RONALD NORMAN ST. LOUIS

December 16, 1932 - May 5, 2008

Long-time Widefield resident Ronald N. ST. Louis passed away on Monday, May 5, 2008 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO; after a lengthy and courageous battle with health issues. He was 75.

Ronald was born December 16, 1932 to Ellen (Smith) and John J. ST. Louis, in Waterbury, Conn.

During the Depression, times were so hard for the family that Ronald and his younger brother, Franklyn, were placed in an orphanage.

Seeking a better life for himself, at the age of 16, he lied about his age and joined the Army.

He was on his way to be shipped to Japan when the Korean War broke out and was diverted to the Inchon Invasion in 1950. There he ran a half track with quad 50s.

During the Korean War he was in numerous campaigns, the most important of which was the Chosin Reservoir.

After Korea, he returned home to New England in 1951 where he met his future wife and love of his life, Emily Rose Benway. They courted until their marriage on June 27, 1953. They would have been married 55 years on June 27.

Ron's brother Franklyn would later marry Emily's twin sister, Emma (who passed away in 1984.)

While being stationed at many military bases in the United States and Europe, Ron and Emily raised six boys and one girl, Larry, Franklyn, Nancy, James, Gary, Raymond and Roger; several of whom would follow their father in service to their country.

Ron's military service took him to Korea, Vietnam, France and Germany. He worked in logistics and supply, as a cook, duty foreman, and an administrator. He also went on TDYs to escort prisoners to stockades.

He earned numerous awards including the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device; Korean Service Medal w/5 Service Stars; 4 overseas bars including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/palm, Good Conduct Medal -1st and 2nd awards: Republican of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

When stationed in Erlangen, Germany, Ron was manager of base housing, the motor pool, skating rink, pool and theater so his kids felt like VIPs because "Dad ran the show."

Other fond family memories including winters in New England and Dad coming home to play in giant snow drifts, the times Ron put his cooking expertise to work, like when heíd make hundreds of donuts that quickly disappeared into his kids hands; and the holidays were always made special, with Christmas Eve becoming a magical night at the St. Louis household as every room glowed with bright lights and cheer (not to mention Dadís special homemade egg nog and fruitcake.)

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. More recently, he enjoyed spending time on his computer and emailing with friends and family.

Always a proud veteran and referred to by many as ìthe most patriotic manî they knew, Ron stayed busy after retiring from the military by working in administrative positions, including serving as the manager for Whitney Young.

He was a member of the American Legion, VFW Post 3917 and most recently was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He had been involved with the Young Marines in the past when his great-grandson Anthony (for whom Ron served as a guardian at that time) was a member of the Fort Carson unit.

He knew the importance of supporting members of the armed forces and their families, and participated in many Veterans Day parades in Colorado Springs, the Fountain Fall Festival parade in Fountain, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other remembrance services in Colorado Springs and Fountain. He was a sponsor/donating member to numerous veterans memorials and the Fraternal Order of Police.

His community service also included working with the Fountain Valley Republican Club and serving on campaigns to elect Ray Powers as State Senator and Mary Ellen Epps for House Representative. He also worked as a campaign manager to successfully elect Jeri Howells (now Mayor of Fountain, CO) to El Paso Countyís Board of Commissioners more than once.

Dad was known for his love of telling jokes, his hearty laugh and sense of humor. Despite the numerous physical ailments that challenged so many of his days, he tried hard to focus on bringing a smile to others rather than dwelling on his own situation.

He is survived by his wife, Emily; their children, Larry of Marysville, CA, Franklyn of Security, Nancy of Littleton, James (and Sherri) of Marysville, CA, Gary (and Shirelle) of Columbus, GA, Raymond (and Patricia) of Fountain and Roger (and Joyce) of Devol, OK; seven grandchildren, J.R. Sissy, Alan, Rich, David, Jasmine and Gary; and his great-grandchildren, two of whom- Anthony and Mellanie- he helped raise.

