Obituary: Dewey ‘Monty’ Sheridan

Dewey L. “Monty” Sheridan, 80, a longtime cattle rancher in Moffat County, Colo., passed away April 7, 2013, at The Memorial Hospital in Craig, Colo.
Monty was born June 14, 1932, to Dewey and Emily Sheridan on a homestead near Cross Mountain. His dad delivered him three days before the midwife arrived.
He lived on the family homestead and rode into Sunbeam on his horse daily to attend school. He then caught the bus in Sunbeam to attend high school in Craig.
Monty was married to Carol Buffham, whom he later divorced. To this union six children were born: Monty Sheridan, Wanda Estel, Stan Sheridan, Tina Sheridan, Tuffy Sheridan and Rowel Sheridan.
On Dec. 9, 1974, Monty married Ruth L. Mogensen in Wyoming. After their marriage, Monty returned with his bride to their home at Red Wash Ranch by Dinosaur, Colo. They resided at Red Wash until 1986, when they then moved to the Snake River Ranch. They continued to run the ranch at Snake River, however, due to health reasons, they chose to purchase a home west of Craig in 2004.
Throughout Monty’s many years of ranching and gathering wild horses there were three documentaries made of him. One was “The Cowboys,” produced by Bill Moyer. This film was played on PBS and the National Geographic Channel in 1976.
As recently as 2012, photographer Wayne Ewin continued to shoot films for Monty and Ruth’s personal viewing pleasure. The latest was of Monty shipping his cows to market, and that film should be delivered to Ruth within the next few months.
Stories of Monty were also published in two books: “The Grass Roots People,” written and photographed by Nancy Wood, and his photo appeared on the front page of The New York Times; and “Blue Mountain Folk,” written by Doris Burton.
Monty had a deep love for ranching and the great outdoors, especially with his cattle dog, Millie.
Monty is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ruth Sheridan; one brother, Bobby Sheridan of Texas; one sister, Lillian McAnnaly, of Grand Junction, Colo.; four sons, Monty Sheridan of Wamsutter, Wyo., Stan Sheridan and Tuffy Sheridan of Rangely, Colo., and Rowel Sheridan of Blue Mountain, Colo.; two daughters, Wanda Estel of Rangley and Tina Sheridan of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one grandson, Jesse, who lived and helped them with the ranch and day-to-day life; Russell Walsh, now deceased, and Travis Walsh, both of whom Monty thought of as his grandsons; numerous other grandchildren; and, of course, his beloved cow dog, Millie.
Memorial services were held Saturday April 13, 2013, at the Apostolic Lighthouse in Craig. Graveside services followed at the family ranch.
In lieu of flowers, it was Monty’s wish that any donations be made to: The Moffat County Humane Society, P.O. Box 455, Craig, Colo., 81626.