friday, June 1, 2012. Wilford or 'Willie' was born on March 25, 1923, in a home on the outskirts of Lewis, and except for time spent in the United States Navy permanently resided in the Lewis/Cortez area. His travels in the Navy took him to Florida, Hawaii, Chicago, off the coasts of China and Japan, and other numerous locations during World War II. He seldom traveled after his Navy excursions, except for trips to Los Angeles and Arizona to help his family with household moves. Willie married Norma Drinen on November 10, 1944, his beloved spouse for more than 66 years, while on leave from the Navy. The couple enjoyed the birth of one daughter, Linda Ritchey with husband, Phil Ritchey; and three sons, Wilford "Ken" and wife, Cathey, Calvin and wife, Rhonda, and Leonard and wife, Patricia, all surviving. Willie farmed the family farm purchased from his father, James "Jim" Uptain, who with his brothers were early settlers in Montezuma Valley. Willie farmed for many years, and worked for tractor implement companies and/or and large pinto bean farmers in the Montezuma Valley. He always had a story to tell, and his family and friends enjoyed the Norma/Willie hospitality. Surviving Willie are his grandchildren, Valery Blood f/k/a Valery Uptain, Travis Uptain, Sara Beth Uptain and Joel Uptain. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, Bridges, Braisdyn, Morgan, Wyatt, Warren; three great-grand children in-law, Justin Blythe, Wade Blythe, and Leah Getz. Also surviving are his brother, Dwayne Uptain; sister, Beulah Sheppard; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kans. 66675-8516. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.