Della May Mussey

Della was born May 1, 1935 to Charles and Bertha Stevens in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. She was blessed in matrimony on May 14, 1955 to Theodore (Ted) Blake Mussey. Ted’s honorable time in the United States Army afforded the couple with the opportunity to reside in many locations both domestically and abroad, all the while growing a family. One such relocation was to Japan where, as Della would quip, she “left with 3 kids and came back with 4.” The characteristic ‘army wife’ would nest in California, rearing their 4 children while Ted was deployed during the Vietnam War. The Musseys would settle in Colorado where Ted would retire from the armed services. In 1977 they would establish permanent residency in Calhan, Colorado.

The family enjoyed visiting the race track on Saturday nights over the summer, particularly during the demolition derby event. Della also excelled at bowling and was quite proud of her trophies. She likewise enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and catching the weeknight broadcast of Jeopardy. Even at age 90 she could best a challenger in a round of Scrabble. Della was a devout member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, attending service each week. One of her stand out interests was collecting all things Santa Claus. She had well over one hundred different Santa figurines and was always excited to add another to the assortment. Not a single Christmas would go by without Della being gifted at least one new piece. She was an adept crocheter, delivering coveted quilts to her grandchildren. Her favorite color was purple. So much so that she would dress in a full purple ensemble for many occasions. It was even a primary factor in her choice for favorite baseball team, selecting the Colorado Rockies to root for.

The Mussey Matriarch will forever be cherished in the memories of her loving family. Della is preceded in death by her husband Ted, brother Charles Stevens, and sister Marguirette (Peg) King. She is survived by sisters Brenda Howe and Grace Barnard, her children: Brenda Presley, Arthur (Lauri) Mussey, David Kent, and Sylvia Hoffstetter, and 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday November 15, 2025 at 2:00pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Calhan, Colorado.

Interment will be Wednesday November 19th, 2025 at 2:00pm at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Please wear something purple in remembrance of Della.