Steve J. Ulibarri

MONTROSE — Estevan Jose Ulibarri was born Jan. 3, 1917 in Edith, Colo. to Eleuterio Ulibarri and Maria Epimenia Garcia. He moved with his family in 1920 to Gunnison, Colo. but then moved to Montrose, Colo. in 1924. He attended Montrose schools before joining the CCC in the mid thirties. Steve then met the love of his life, Genevieve Lucero. They were married March 26, 1940 in Moab, Utah.

Steve and Genevieve were blessed with five children, Elizabeth, who passed away in 1945, Anita, Louise, Steve and Ernie. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage before Genevieve passed away Sept. 22, 1972. In 1977, he met and married Cora Fresquez Pacheco. She preceded him in death on Nov. 4, 2007. Steve was proud to serve his country in the South Pacific during WWII. He was awarded the American Services Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Steve was honorably discharged in January 1946. He retired after working 30 years with Western Colorado Company/Colorado Ute at the Bullock Plant.

Steve was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the Colorado mountains. He was an avid Denver Bronco fan and enjoyed watching sports with his grandchildren. Steve was a family man, who loved his children and his siblings.

Steve is survived by his four children, Anita (Leroy) Jiron, Louise (Gene) Medina, Steve (Cheri) Ulibarri and Ernest (Judy) Ulibarri; 12 grandchildren, Dana Yacovetta, Lori (Robert) Deines, Curtis (Leann) Jiron, Todd (Lisa) Jiron, Erika (Travis) Walters, Michael (Leah) Medina, Jason (Jessie) Ulibarri, Larry Ulibarri, Kristy Ulibarri, Alan Ulibarri, Staci (Steve) Collins, and Justin (Sheena) Ulibarri; great-grandchildren, Frederick Yacovetta, Samantha Yacovetta, Steven Deines, Kyle Deines, Zane Jiron, Cody Jiron, Trey Jiron, True Jiron, Jaedyn Ulibarri, Logan Ulibarri and Jonas Medina; one great-great-grandchild, Bradley Yacovetta; sister, Ellen (Armando) Rocha; brothers, Elias Ulibarri, Eleuterio (Jackie) Ulibarri; an additional family member, daughter, Joanne Barela and her children, Pam Evans, Rudolph and Steve Barela. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Emilio, Elloyd, Ernesto, Edward Ulibarri and sisters, Erminda Baker and Elsie Romero.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. with a slideshow and vigil at 6:30 p.m. A Rosary will follow the vigil at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Rite of Committal will take place in Cedar Cemetery in Montrose. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colo.