Mary Helen deKoevend

Mary Helen (Ayer) deKoevend of Grand Junction, Co age 95 died November 6, 2024, in the care of “Hope West” of dementia.

 She was born October 20, 1929, in Paonia, Colorado. She was the first born daughter of the late Burtis “Bill” and Mary Ayer.

Mary Helen attended school in Onion Valley and Crawford. She graduated from Crawford High School (Crawford, CO). After graduating high school she attended Western State College (Gunnison, CO) where she met John (Jack) deKoevend. They were married in June of 1949 in Ouray. Jack and Mary Helen had three children, Bruce, Karla, and Mary A. They lived in Ouray until the summer of 1954 when the family moved to Uravan CO so Jack could manage the swimming pool there. 

While in Uravan Mary Helen was a Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Instructor and headed up swimming lessons for the towns of Uravan, Paradox, Naturita, Nucla, Redvale, and Norwood for many years. She was also involved with PTA and Toastmistress’. During this time she worked for the San Miguel Forum as a reporter and photographer and a substituted teacher in the Uravan School. 

In the early 60’s Mary Helen went back to school and earned her teaching degree from Western State college. She taught in the West End School District of Montrose county, for 24 years. 

 In 1967 the family moved to Nucla. She was very involved in her community. She belonged to Business and Professional Womens, Women of the Moose and Lions Auxiliary and Rim Rockers Historical Society. She was an original member of Montrose West Recreation and The Unaweep/Tabeguache Historic and Scenic Byway. 

After retiring from teaching she took on a new job. She became the first woman Mayor of Nucla for 12 years. In that time she worked to get the Mustang Water Work Authority into existence. 

She was known for the camera she carried all the time. There was always a picture that needed to be taken.History needed to be preserved.

Her hobbies were knitting and crocheting and reading. She also sewed for herself and the family. She loved dancing and Pinochle. Other hobbies included bowling, snow skiing, family hikes, and loved to spend time in the quiet of the forest. She loved plants, dogs and cats, especially Doberman Pinschers and Dachshund.

Mary Helen is preceded in death by her husband, John F. (Jack) deKoevend, son Bruce, her parents, three sisters, Henrietta, Margaret, Audrey June and one brother Jim.

Mary Helen is survived by her daughters Karla (Jim) Tilford and Mary A, deKoevend; four grandchildren: John (Amy) , Danielle (Leon) , Bruce (Catherine) and Sam (Adrea) ; and nine great grandchildren: Tyler, Isabelle, Oscar, Josaphine, Clara, Nella, Mia, Charlotte, Annabelle. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Susan Rozman and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, 10:30 am, at Appleton Christian Church, 2510 I-70 Frontage Road, Grand Junction, CO. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hope West or a charity of your choice.