Ardell E. Versaw, who was loved by many, went home to be forever with the Lord Jesus on June 8, 2022, 10 days shy of his 95th birthday. Son of H.E. Versaw and Florence Holland Versaw, he was born at home because on June 18th, 1927, the Rio Grande River was flooded from the railroad tracks in Monte Vista to Maxeyville.
A graduate of Hooper High School, Ardell was drafted and proudly served his country in the US Army, stationed in Korea as part of the “Army of Occupation.” Upon discharge, he enrolled at Colorado A & M, Ft. Collins, Co, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Animal Husbandry. He later received his Master of Arts degree in education from Adam State College. He taught at Hooper, Monte Vista, and Sargent before farming full time.
On June 18th, 1950, he married Estalita McAninch. They were blessed with three children: Sue (Steve) Westfahl, Becky (Dwayne) Lewis and Charlie (Barbara) Versaw. He and Estalita also became legal guardians of two of Ardell’s cousins, Martha (Ed) Holland Cave and Sharon (Clayton) Holland Livengood.
Ardell is survived by his wife, Estalita, his sisters, Dorothy Kirkpatrick, Lorene Byrd, sister-in-law, Donna Versaw, his three children and their spouses, 6 grandsons: Sam Westfahl, Brian (Breezy) Lewis, Michael (Stephanie) Lewis, Jonathan ( Kathryn) Lewis, Daniel (Katrina) Westfahl, Luke Versaw, 5 granddaughters: Ruthie Westfahl, Stephanie (Jason) Christofi, Rebecca (Nathan) Munger, Heidi (Josh) Oliver, GraceAnn (Tyler) Moyer. Bonus grandchildren, Liesl (Brian) George, Matthew (Nicole) Livengood, Kassie (Sam) Jones, Nathan (Abra) Livengood, Joy (Stephen) Kabel and 33 great-grandchildren. Uncle Ardell is fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews who worked with him many summers on the farm.
Preceding him in death are his parents and brothers, Raymond (Naomi) and Stanley, brothers-in-law, George Kirkpatrick, and Ed Byrd and two nephews.
Graveside Memorial service will be held at San Luis Valley Cemetery Monte Vista, Co 2:00 p.m. June 21, 2022. Fellowship and light meal at Hooper Baptist Church to follow the Graveside Service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hooper Baptist Church Mission Fund, PO Box 25, Hooper, CO 81136.