Claudette Townsend

May 26, 1934 — April 11, 2008

MONTROSE — Claudette Townsend, age 73, passed away on Friday morning, April 11, 2008 at her daughter’s residence in Montrose.

Claudette Walton was born on May 26, 1934 in Carbon, Iowa to parents, Willis and Opal (Walters) Walton. Claudette spend her childhood, attended schools and grew to adulthood in Iowa. At the age of 13, she began working taking care of children for local farmers and continued caring for children by raising four daughters. She married Charles Townsend on Feb. 9, 1951 in Corning, Iowa. They established their home in Iowa until 1959 when they moved to Wyoming for a short time and then to Arvada. In June of 1972, Claudette and Charles moved to Hotchkiss and then to Montrose in the fall. They were married for 33 years before Charles passed away in Denver in 1985.

Claudette enjoyed gardening, loved flowers and spending time outdoors camping and fishing. She enjoyed playing the Lotto, bingo and sewing. She was a wonderful mother and adored her grandchildren. She was a friendly, outgoing woman who will be greatly missed.  

Survivors include her four daughters, Debbie Labertew and husband Mark of Montrose; Denise McCracken and husband Ed of Olathe, Colo.; Marcia Kishbaugh and husband Mike of Montrose, and Lisa Pennal and husband Chuck of Montrose, along with 11 grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. Claudette is also survived by her siblings, Willis Walton, Robert Walton, Betty Fleming all of Iowa; Maxine Griffin and Lois Armstrong both of Loveland; and Dorothy Armstrong of Montrose, along with numerous nieces and nephews and close friends, Milan and Carolyn Hawxby of Montrose.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Connie Kelly and brother, Ronald Walton.

At Claudette’s request, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. However, visit our website, sign the online register book and share your fondest memories of her at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, In Loving Memory of Claudette Townsend, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.

Arrangements are being handled under the direction, care and have been entrusted to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Dr., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 240-9870.