Vern Garland Green

Vern Garland Green, 77 of Fort Sumner, NM died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, TX in the arms of his loving wife.. He was born May 19, 1932 in Rifle, Colorado the son of Deyoe and Frances (Pierson) Green. Vern grew up on Rifle Creek and attended Rifle Union School. He worked on the family cattle ranch in the Rifle area for many years. Vern served two years in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and four years in the Army Reserves. Vern married Loralee Bouwens on May 8, 1965 in Basalt, CO. Vern worked in the construction industry as a member of Operating Engineers Union. He worked on several construction projects including Reudi Dam and many highway projects. For 15 years Vern worked with the maintenance section of Mid Continent Coal Mine in Red Stone, CO. He retired for health reasons in 1987. Vern was a horseman, following his retirement he began training race horses. For many years he travelled to race tracks in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. In 1998 he made his home in Fort Sumner where he continued training horses. For the past two years he and Loralee spent their time on the road visiting their children and grandchildren. During this time Vern took up another pastime, at age 75, he learned to ride a bike. Vern was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Velma Cavney A loving husband, father and brother, Vern is survived by his wife Loralee Green of the home in Fort Sumner; two daughters Diane (Loren Woody) Ventrello of Rifle, CO; Nancy (Bob) Prosser of Dove Creek, CO; a son Donald (Alisa) Green of New Castle, CO; a brother Dick Green and wife Carol of Grand Junction, CO; two sisters Elizabeth Terrell of Grand Junction, CO and Lillian Hill of New Castle, CO. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place. An informal gathering of family and friends was held Saturday January 23, 2010 at the Silt Community Center, Silt Colorado. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book, visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com