Marie Mildred Pahler

Our beloved matriarch left us to dance with the angels on February 5, at Hope West with loving family by her side.

Marie Bluel was born February 26, 1927 in Cheyenne Wyoming to Francis & Mildred Bluel. She was the eldest of five children. She attended schools in Cheyenne, graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1944, and met American GI Fred Pahler,the love of her life, at a USO dance. They married November 9, 1946 in Cheyenne.

Fred and Marie moved to Cameo, Colorado in 1949 to live and work on the Pahler family Peach Ranch, "Witches Head". In May 1958 they bought one of the first homes built in the Mesa Gardens subdivision at 24th & Grand Ave in Grand Junction. Their dream home was lovingly cared for while they raised their family of four children.

In addition to caring for her home and family, Marie worked as a retail clerk At Huber Drug, Mesa Drug, Grand Avenue Rexall, and as cosmetics manager at Hesteds. In later years she was a hostess at Redlands Dos Hombres.

Fred and Marie watched the neighborhood grow up around them , from Grand Avenue going from a dirt road to a busy paved thoroughfare. From watching the screen of the Starlight Drive-In from their backyard, to seeing the construction of Tellar Arms Shopping Center and Grand Junction's first McDonalds .

All of the grandchildren remember the wonderful Christmas Eve gatherings in a house filled with love.

Sadly, Fred passed away in 1984 very suddenly, leaving Marie a widow at just 57 years of age. Still, she carried on for 40 years as the anchor of her family, her home still the setting for countless dinners, BBQs, baby showers and birthday celebrations. She took great pride in her garden, most notably the "Mr. Lincoln" rose planted in 1984.

Marie loved to dance and often listened to her favorite music from the Big Band era. She was an elegant woman, always dressed in beautiful clothes and shoes, hair and make-up tastefully done for every occasion. She could be described in perpetuity as a very classy lady!

Marie is survived by her four children; Sharon Paris of Grand Junction, Mike Pahler (Sally) of Palisade, Jeannine Cary of Grand Junction, Lori Pahler (Joe Pogar) of Sebastipol, CA, Her 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, her sister Beverly Brazeale of Cheyenne, WY,many nieces & nephews, and her beloved dog Bear.

She was predeceased by her husband Fred, her brother Leonard, her sisters Carol and Marlene, her son-in-law Rhy and one grandson. Marie's family wishes to thank her long-time housekeeper, companion & friend, Sue Schilein , as well as the devoted caregivers & staff of Hope West.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie's memory may be made to Hope West of the Grand Valley.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. Arrangements in care of Callahan Edfast Mortuary.