EnglishSpanish

Rose Marie (Jellison) Vana

thumb

A celebration of a life well lived and so deeply loved for Rose Marie Vana, will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Holly, CO. Pastor Mike Lewis will officiate. Rose’s final resting place will be in Walsenburg, CO with her beloved twin sister.

Longtime Holly resident, Rose Marie (Jellison) Vana was born in Boulder, CO on January 11, 1934 along with her twin sister, Betty Jane to Sumner William and Rosa Angeline (Lorenzo) Jellison.  Rose Marie gained her angel wings in the early morning hours of February 22, 2023 at home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 89.

Rose Marie and Betty Jane grew up in Walsenburg, CO.  A few of her favorite memories were Sunday church with their grandparents, who taught them many Sunday school songs and hymns that she loved dearly and carried throughout her life, including “Jesus Loves Me” and “In The Garden”. They attended Hill School in Walsenburg through 4th grade.  When they were 7 years old, their father’s appendix ruptured one year prior to the discovery of Penicillin.  After his death in 1941, the twins attended Mount St. Gertrude Academy in Boulder, CO from 5th to 12th grades, graduating in 1951. They were especially proud of graduating with Eileen Brennan who went on to become a famous actress.  Their favorite teacher was Sister Mary Thomasette who remained Rose’s lifelong friend. In 1946, Rosa Jellison married Joel Chambers, the twins’ beloved Poppy until his death in July 1980.  Rose and Betty attended Pharmacy School at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, graduating in 1955.  

On August 27, 1955 in a double ceremony alongside her twin sister, Rose was united in marriage to Miles A. Vana, Jr. of Westchester, IL.  In 1956 they purchased L-M Drug Store in Holly, CO.  In 1972, she went to work at Corner Pharmacy in Lamar.  After they closed, she then worked at Gibson’s Pharmacy until 1993 when she came home to run the family pharmacy until it’s closing in 2006.  Rose then worked at Safeway Pharmacy until her retirement in 2014.

Rose served Holly and the surrounding communities for over 60 years as a pharmacist, helping everyone she could.  She was a good and faithful servant and loved the Lord, always leading by example.  She was immersed into Christian Baptism on April 14, 1999.  We will always remember her being the most selfless person, making sure everyone was cared for before herself.  Rose’s greatest advice to us has always been to love one another and not to hold grudges, both of which she lived throughout her life.

Rose’s greatest joy and blessings were showering her kids, grandkids, and greats with more love than humanly possible.  She took pride in having everyone over for Sunday family dinner. Other favorite things included babies, animals, Christian Mothers, and playing bridge weekly with her girls.  From the time her children were young, Rose and her friends went to coffee each morning at each other’s homes with these friendships continuing until they became known as the Golden Girls in the later years.  Gardening, mowing, endless hours clipping the grass with scissors, and beautifying her meticulously groomed rose gardens brought her so much peace in her happy place.  Some of her most joyful moments were faithfully feeding her birdies and dovies, a love she’s forged across the generations as her whole backyard comes alive at feeding time which she was always sure to share with everyone that came to her home, including her hospice care team until the very end, and most recently, spending evenings with Park, Lori, and Coco watching sports and game shows while holding her most special Kitty on her lap.

Rose is survived by her four children, Mark (Cheri) Vana of Grand Junction, CO, Lori (Park) Schweitzer of Holly, CO, Jodi (Dave) Allgood of Grand Junction, CO, and Lisa (Mike) Lewis of Danville, KY; six grandsons, Josh Holland, Kellen (Abby) Schweitzer, Shawon Vana, Josh (Nicole) Lewis, Jeremy Lewis, and Clay (Bruna) Kame; ten granddaughters, Jennifer (Michael) Caddick, Cera (Zach) MacIntosh, Aubrey (Jared) Michaels, Jamie Johnson, Maddilyn (Riar Geer) Vana, Alyssa (Stetson) Rushton, Becky (Jason) Broughten, Lindsay (Brandon) Waymire, Erin (Chris Jacobs) Kame, and Amy (Robbie) Beyer; 26 great grandchildren, Kynlee, Miles, Delani, Blake, Everly, Deacon, Cason, Boston, Hudson, Grady, Calvin, Aron, Dalton, Autum, Alaina, Mia, Coen, Maddie, Paxton, Hudson, Kaydence, Peyton, Barrett, Kaius, Maxwell, and Mylie;  special twin sister, Betty (Maurice) Brau; two nephews, two nieces, one grandnephew, two grandnieces, two great grandnieces, and one great grandnephew.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Sumner Jellison, Rosa and Joel Chambers; and nephew, Brian Brau.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lamar Area Hospice in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, CO 81052. To leave online condolences, please visit valleyfuneralcremation.com.

