ESTEP, Elizabeth Irene (Liz)

Ertel Funeral Home Cortez, Colorado Elizabeth Irene Estep A funeral for longtime Cortez resident Elizabeth Irene "Liz" Estep will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Steven Schwarz of the Seventh Day Adventist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Liz was born to Charles and Myrtle (Williams) Whelchel Oct. 1, 1937, in Denver. She died at her home in Cortez Friday, Aug. 13, 2004. Liz was 66 years old. On Nov. 9, 1958, Liz married J.D. Estep in Montrose. Together they shared 45 years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters, Valarie and Robin. Liz loved the outdoors and was content with any activity that had her outside. Surviving Liz are her beloved husband, J.D. Estep of Cortez; daughters: Valarie Francisco of Cortez, and Robin Hughes and husband, Leon, also of Cortez; four grandchildren: Kevin Judson, Jason Francisco, Lacey Francisco and Kelton Judson; four brothers: Ernie Whelchel and wife, Tanya, of Gillett, Wyo.; Lester Rice and wife, Pat, of Arizona; John Rice and wife, Sherrie, of Fernley, Nev.; and Art Meyer and wife, Luann, of Cortez; and two sisters: Nancy Thurman of Cortez, and Jacquie Allen and husband, Shannon, of Fernley, Nev. A brother, Herbie Meyer, preceded Liz in death. Memorial contributions can be made with Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez, CO 81321. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home. Further obituary information is available online at www.ertelfuneralhome.com.