Donley "Don" Cronkhite II

Donley “Don” Cronkhite II, 75, of Peyton, Colorado, passed away at home on October 14, 2026. Born in Flagler, Colorado, Don grew up in eastern Colorado and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1969. His early work alongside his father in the grain industry nurtured a lifelong love of farming and ranching.

Don would meet his soulmate, Mollie, in 1979, and later married in a private ceremony along the Tarryall River on June 4, 1988. Life was filled with adventure for Don and Mollie, traveling, camping, and fishing through the mountain ranges of Colorado. Along their travels, they developed a mutual interest in rockhounding, arrowhead hunting, and flint knapping which helped inspire Don’s artistry and his distinguished career as a jeweler. He would begin making a name for himself through smaller retail employment opportunities and selling wholesale to Colorado’s ski towns, where he became world-renowned for one-of-a-kind creations, including handcrafted mountain bands and diamond-cut snowflakes, and distinctive hammered designs.

Having never let go of the farming dream, Don and Mollie settled on forty acres in Peyton Colorado on New Years Day, in 1989, where they would raise their family, various livestock, and organic produce. Don and Mollie enjoyed participating in the El Paso County Fair, where the family entered handcrafted work and homegrown produce and flowers, earning numerous blue ribbons and a Grand Champion award. That recognition gave Don the confidence to open his own retail shop in 2003, The Prairie Jewel, located in Falcon Colorado, where he served his community and customers beyond the area until retiring in July 2026. Don was known as a “gem in the rough” and was celebrated for his creativity, craftmanship, wonderful service, and fair pricing. Don’s legacy will live on through the timeless pieces he created, helping individuals and families alike tell their special stories for generations to come.

Above all, Don was a devoted and loving husband and wonderful dad and granddad, remembered for his warm smile, quick wit, brilliant mind, love of conversation, and athleticism. He treasured time with Mollie, his children, and his grandchildren—whether gardening, caring for animals, or giving tractor rides. He enjoyed listening to music, reading any book or newspaper, watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Survivor, Star Trek, and Broncos games. Don enjoyed playing softball, Frisbee, and horseshoes, and of course- nine holes of golf. Together, Don and Mollie built a life shaped by love, family, the land, and shared adventures.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Mollie; his children, Josh (Jackie) Price, Jason Price, Katie (Michael) Perkins, Dalton Cronkhite, and Olivia (Rodney) Hiers; eleven grandchildren; his siblings and others. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister. His remarkable life cannot be fully captured in a few paragraphs, but his devotion to family, his creativity and craftsmanship, and kindness, will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

For us, this is not goodbye - only see you later. You will be cherished, sadly missed, and loved - always and forever.