 

 

OBITUARIES

Harvey Ellsworth Crist

Harvey Ellsworth Crist, 97, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, at his home in Syracuse, Kansas. He was born August 4, 1927 in Holly, Colorado, the son of Paul F. Crist and Margaret (Herbig) Crist. Harvey began his life in Holly, Colorado and was raised in Bear Creek Township... [More]

thumb

Maxine Ralstin

Maxine J. Ralstin  Maxine Jeanette Ralstin passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024 peacefully at her home in Syracuse, Kansas.   Maxine was born February, 21, 1942 as the third of four children to Freeman H. and Mary O. (Husky) Ralstin. Maxine was a lifelong resident... [More]

thumb

Larry Finlay

Larry's life began with Millard and Elsie (Billy) Finlay on May 25, 1941, in Lakin, KS. He lived 83 years and passed away at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, on August 10, 2024. He was the oldest of four. His siblings are Llyndee Lacey of Independence, KS; Ron Finlay of Kendall,... [More]

thumb

Bill Maxey

 Bill Maxey, of Amarillo, TX passed away on August 4, 2024.  Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2024 at Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, KS. Bill was born in Syracuse, Kansas to James and Betty Maxey.   He was the youngest of four brothers,... [More]

thumb

Maurine Urton

Maurine (Boltz) Urton, 94, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Hamilton County Hospital in Syracuse, Kansas.  She was born November 28, 1929 in Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Charles Boltz and Mildred Hannah (Logan) Boltz. Maurine was born in Syracuse &... [More]

thumb

William (Bill) George McManess

  William (Bill) George McManess, age 64, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas at Wesley Medical Center surrounded by his daughters, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was born on December 14, 1959 in Wichita, Kansas to Charles (Chuck)... [More]

thumb

Pat Daugherty

Born on August 13, 1932, Patricia Ann Daugherty (Pat or affectionately known as ‘Gram’, died on November 22, 2023, at the Kearny County Hospital at the age of 91. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Raymond M and Maude Hessling. Pat married Bill Daugherty on... [More]

thumb

Loren William Youngers

Loren William Youngers, age 68, of La Veta, CO, passed away on May 29th, 2024. Loren was born September 11th, 1955, in Kingman, KS, the son of George and Evelyn Youngers.  He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Doreen Amon, and niece Anne Marie Youngers. He is... [More]

More Obituaries

View All Obituaries

SPORTS

thumb

BULLDOGS OPEN FALL SEASON WITH FIRST PLACE FINISH IN GOLF

The Syracuse Bulldogs Ladies Varsity Golf Team took first at their season opener in Stanton County on Tuesday afternoon. They shot a team score of 207 at the Prairie Pines Golf Course in Johnson. The varsity team  is Lanee Owens, Bronwyn Lewis, Sammy Schwieterman, Maddy... [More]

thumb

LEWIS HEADS TO STATE TRACK

Qualifying members of the high school track team traveled to Hill City Thursday, May 16 to compete in the 2-A regional meet against 15 teams, Ellinwood, Ellis, Hill City, Hoxie, Lincoln, Meade, Medicine Lodge, Oakley, Plainville, Smith Center, Stanton County, Sublette, Thomas... [More]

thumb

BULLDOGS TAKE SECOND AT REGIONALS - HEADED TO STATE

The Syracuse High School boys golf team battled breezy conditions on Monday May 13 competing in the 2-A Regional meet on their own Tamarisk Golf Course.  Adjusting to windy conditions and competing at home paid off for the Bulldogs Monday, placing second, qualifying... [More]

thumb

STATE GOLF RESULTS

State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams.  On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott  and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]

thumb

JH BASKETBALL WINS

Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and  C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]

thumb

LADY BULLDOGS BORDER WARS CHAMPIONS!!

The Lady Bulldogs were undefeated during the Border Wars, defeating Eads on Friday, 42-7 and Walsh on Saturday 62-5, bringing their record to 3-1. But the winner wasn’t announced until Tuesday evening. Syracuse Athletic Director Josh Johnson explained, “It came down... [More]

thumb

JH Basketball Season Underway with JH Boys sweeping Lakin

Monday night at home at the Herndon Gym, the Junior High boys swept Lakin! Head coach Vance Keller said, “We’re a young team with only six eighth graders and 12 seventh graders. We’ve had six total that started the season with injuries so we haven’t had... [More]

thumb

Senior Night Volleyball

Three Syracuse High School volleyball seniors were honored on Tuesday, October 5, during the volleyball tournament at Syracuse.  Kaetlin Thomeczek, daughter of Joe and Dami Thomeczek has played volleyball since the third grade, playing with Syracuse Youth Activities Association... [More]

