Obituary: Charlotte Emma (Warren) Wix

Charlotte Emma (Warren) Wix was born on July 13, 1924, to Billy George William Warren and Vera Pauline (Strawbridge) Warren on the Warren homestead, which is now part of the K/K on the White River.
She was one of four children: Glen, who was born in the actual homestead cabin; Harold (Cyclone), who was the first born in the new log home that was built by Billy Warren and his father, William George Warren on the north side of the soon-to-be-built Miller Creek Ditch at the mouth of Brady Gulch. Then came Charlotte; and then Betty (Warren) Kincher. In those days, anyone born on the White River was designated according to area, which, in their case, was Miller Creek.
Charlotte and her siblings all attended the Miller Creek School for eight years (walking one mile every day). They all started school at 6 years old, except Betty, who started at 5. When it came time for high school at Rio Blanco High School in Meeker, there were no buses, so they had to board with someone in town.
Charlotte worked for her room and board at the Hanks residence. After graduation in 1942, Charlotte went to Grand Junction, Colo., to business school. Upon completion of business school, Charlotte took a job in Grand Junction and Price, Utah, working for the Rio Grande Railroad.
Charlotte returned to Meeker and became deputy county clerk for two years and then married Clark Wix on March 18, 1947. To the union of Clark and Charlotte, four children were born: Lisa Wix Chapin, Kim Wix Watson, Steven Clark Wix and John Hilton Wix. Her children were the light of her life and she of theirs. Born to be a mother, she not only guided and directed her own children, but countless others. No one was ever turned away from her door!
Clark and Charlotte started and ran several businesses in Meeker, always working in unison. The most notable of these became the Sleepy Cat Guest Ranch in 1964, which developed, under their hard work and guidance, into one of the most renowned restaurants and resorts in western Colorado. This became the anchor for the Wix family, where all of the children worked and were trained to follow the strong work ethic of their parents. They owned and successfully operated Sleepy Cat for 38 years until its sale in 2002.
The family, under the guidance of the matriarch, Charlotte, gained countless dear friends during their time at “The Cat.” When you drive by Sleepy Cat and smile, it is because of my mother, Charlotte’s, genuine love for others!
Clark and Charlotte were blessed with a joyous bundle of grand kids: To Lisa Johnny Zurfluh): Cheyenne Zurfluh, and to Lisa (Clifford Chapin: Sage Chapin; To Kim (Keith) Watson: Riley Watson, Rianna Watson, Brian Watson, Brandi Watson (deceased), Jeffrey Watson (deceased) and Mathew Watson; To Steve (Debby) Wix: Rachel Wix, Quinn Wix and Adrienne Wix; To John (Michelle) Wix: Johnny Wix (deceased) and Ryan Wix. These children were Charlotte’s life work and she loved every one unconditionally!
Charlotte left this world on Jan. 14, 2014, and joined the throngs of loved ones awaiting her arrival. God bless our Mother, Charlotte!
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at the St. James Episcopal Church in Meeker. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Meeker with services having have been entrusted to the care of Blackburn Meeker Mortuary with flowers by Avis Village Flowers at 970-878-0123.
In lieu of flowers, please pick one of these donations in memory of Charlotte Wix: The Jeffrey and Brandi Watson Memorial Scholarship, 1450 North 12th St. Grand Junction, Colo. 81501; or the Remembering Johnny Wix Foundation, c/o First National Bank of the Rockies, P.O. Box 600, Meeker, Colo. 81641.