Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Patricia Mary Caldwell
Patricia Mary Caldwell
Obituaries
By News Staff, on September 15, 2022
Patricia Mary Caldwell

Patricia “Pat” Mary Caldwell was born in Phoenix, Arizona on August 20, 1931. She passed away peacefully on September 9, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was a light in both her friend’s and family’s lives and will be dearly missed. Pat is survived by her daughter Wendy of New Castle and two sons, Bob (Vicki) Caldwell and David (Tamara) Caldwell, both of Grand Junction. She was a warmhearted, loving grandmother to Jenna, Jillian, Reis, Lily, Caleb, and Noah. Pat was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harry Caldwell; mother and father, Miriam and Charlie Jones; and two brothers, William and Richard Bean.

Patricia grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Ouray, Colorado in 1945 with her family. Known for her athletics, she excelled in all sports such as softball, golf, and bowling. Pat was also a great student. She worked at the Ouray Café and later at the Sunset Restaurant in Ridgway, Co. with her parents. She worked as the secretary for Johnny Wise, the manager of the Idarado Mining Company, in the early 1950s. Patricia married her husband, who also grew up in Ouray, in 1955. They moved to Grand Junction three years later where they started Mesa Mack Trucks Sales & Service, which was the oldest truck dealership on the Western Slope. The couple were married for 51 years and resided in Grand Junction where they raised their children and grandchildren.

Patricia was outgoing, hilarious, and made friends wherever she went. Her laugh and gentle heart were infectious! She was a kind and selfless soul who was passionate about giving to friends, family, and others she didn’t know. What stands out most is her ability to inspire others to make the best of everything despite life’s difficulties. Her greatest pleasures were watching golf, eating a chocolate malt, cuddling with the family dogs, and enjoying time with those close to her.

The funeral service will be held at the St. Daniels Catholic Church in Ouray, Colorado on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow the service at the Ouray Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Memory of Patricia Caldwell to HopeWest Hospice Care Center (https://www.hopewestco. org/donate/) or Second Chance Humane Society (https://adoptmountainpets.org/donate). Arrangements are being held by Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado.

State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
Main, News...
HIGHWAY 550 SAFETY
State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to lower the speed limit for traffic along a half-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 550 north of Ridgway, near a section of road where the highest number of ...
this is a test
Main, News...
OURAY'S 2026 BUDGET
City trims jobs, capital expenses
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
A cautious Ouray City Council approved a $16.8 million budget for 2026 on Tuesday, leaving a handful of vacant jobs unfilled and slashing capital projects in anticipation of a potential economic downt...
this is a test
News
Schools adopt frameworks for AI tools
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Both Ridgway Secondary School and the Ouray School District have adopted guidelines for students to use artificial intelligence, joining the first wave of schools in the state to do so. Lining classro...
this is a test
News
As scams climb, experts offer insight on how to avoid them
Local bank, police officials: Fraud attempts growing in sophistication
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Anyone can become the victim of fraud. In Ouray County, one person lost $17,000 after being coerced into setting up a series of bank transfers. Property owners were duped by a home builder who created...
this is a test
News
CORRECTION
November 26, 2025
An article on Page 6 of the Nov. 20-26 edition incorrectly reported the Ridgway Town Council's votes on a new anti-idling ordinance. The ordinance was approved 5-1, with Councilor Michelle Montague vo...
this is a test
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
Ouray County Peacejam
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Housing report: Few first-time buyers can afford average-priced homes in Ouray County
100% of Ridgway homes out of affordable price range
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
An estimated 100% of potential firsttime homebuyers in Ridgway and 93% of those in Ouray County cannot afford to buy an average-priced home. Those are among the most striking findings in a housing nee...
this is a test
In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
Columns, Opinion...
In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
By Karen Risch 
November 26, 2025
Ouray finally woke up to its first measurable snowfall Monday, Nov. 24. While waiting for the magic of winter’s arrival, late or not, I found myself wondering: Would this 2025-2026 season’s first meas...
this is a test
Weehawken Creative Arts
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
Weehawken Creative Arts
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
this is a test
News
Ridgway predicts revenue drop, approves draft budget
Town expects to exceed $5M in general fund spending, dip into reserves
By By Erin McIntyre and Lia Salvatierra erin@ouraynews.com lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Ridgway plans to spend more than $5 million from its general fund in 2026, while at the same time town leaders are predicting a drop in revenue. The town will need to draw on its reserves to balance t...
this is a test
A passion that’s choc-full of potential
Feature
A passion that’s choc-full of potential
After bouncing around rental kitchens, entrepreneur ramps up Gus Chocolate from new off-grid home
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Past a gate, at the end of a dirt road on Log Hill Mesa, is an Ouray County-style Willy Wonka factory. From his off-grid home, Nathan Montgomery churns small batches of chocolate, entirely powered by ...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy