Mountain Valley Mortuary

06/10/2026

Sara Beebe Kittredge

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sara (Sally) Beebe Kittredge, aged 99, on June 2, 2026, in Del Norte, Colorado. Born on April 18, 1927, in Ashland, Oregon, Sara lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, love, and dedication to her family.

Sally was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Douglas "Doug" Kittredge, and a loving mother to her children, Dirk (Sally) Kittredge and Jody (Kent) Valmassy. She cherished her role as a grandmother to her grandchildren, Megan (Brandon) Shamhart, Rayna (Dawson) Kittredge, Lee (Wei Ting) Valmassy, and Kyle (Amanda) Valmassy.

Preceded in death by her parents, Chan and Elizabeth Beebe, and her brothers, Bill and Jim Beebe, Sally is remembered for her vibrant spirit and zest for life. She had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hiking with her husband, often tackling challenging trails that offered breathtaking views. A passionate traveler, Sally and Doug created cherished memories during their time on safari in Africa, and at their homes in Creede, Colorado, Mammoth Mountain, California and on the Baja Coast of Mexico.

She also had a special fondness for her Labradors and her cherished tangerine Porsche.

Sally spent many years as a bookkeeper for her husband's company, showcasing her keen intellect and commitment to her profession. She and Doug made Creede their permanent home, where they embraced the tranquility and beauty of their surroundings after spending summers there for several years.

Her legacy of love, adventure, and joy for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

View Sara Beebe Kittredge's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/10/2026

At Mountain Valley Mortuary we are so honored to be surrounded by the caring staff that makes up our team. I want to single out one team member. Gail our Office Manager is such a kind, compassionate and soft-spoken professional. She is the heartbeat of the funeral home and definitely keeps everything moving and exemplifies the values we strive for.

06/09/2026

Here is the updated list of topics for the upcoming Lunch n Learns in held from noon to 1:00 pm in Alamosa. Please join us for these amazing and insightful topics presented by professionals in our area. Reservations are requested as lunch is provided. Look forward to seeing you at lunch.

06/09/2026

This is something that makes us, SO DIFFERENT and I am so proud of.

For us, supporting our community goes far beyond writing a donation check. We believe that meaningful impact comes from showing up, giving our time, sharing our knowledge, and helping to create opportunities that strengthen the people and places that we call home.

Whether it is helping to plan community events, participating in educational opportunities, or collaborating with local organizations, we are committed to being active partners in building a healthier, more connected community.

Service doesn't stop at our doors - it extends into the communities we are honored to serve every day.

06/08/2026

Please join us for the next few days looking at what makes Mountain Valley Mortuary stand out as the premier locally owned funeral homes in the San Luis Valley

06/05/2026

Helen Pacheco

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Helen Pacheco, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on June 3, 2026, in her hometown of Del Norte, Colorado. Born on February 7, 1942, in Del Norte, Helen dedicated her life to her family and her community.

Helen was married to her devoted husband, Modesto Pacheco, for 65 wonderful years. Together, they nurtured a family filled with love and cherished memories. Helen is survived by her four children: Diane Pacheco of Del Norte, Joseph (Bernadette) Pacheco of Del Norte, Arthur (Paula) Pacheco of Del Norte, and Janelle (C**t) Creamer of Spring Creek, Nevada. She leaves behind a legacy of thirteen grandchildren; Marcus (Shala) Pacheco, Vance (Kanani) Pacheco, Christian Pacheco, Tomas Maestas, Monique Mills, Nicolas Maestas, Andres Maestas, Kolton Pacheco, Kiahna (Antonio) Duran, Kamrynn Pacheco, Kynlie (Chesnee) Pacheco, Jadeyn (Paige) Martinez, Justyn (Lauryn) Martinez, Jareyn Martinez, Kelsie Creamer, Camille Martindale and Tristin Creamer and ten great-grandchildren; Graycen Pacheco, Braylee Pacheco, Haidence Pacheco, Aria Medina, Hailey Pacheco, Landen Pacheco, Tinsleigh Pacheco, Kingston Pacheco, Maddox Pacheco, Kayson Duran, Ryder Martinez, Ava Martinez and Colesyn Martinez, each of whom she adored and took great pride in. She is also survived by her sister Lucille Espinoza.

Helen attended Adams State College and majored in Early Childhood Education and went on to dedicate 38 years of her life holding multiple positions at Head Start in Del Norte, including Director, nurturing the minds of young children and fostering a love of learning within the community. She was also an active member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, where she touched lives as the choir director for many years. Her faith guided her life, and it was evident in her warm, loving spirit.

In addition to her work, Helen enjoyed numerous hobbies, including camping, fishing, word searches, reading and she had a love for New Mexican music. Her laughter, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends will be deeply missed.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents Rumaldo and Elenora Marquez, her siblings: Leonard Marquez, Dave Marquez, Felix Armenta, Mae Gallegos, Rose Gallegos, Theresa Pacheco, Josie Manzanares, and Ernestine Manzanares. Her family finds solace in the beautiful memories they shared and the love they continue to carry in their hearts.

Cremation has been chosen in accordance with Helen's wishes. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on June 9, 2026 at the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte and a Memorial Mass to honor her life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday June 10, 2026 also at the church in Del Norte. We encourage all who knew and loved Helen to join us in celebrating her extraordinary life and the love she so generously shared.

View Helen Pacheco's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Vicky Naranjo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dassie Victoria "Vicky" Naranjo, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, who departed this world on May 31, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on April 7, 1950, in San Francisco, CA, Vicky's journey through life led her to beautiful moments in Monte Vista, CO, where she was known for her warmth, love, and unmistakable spirit.A dedicated Nurses Aide in the home health industry, Vicky brought comfort and compassion to those in her care, embodying the very essence of nurturing. She viewed her role as more than just a job; it was a calling that showcased her immense capacity to love and support those around her. This same loving spirit radiated through her family life, where she cherished her children: Lisa Naranjo, Jose (Denise) Naranjo, and Reno Naranjo. She was the proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Sydney, Jeremiah, Cameron, Ucari, Desire, Royal, Modesty, Natasha, Michael, and Ty, as well as numerous great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.Vicky was a woman of simple pleasures-she adored fishing and found solace in the mountains. A passionate fan of the San Francisco 49ers, her love for the team was rivaled only by her reverence for classic cowboy movies and the timeless music of Elvis. Known affectionately as Grandma Wiggy, she had a feisty spirit, often outspoken and unyielding in her fierce love and protectiveness over her family. She embraced life with a full heart, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.She is preceded in death by her parents, her son Louie "Wedo" Naranjo, former spouse Louis Joseph Naranjo, granddaughter Tammy Naranjo, and great-grandson Ezikeal Naranjo. Her absence leaves a void in the lives of her siblings and extended family, all of whom will forever carry her memory in their hearts.Cremation has been selected, and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday June 20, 2026 at Agua De Vida Baptist Church, located at 403 Lincoln Avenue in Monte Vista. Interment of ashes will take place in the Rock Creek Cemetery following the service. Family and friends are invited to gather for services that will honor her remarkable spirit, a testament to a life lived fully and generously. As we prepare to say farewell, we remember Dassie as a loving, kind, and giving soul who left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

View Vicky Naranjo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Debbie Kemp Darby

We deeply mourn the passing of Debbie Kemp Darby, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on January 2, 1947, in Evanston, Illinois, Deborah's journey through life was marked by her unwavering kindness, infectious positivity, and deep commitment to her community.

Debbie spent much of her early career as the beloved owner-operator of the Garden Cafe in Leadville, where her warmth and culinary talents created a welcoming haven for many. In later years, she transitioned into a successful career in real estate, where her wisdom and integrity shone through, helping families find their dream homes.

Throughout her life, Debbie was dedicated to charitable causes, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her spirit of generosity and her vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Debbie possessed an innate ability to see the silver lining in every situation, inspiring those around her to look on the bright side.

She is survived by her loving significant other, Chuck Weiss; her daughter, Mary Margaret Darby; her granddaughter, Mikaela Casias; and her sisters, Cathy Vance and Melinda Kemp. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edward Kemp, and her sister Melissa Kemp.

Debbie's passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable deeds but also for her laughter, wisdom, and indomitable spirit.

Cremation has been selected, and services will be held at a later date to honor her incredible life. Details of the memorial service will be shared once arrangements are finalized, inviting all whose lives she touched to come together in remembrance and celebration of her beautiful legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Debbie's memory to a charity of your choice, continuing her tradition of giving back to the community she loved so dearly.

View Deborah Kemp Darby's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

Please consider joining us for this year's Lunch n Learns at SLV Health. Our own Stephen Hunzeker will be discussing pre-planning, the importance of it as well as your opportunity to ask questions. LUNCH IS PROVIDED and thanks to our sponsors these events are FREE to attend.