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
Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Marie Pope
Obituaries
May 7, 2025
Jeanette ‘Nettie’ Marie Pope

Aug. 7, 1945-April 17, 2025

Jeanette “Nettie” Marie Pope passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2025, with her family by her side.

Nettie was born August 7, 1945 in Montrose, Colorado, to Dale and Elaine Whittingham.

Nettie grew up on a ranch in Ridgway, attending Ridgway school until 1961. Nettie then moved to Olathe and graduated from Olathe High School in 1963. Growing up, Nettie was an accomplished horsewoman and enjoyed riding and all aspects of ranch life.

Nettie married W. Gary Pope on May 29, 1965, in Olathe at the Baptist church. They lived in California until 1971 when they moved to Ridgway. While living in Ridgway, they owned and operated the Sunset Service Station and Motel, and later started a cattle business, eventually settling in Duckett Draw in Montrose in 1998, where they continued ranching.

In addition to operating the ranch, Nettie took great pride in continuing to preserve the generational bloodline of the family quarter horses. She also enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She was loved by all who knew her, and will be truly missed.

Nettie is survived by son Woody of Homer, Alaska, daughter Renee and son-in-law Jeff of Montrose, granddaughters Madison and Alexandra (Dominic), and great grandson Carter. She is also survived by brothers Tom (Cass) and Steve (Diane), several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Nettie requested that there be no memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HopeWest Hospice or Bosom Buddies.

Helping the helpers: The anatomy of a complex rescue
Main, News...
NEIGHBORS AND HELPERS
Helping the helpers: The anatomy of a complex rescue
Volunteers saved an 11-year-old girl from the bottom of a cliff thanks largely to the skills of Mike Gibbs, who's made a career out of training rescuers
By By Nancy Lofholm Special to the Plaindealer 
February 18, 2026
It took Mike Gibbs all of five seconds on that morning in early August to figure out it was time to execute one of the world’s most complicated rope rescues. A car had tumbled 320 feet off the edge of...
this is a test
Main, News...
Bills to give reservoir to Ouray debut in Congress
Administrator: City can afford repair expenses, which are still unknown
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 18, 2026
U.S. House and Senate bills to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray made it to subcommittee hearings in Washington, D.C. last week. Both bills are ...
this is a test
News
County spurns prairie dog control request
Commissioners say they're unwilling, unable to adopt restrictions; resident withdraws lawsuit threat
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 18, 2026
Ouray County leaders last week snuffed a resident’s request to require property owners to control prairie dogs, citing a legal inability and unwillingness to do so. At the start of a Feb. 11 work sess...
this is a test
News
Local Briefs
Ridgway awards visitor services contract to chamber
February 18, 2026
Ridgway will hire the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce for $33,824 per year to support town marketing efforts. “RACC expressed confidence in its ability to execute the scope of work, based on many yea...
this is a test
News
Town approves measures to boost housing affordability
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
February 18, 2026
The Ridgway Town Council approved three measures at its meeting on Feb. 11 to boost affordable housing in the town. Ridgway applying for ADU grant Ridgway is applying for a grant that will allow it to...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
In time of need, Ouray County shows up
February 18, 2026
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Ouray County Coroner’s Office, I want to express our sincere gratitude to this community for stepping up when it mattered most. Over the past few weeks, our office manage...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Bonds between students credit to Ouray families
February 18, 2026
Dear Editor: There are many instances where we are told that our children’s behavior is not a reflection of their parenting. As a parent of a sometimes rebellious child, I welcome that sentiment. But ...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Rural or urban, access to lawmakers vital
February 18, 2026
Dear Editor: Several months ago, I attempted to contact Rep. Jeff Hurd regarding an issue in Ouray County. Upon calling his office, I was connected to a voicemail that stated the best way to contact h...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
February 18, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago February 24, 1966 Fast work by the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday evenin...
this is a test
News
Ballot initiative would add public access right to constitution
By Sara Wilson Colorado Newsline 
February 18, 2026
Colorado voters could be asked this year to amend the state’s constitution to include the right to know the goings-on of state and local governments through public meetings and open records. A ballot ...
this is a test
News
Incentives may factor into 4-H Center hire
Board weighs paying manager based on events booked at c urrently closed facility
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 18, 2026
Ouray County commissioners may hire a 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds manager who would be paid based on how many events are held at the venue. Commissioners reached that conclusion during a Feb. 10 ...
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