Emma Wales

Emma L. Wales, 96, died Saturday, June 07, 2014 in Durango, Colorado. Services will be 10 am Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Ignacio Community Church with interment immediately following at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield, Colorado. Lunch will be served at the Los Pinos Fire Station in Ignacio, following interment.
Mrs. Wales was born September 6, 1917 in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of H.C. and Kate Brisendine. She grew up in Liberal, attending schools there, graduating from Liberal High School in 1935. She was married to John A. Russell on September of that same year. Four children were born to this couple: Marilyn, Bud, Jerry and Jeannie. John died in August of 1959 and Emma was a widow until she married Harold Wales on March 10, 1977. They had a wonderful marriage, travelling and experiencing adventures together. They built a home in Forest Lakes in Bayfield and lived there until Harold’s death in 1980. She lived in many different communities with various employments, mostly in service and caretaking positions. The last 2 years of her life she lived at Four Corners Health Care Center in Durango, Colorado where she interacted with staff and residents, enjoying their programs, activities and excellent care.
Emma was an accomplished seamstress. She was also an artist in textile printing, copper jewelry making, ceramics, and other mixed media. She was very active in her church and mission work, making 11 annual mission trips to Mexico with friends.
She is survived by the Wales children and families, daughters; Marilyn J. Hollenbeck of Buena Vista, Colo. and Jeannie Stewart of Bayfield, Colo., daughter-in-law, Michelle Russell of Gillette, Wyoming., and son, Bud Russell of Roy, Wash.; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great – great grandchildren, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 siblings, son (Jerry), 2 grandsons and one great grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Heart Ministries, P.O. Box 2068, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504.