George Arles Barley

George Arles Barley, age 75, of Grand Junction, CO went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beautiful bride, Cheryl Barley; grandparents, George and Thana Robbins; his mother, Margaret Marie Ayers; father and stepmother, Arles “Rudy” and Shirley Jean Barley; and siblings, Ramona Leah Pippenger, Dale Robert Nelson, and John Rudolph Barley. He is survived by his sons, Garrett and Lance (Tara) Barley; his grandsons, Reece and Everett Barley; mother-in-law, Mary Hilgenfeld; siblings, Brenda (Mike) Bounds, Beverly (James) Jones, Mike (Linda) Barley, Billi Young, Ron and Rhonda Nelson; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

George was born on July 24, 1950, in LaFollette, TN to Arles “Rudy” and Margaret Marie Barley and was the oldest of 10 siblings. His grandparents, George and Thana Robbins, were instrumental in his upbringing in TN and he had fond memories of Mamaw’s cooking, especially her biscuits and gravy. George moved to Grand Junction, CO with the family in 1967, attended/graduated from Central High School on June 2,1969. Upon completing school, George enlisted with the United States Army on September 4, 1969, and his last duty assignment was served in Norad, CO through March 14, 1972. He received a National Defense Service Metal and a Good Conduct Metal while serving and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1975.

George was a well-known and loved law enforcement officer. His career began in Glenwood Springs and transitioned over to the Grand Junction Police Department (1982 – 1998). He then joined the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office working in their narcotics and homicide investigation units (1998 – 2005) and worked as an Evidence Technician until he made the decision to enter full retirement (2020).

On September 5, 1975, George married the love of his life, Cheryl Hilgenfeld. George and Cheryl spent many years sitting by the fire while camping in the high country. In recent years, they became a part of the Colorado Spirit Quest Geo Caching Community, where they would go on weekend outings to Geo-cache, visiting old cemeteries and towns around Colorado/Utah to learn more about its history and the lives of the residents in those areas. George always referred to Cheryl as his “beautiful bride” and deeply grieved her passing on August 23, 2023. George and Cheryl were blessed with two sons, Garrett and Lance. They were extremely proud of their accomplishments - Garrett, their oldest, has degrees in Organizational Management and Church Ministries and went on to become an ordained minister; Lance, their youngest, has worked 18 years for Suncor Energy. Lance’s wife, Tara, held a special place in their hearts, especially for making them “Nana and Papa”. George and Cheryl looked forward to spending time with their grandsons, Reece and Everett, they always put a smile on their faces, and these two little boys were their greatest joy in life. Family was very important to George and Cheryl, they enjoyed get-togethers with their siblings, especially during the holidays.

George enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially when spending it with his best friend and father, Rudy. They looked forward to the opportunity of hunting, fishing, and exploring together. George loved finding old, lonely two track roads and seeing where they would take him.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Jubilee Family Church, 483 30 Road, Grand Junction, CO. George and Cheryl will be interred together at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Citizens on Patrol in honor of George’s memory.