Obituary for
Earl P. Archuletta
Earl P. Archuletta died on October 3, 2012, in Durango, Colorado, after a lengthy illness. He was 86.
A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 6:00 pm at St. Columba Catholic Church and a Mass will be recited on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Columba. Father James Koenigsfeld will be officiating and burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery in Durango.
Mr. Archuletta was born January 4, 1926, in Moffat, Colorado, the son of Mattias and Lucia Archuletta. He grew up in Moffat, Colorado, on a ranch with his family. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII serving overseas.
Earl was married to Rosebell Louise Sanchez for 65 years. Earl took his family on many adventures living in various places in Colorado and New Mexico due to Earl's career in being a superintendent in road construction, settling in Durango in 1979, saying it was the most beautiful place in the world. He worked in road construction until approximately 2002, but sheep ranching was always part of his life.
Besides adoring his family, Earl loved his sheep ranching lifestyle more than anything else. Earl was an active and beloved member of the Durango community who touched the lives of those who had the unique pleasure of knowing him. He loved life and people with a passion, and his work ethic was incomparable being exceptional, dedicated, and loyal. He was a great friend and storyteller that would keep people laughing for days and smiles in their hearts forever. He found beauty in absolutely everything and everyone, and had a special connection with all animals from his livestock to pets alike. Earl will be remembered for his love of life, kindness to all who was blessed to cross his path and for his endless generosity.
He is survived by the love of his life his wife Rosebell Louise Archuletta of Durango, children, Judy Saiz of Denver, Colo., and James Archuletta, Jane Hoops, and Joy Hess, all of Durango, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, Ruth Rael of Questa, N.M., Claude Archuletta of Longmont, Colo., Dora Atencio of Loveland, Colo., and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Earl will be greatly missed.