More Sports

NEWS

thumb

1961 SHS GRAD PENS BOOK ON HIS MUSINGS AND INSPIRATIONS

Trying to heal from the loss of his wife, 1961 SHS graduate, Garry Warner, at the advice of his family physician and friend, suggested journaling to overcome his grief.  The result, many years in the making, is a published book entitled Musings of a Walmart Greeter.  The... [More]

thumb

FORMER SYRACUSAN WRITES CHILDREN’S BOOK

2015 Syracuse High School graduate Taelor (Oller) Leyva has always dreamed of being a novelist. But as her life and family grew, her priorities became God and her family.  Leyva is the daughter of Crystal Loder and Dustin Oller. She married 2016 SHS grad Diego Leyva and... [More]

thumb

SHS CHAMPION BARNES GOLF CAREER TAKES SHAPE

While many youth in our community have been able to take part in the free junior golf lessons during the summer for many years, Paige Barnes recalls it as what pushed her on this journey.  Barnes said, “When we moved to Syracuse, my first experience with golf was... [More]

thumb

Simon Retires

The year was 1989 when there were three law firms in Syracuse, Kansas - Jim Terrill, John Stanley, and Gale & Gale. By the end of 1990, there were two - Terrill and Gale & Gale.    Thirty-five years ago,  Janice Simon began working part time at Gale &... [More]

thumb

Hamilton County Library's Grand Reopening

The long wait is over. The Hamilton County Library has reopened on Main Street. A grand reopening was held on Tuesday afternoon with tours all day. Library Director Amy Brucker choked up as she addressed the large crowd of library board members, county commissioners, patrons,... [More]

thumb

County Fair Time!

The Hamilton County Fair is in full swing with many fun activities for everyone.  It began Thursday, July 18, when Ann Palmer was crowned Silver Queen at the VIP Center. Her princesses were Lola Fox, Marcia Ashmore and Ellie Seba. Following the coronation was the 4-H... [More]

thumb

You Can Enter The Fair!

Fair Entries - How Does It Work It’s Easy and Fun to Enter! Want to participate in the Hamilton County Fair? Showcase your talents and turn your hobbies and special interests into a winner.  Who Can Enter? ALL Hamilton County residents are eligible to enter and... [More]

thumb

Scarlett Hines Wins At World Finals

Scarlett Hines, daughter of Travis and Corinna Hines, has been riding a horse since she could walk.  She got her first pony, Ladybug, when she was two or three years old. She has participated in play days, local and regional rodeos, and now can add winning at the National... [More]

More News

OPINIONS

That Still Small Voice is Calling

Today I am off to my daughter’s first volleyball game. Game? Match? I am learning. Please be patient.    Yesterday was the anniversary of 9/11, a grim reminder of how ugly the world can be and how hate destroys so much of humanity.   When I read the front... [More]

Fair?

It’s time for the State Fair! This year looks incredibly different from last year. I am actually shocked we even get to go.   As our daughter transitions to junior high, more hands are necessary to keep going. Her practices run early and late. Sometimes homework, studying,... [More]

But God

Here we are at the end of August 2024. Fall is so close I can almost touch it and then bam a 100 degree day. For some that is energizing. I am more of a cooler weather fan.   We are supposed to leave for the state fair next Thursday. I say supposed to because you never know... [More]

Batlles are hard!

I read a quote the other day that hardship draws you closer to God. While it may be true, I don’t feel a bright shiny light warming my heart, thanking God, singing Hallelujah. In fact, in the middle of the storms, I feel lost, discombobulated, uncomfortable, and question... [More]

thumb

Walter's Wiggles

Have you heard of Walter’s Wiggles? It’s a long switchback trail in Zion National Park that leads you to Angel’s Landing. The view is breathtaking.  The steep uphill zigzag climb can give you a few moments wondering if it is worth it to go on.  I think... [More]

We Can't Do It Without You

It’s hard for me to fathom that school begins Monday. We just finished fair, fair clean up, after fair exhaustion week trying to catch up on everything put on the back burner because of fair.    This weekend I spent most of my days and nights putting together... [More]

Choices

It’s August!!!! It’s hot!!! That is a direct quote from me. Lol! Triple digit temperatures make everything uncomfortable.  While the county fair is over, I have not recovered yet. A lot of hard work by a lot of people, too many to name went into putting on a... [More]

Too Much News

On Friday, July 28, 1944, one of the Syracuse Journal headlines read , “TOO MUCH NEWS”. The article said, “We’re sorry, but last minute political advertisements and legal notices that had to be run this issue crowded us for space this week and we had to... [More]

More Opinions