Also surviving is his brother, Franklyn (and Bev) of Colorado Springs, niece, Sheryl Walker of Vermont; niece Patti (and Stan) Lubiak; nephew, Richard (and Susan) of Pueblo, several great nieces and great nephews, other loved ones and a wealth of friends.

He also leaves behind his other cherished "family members," his dogs Prissy, Shammy and Shawn Shawn.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, John J. and Ellen; brothers, Alfred and Lee; sisters, Helen and Florence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald St. Louis Memorial Fund c/o Emily St. Louis, P.O. Box 5113, Security, CO 80931-5113.

Violet L. Rutledge

March 13, 1921 - May 6, 2008

Violet L. Rutledge, 87, a lifelong Colorado resident passed away on May 6, 2008. Violet was born March 13, 1921 in Simla to Frank and Rose Higbee. She married the love of her life, Boyd Rutledge, on December 4, 1941.

Violet is survived by her daughter, Kay Hulen; grandson, Eric Hulen and his wife, Holly; great-grandsons, Luke Hulen and Noah Hulen; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rose; her husband, Boyd; and her grandson, Scott Hulen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008 from 4-7PM at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary, 6630 S. Highway 85/87, Fountain. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11AM at Dove-Witt Fountain Valley Chapel, 6630 S. Highway 85/87, Fountain. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Fountain, CO. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to VFW Post 6461 Ladies Auxiliary, Fountain, CO or the Fountain Valley Senior Center.

Violet loved traveling, fishing, boating and playing pool. She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.

Elmer H. Crouse

May 15, 1916 - March 25, 2008

Elmer H. Crouse, 91, passed away March 25, 2008 after a long illness. He was born May 15, 1916 in Sparta, North Carolina to William Monroe and Sarah Alice (Estep) Crouse. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1955. Elmer joined the Army in 1933 and served with honor in the South Pacific during World War II, he married Velma P. (Wiedman) Crouse on February12, 1944. They were married 52 years when she left this earth. He retired as M/Sgt. in 1959.

Elmer is survived by his daughter Mary-Alice (Crouse) Hafenrichter (Herb); his son Bill Crouse (Mary Louise):

Grandchildren: Lisa Snell, Bill Hafenrichter, Pamela Crouse and Christopher Crouse; Great Grandchildren: Ashley, Brenlyn, and Lilí Herbert. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Sarah Crouse and his brother.

The happiest years of his life were spent on the family acreage with his horses and his time fishing.

A visitation will be held on Saturday March 29, 2008 from 1:00-3:00 prior to a memorial service scheduled for 3:00 P.M. at Dove-Witt Fountain Valley Chapel, 6630 South Highway 85/87, Fountain, Colorado. He will be dearly missed by all.

Specialist Ronald J. Tucker

March 19, 1987 - April 30, 2008

Beloved son, brother and friend SPC Ronald James Tucker died on April 30, 2008 while on a mission in Baghdad, Iraq. Ronnie was a 2005 graduate of Fountain-Ft. Carson High School and a life long Fountain resident.

He is survived by his mother, Susan L. (Santo) Arnold and step-father, David S. Arnold of Fountain; sisters, Samantha Tucker (Jesse) of New York City and Daisy J. Tucker of Rota, Spain; brothers, Richard Tucker of Denver and Brandon S. Arnold of Fountain; grandparents, Retired 1SG Robert S. and Mrs. Ko Won Soon Santo of Fountain; aunt, Stephanie G. (Santo) Roberts (Russell); cousin, Jazmyn; cousin, Randy; uncle, Steven S. Santo of Greencastle, Indiana; cousin Caleb S. Santo of Lawrence, Kansas and his beloved ìBooî Amanda Lovern of Round Rock, Texas. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Alan Tucker.

A funeral service was held Monday, May 12 at Pikes Peak Christian Church, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

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