County, Dinosaur, Features

Woman missing: 57-year-old disappeared from Dinosaur Oct. 31 with her dog

DINOSAUR | It’s been almost three weeks since any of 57-year-old Robynn Vonbargen’s friends or family have heard from her. Vonbargen, who lived in Dinosaur for the last year and a half, disappeared on Halloween with her dog, a car that belongs to her roommate, and $11.50 in cash.

Robynne Vonbargen has been missing since Oct. 31. Her cell phone may have “pinged” in the Blue Mountain area shortly after her disappearance.

“Her phone hasn’t been turned on. She left everything … her clothes, dog food, her booze, her TV,” says daughter Alecia Jenson. Jenson currently lives in Olympia, Washington, but spent almost a decade in Rio Blanco County. Her mom “goes back and forth” between Colorado and Washington with some regularity, but it’s unusual for her not to communicate with someone.

“I’m very upset,” Jenson said. “My dad died almost 10 years ago and now my mom is gone.”

Over-the-road truck driver Brett Arnold, a friend of Vonbargen also from Washington, contacted the Herald Times last week to ask if there were any updates on Vonbargen’s case, which he learned about on Facebook.

“I believe she is in the ditch. Her dog is missing. Her vehicle is missing. We’re just concerned about her,” Arnold said.

“I’m very upset. My dad died almost 10 years ago and now my mom is gone.”

~ Alecia Jenson, Vonbargen’s daughter

At 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 31, Vonbargen called the Rangely Community Medical Health and Wellness Center (Rangely District Hospital) about a severe burn on her leg incurred while attempting to light a kerosene stove. Clinic receptionist Stormie Carson told Vonbargen she needed to come to the emergency room.

“It took a little doing to talk her into it,” Carson said. Vonbargen was worried about being able to bring her dog with her. Carson assured her she would meet her outside the ER and that she could bring her dog, and waited for her to arrive. But Vonbargen never showed up. There are some reports that she called the hospital again at 10 p.m., but Carson could not verify that.

“It looked like she had just stepped out to have a cigarette,” said Lyle Gaurmer, the owner of the house where Vonbargen had been living. “The way she left everything at the house, something is wrong.”

“The way she left everything at the house, something is wrong.” ~ Lyle Gaurmer, Vonbargen’s landlord

Gaurmer acknowledges that Vonbargen “has a drinking problem” but said the last time he spoke with her on the phone, she “was OK.” During that conversation, she reportedly told Gaurmer that Robert Freeman—an old friend from Washington—had come by and wanted her to come back to Washington with him, but she told Freeman no and “wished he would go away.” According to Jenson, Freeman has not been questioned by law enforcement. The HT was unable to reach Freeman by phone before press time.

“It’s not illegal to be a missing person.” ~ Dinosaur Town Marshal Larry Elarton

Vonbargen’s last known vehicle, a 2004 dark blue/black Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Dinosaur Town Marshall’s office is in charge of the investigation. Because it is an open case, Marshall Larry Elarton was unable to provide details beyond saying a missing person report has been filed, his office had “talked to about 50 people” and had searched the area, including places she liked to go hiking with her dog.

Unofficial reports indicate her cell phone may have “pinged” in the Blue Mountain area shortly after her disappearance. Elarton says that area has also been searched.

Vonbargen may have her dog Nyla or Nylia with her, a two-year-old mixed breed female with a black body and tan face.

“It’s not illegal to be a missing person,” he told Jenson and the Herald Times. Nevertheless, her family and friends hope to hear from her, or from someone who knows where she is.

Vonvargen, 57, is 5’2” with brown eyes and hair. She was driving a dark-colored 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe registered to Gaurmer, and had a medium-sized black and tan dog namaed Nylia or Nyla with her.

Anyone with any information on Vonbargen’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Dinosaur Marshall’s office at 970-374-2296.

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@ht.1885
  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
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“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 hours ago
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
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Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
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1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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