Louise R Whitney

Inez Louise Roe Whitney was born June 20, 1924, to Emma Inis Roe and Marcus Pomeroy Roe, near Montrose, Colorado. Louise passed away on July 19, 2011, in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was 87.

Louise’s father, Mark P. Roe had migrated with wife Keeva, and sons Reece and Paul, to Western Colorado from Kansas in 1909, in pursuit of farmland that became available after the opening of the Gunnison River Tunnel irrigation project. The family settled on the “Home Place” on Spring Creek Mesa, 5 miles west of Montrose, Colorado. A third son, Marcus, was born in 1909, and wife Keeva passed away shortly thereafter.

Mark remained a widower until 1921, when he married Emma Inis Donley. The union produced three daughters – Lois in 1922, Louise in 1924, and Lucile in 1926.

The family had to give up the Home Place in 1933 during the Great Depression, and they moved to the Loesch Ranch, which was located nearby on Franklin Mesa. Louise had fond memories of the Home Place and the Loesch Ranch. The girls helped with the farm chores, played in the fields and orchards, and Louise enjoyed helping her mother in the kitchen.

The three Roe girls continued their education at Montrose High School, where Louise graduated in 1942. Louise followed her sister Lois to Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, with sister Lucile joining Lois and Louise two years later. It is amazing to think that the sisters went from life in the Great Depression to the opportunities that college provided.

While at Western State, Louise joined the Tri-Sigma Sorority; Kappa Delta Pi, an International honor society in the field of education; and was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. She graduated from Western State in 1946.

Louise taught high school in Cedaredge, Colorado for three years, and returned to live with her parents after they retired in 1949. Louise was called to another teaching opportunity in Axtell, Nebraska in 1950-51, where she met her future husband and fellow teacher, Winston F. Whitney.

Again, the Call of Colorado beckoned. In 1951, Winston accepted a position with Union Carbide Corporation, Nuclear Division, at Uravan, Colorado. During that time, Louise taught high school in Buena Vista, Colorado, in 1951-52.

Louise and Winston were married on August 16, 1952, in Gunnison, Colorado, and the couple settled in Uravan. Lanford Brent (Lanny) was born in 1954, and Lindell Trent (Lindy) in 1957. In 1960, Winston was transferred to the Grand Junction office of Union Carbide. The family settled in Grand Junction, where a third son, Leyden Rhett, was born in 1961.

The family joined Clifton Methodist Church, which became Crossroads United Methodist Church. Louise served as a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of United Methodist Women and the Ruby Gaither Circle. Louise loved Crossroads and her church family.

Always willing to face a challenge, Louise resolved to learn how to drive before her oldest son, Lanny, turned 16. Louise obtained her Driver’s License in 1970.

Louise was not immune to heartbreak and disappointment. She lost her son Lanny to suicide in 1972, and endured a divorce in 1975. Louise’s strong faith, and the support of family and friends, helped her through the difficult times.

After the divorce, Louise returned to education as a Teacher’s Aide at Orchard Avenue, Tope, Nisley, and many cherished years at Chatfield Elementary. She retired from Mesa County School District 51 in 1989.

Louise was a Cub Scout Den Mother and a volunteer at The Salvation Army. She enjoyed entertaining, baking, trying new recipes, and distributing home-made cookies

to neighbors and friends at Christmas. Many remember Louise for her smile and her always-positive disposition.

In addition to her years as a Tri-Sigma alumnus, Louise was a 51-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Bethany Chapter No. 148, of Nucla, Colorado.

Louise is preceded in death by son Lanford Brent, her parents, and her three brothers. She is survived by son Lindell & daughter-in-law Beth of Aurora, CO; son Leyden of Northglenn, CO; her sister Lois Brinton of Aurora, CO; sister Lucile Cayler of Fresno, CA; three nieces, four nephews, and a collection of great nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins, and cherished friends.

The family of Louise Whitney are indebted to many for their continued love and

support – including relatives, friends, neighbors, the Crossroads family, the caring staff & residents of the Grand Villa Assisted Living Center, and the dedicated staff from Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

Visitation will be Friday, July 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Martin Mortuary, 550 North Avenue, Grand Junction. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 23 at 10 a.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road, Grand Junction.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.