Helen ‘Marie’ Davis

MONTROSE — Helen “Marie” Davis, of Montrose, Colo., passed away peacefully with family at her side on Nov. 27, 2008 at the age of 81. Marie was born in Florence, Colo. Jan. 13, 1927 to Evan and Pauline Schmidt. She grew up in a large loving family and cherished every one of them. Marie loved her family and her animals. Most of all she loved her Lord Jesus Christ whom she served with all her heart in her daily life. 

She had grandchildren who called her “Grandma Rei” and she always called the dogs of the family her “grand-dogs.” There never was a person who met her that didn’t know her as a gracious woman who immediately accepted them as her friend. Many times even strangers were welcome to confide in her and find strength and compassion in her love for Jesus and her complimenting personality. 

She married Ray Davis after he got out of the USMC on Dec. 9, 1946. They first lived in Grand Junction, Colo. Ron was born Feb. 18, 1948. Pat was born Mar. 5, 1951. They later moved to Montrose where Bob was born on Jan. 25, 1952. Ray drove from Rio Grande Motorway hauling ore concentrate from the Idarado Mine. Marie kept her family clothed during hard times and always canned fruits and vegetables. She put many an elk and deer in the freezer that Ray and “the boys” brought in. She loved hunting herself and Ray often bragged about what a good shot she was. They both enjoyed fishing together and visiting family in Wyoming and Montana. She had an amazing capacity for humor and nobody ever got the upper hand with a prank. She was a mother to nieces and nephews, neighbor kids and the “kids” friends.

After Ray died in 1996, Marie moved to be closer to her children in Gillette, Wyo.  She later moved back to her beloved Colorado.

Survivors include her children, Ron Davis (Linda) of Montrose, Colo., Bob Davis (Bobbie) of Riverton, Wyo., Pat Dagenhart (Dave) of Lewistown, Mont.; brother, Royal Schmidt of Florence, Colo.; sister, Carolyn Dockery of Camdenton, Mo.; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson, five sisters, and one brother.

  A funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Montrose Christian Church on Sunnyside Road, and Hospice Chaplain, Don Barr officiating. Burial will follow the service at Grand View Cemetery in Montrose. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior the service on Monday from 10:00 a.m. up to service time at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, in memory of Marie Davis, P. O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402 or Gideons International, in memory of Marie Davis, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main, Montrose, CO (970) 249-2121.