Relda Mae Coulter
Dec. 14, 1941 ~ Sept. 28, 2021
Relda Mae Coulter was born Dec. 14, 1941, in Redding, California, to Thomas O. and Shirley V. (Doolittle) Stotts. Most of her childhood years were spent in the Glenwood-Rifle area. She was introduced to Gary Coulter by her sister, Sherian Linderman, and they were married on Nov. 23, 1963. They raised four children: Jeri, Alan, Lanny and Samantha. Gary and Relda made their life in Meeker, Colorado, and established Coulter Aviation which they operated together for more than 50 years. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona and spending time in the summers at Lake Powell. After Gary died in 2013, Relda continued to winter in Arizona, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed traveling with her sister-in-law, LaWana Dickey. Her travels took her to all 50 states. She enjoyed attending church and weekly lunches with her friends. She was a fabulous cook, excellent gardener and loved keeping her yard in tip-top shape as well as decorating her home for the holidays. Her most treasured time was spent with her family and her companion, Larry Ebert. She attended grandchildren’s sporting events, loved playing games with the grandkids, playing cards with friends and hosting family dinners.
Relda was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister. She is survived by her children, Jeri Allen of Grand Junction, Colorado; Alan (Cheryl) Coulter of Moses Lake, Washington; Lanny (Danette) Coulter of Meeker, Colorado; and Samantha (Mike) Lopez of Meeker, Colorado. Grandchildren include: Zack (April) Allen, Brenda Allen, Meghan Rudd, Brianne (Pavel) Borisov, Heather (RJ) Harris, Sarah Coulter, Shelby, Austin and Landin Lopez, and adopted grandchildren Luke (Maddie) Renninger.
Great-grandchildren include: Mason and Gavin Allen, Xadyn Allen, Paxton and Keaton Rudd, Jersey Cox, Maksim and Aleksander Borisov, Willow and Ruger Renninger. She is also survived by her faithful canine companion, Buddy, and multiple dear friends and relatives.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held the summer of 2022. Memorial donations can be made to the Coulter Family Legacy Scholarship Fund, lovingly called “Mema’s College Fund,” through Grant Mortuary.
Patricia Ann Hejl
March 23, 1935 ~ Oct. 5, 2021
Patricia Ann Hejl passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2021, surrounded by her family. Pat was born on March 23, 1935, in Grand Junction, Colorado. She attended Grand Junction High School and graduated in 1953. She relocated to Rangely, Colorado, with her parents, Willard and Grace Noel. There she met “the handsomest man” she had ever seen, Frank Hejl, whom she married in 1957, and together they raised their five boys. Pat and Frank were always involved in their community and made many lifelong friends and great memories in Rangely.
Pat was part of a long line of strong, opinionated women. She could always be counted on to tell it like it is. Frank was the love of her life, and they kept each other in line and always supported one another through life’s ups and downs. After leaving Rangely, they happily made a home on Lake Mohave outside of Bullhead City, Arizona. They spent time working on their home, gambling, traveling in their motorhome, and enjoying visits with their grandchildren until Frank passed away in 2000.
Pat most recently lived in Grand Junction, where she enjoyed working in her courtyard and garden, bringing beautiful flowers and vegetables to life each year. She enjoyed adding more yard ornaments each spring. Pat used her talents as an artist to paint rocks, flower pots, and furniture. She was also a skilled quilter and enjoyed making baby blankets for all her great-grandchildren in anticipation of their arrivals. She spent the last years of her life close to her sons and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed yardsale-ing and visiting with friends and family, passing on her wisdom and advice. She was a true matriarch and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and loving her.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Grace Noel; her husband, Frank Hejl; and one son, Frank Hejl, Jr. She is survived by two brothers, Gary (Cindy) Noel and Marvin (Becky) Noel; four sons, Steve Hejl, Scott (Angie) Hejl; Kieth (Annette) Hejl; and Kent (Janet) Hejl; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Rangely Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elk’s Lodge. In lieu of flowers, Pat’s family requests that donations be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
