Erlene Guess

Erlene Guess

May 23, 1940 – May 4, 2024

Phyllis Erlene Guess passed away at home Saturday, May 4, 2024, with her family by her side. Erlene was born in La Junta on Thursday, May 23, 1940, to William Earl “Pop” & Catherine Harriet “Hattie” (Thimgan) Beegles.

Erlene grew up in Swink Colorado before moving to the family ranch outside of LaJunta. Erlene graduated from Swink High School in 1958. While in high school Erlene enjoyed being the drum major of the marching band. Her dog Rusty would join her in leading the band through town while they practiced. Erlene also taught swim lessons, was a cheerleader and worked diligently at her academics. Erlene also grew up riding horses and shooting. She was known to make a good shot. Bowling with friends was one of Erlene’s favorite past times. Erlene’s parents also had endeavors that helped create a life-long interest in politics.

Upon graduation, Erlene attended Otero Junior College when she met her husband John Damon Guess. Erlene and John were married on June 11, 1961, in LaJunta Colorado. John and Erlene enjoyed many adventures during their 62-year marriage. They began their married life in Leadville where John had been living. John was working at the Climax Molybdenum Mine while Erlene became the Office Manager of the Climax general store. During these early years of their marriage, Eric John Guess was born. Later, in 1970, the couple moved to LaJunta to work on the family ranch. Their family expanded with the addition of their daughter Roslin Gail Guess (Marshall) at that time.

During 1975 John and Erlene returned to Leadville. While John went back to the Climax Mine, Erlene’s focus was in raising Eric and Rosi. This was a role that Erlene cherished. Erlene was known by many throughout the Leadville Community. She was a constant presence at all of her children’s activities. She spent many days volunteering and cheering for Eric and Ros as they played softball, baseball, football, cross country running, track and of course ski racing. Erlene was a tireless mom who was known to haul her kids, but many other kids around to get to the various events that they were participating in. Erlene enjoyed many musical concerts that her kids played in as well.

Once the kids were in college, Erlene worked for the Parkville Water District while John became the President of Ski Cooper. Erlene was known to embrace all of the college friends who came home with her kids. Erlene even did laundry for all who needed it.

Erlene and John enjoyed life in Leadville for many years. However, the family ranch was never far from their mind. Throughout Erlene’s life the family would make frequent trips to see Grandma Hattie. It was always Erlene and John’s dream to return to the ranch in retirement which began in 1998. Erlene’s caregiving role continued into retirement as she cared for Hattie for many years.

During retirement, Erlene loved being a grandma to Will, JD and CJ. She was known to provide unlimited ice cream treats on command to her grand kids. Erlene excelled at hosting family holidays at the ranch where no one left hungry including all canine companion. Erlene never met a dog she didn’t love. Erlene would work for days on end to make the holidays special for her family.

Erlene was all about family and she lived her life fulfilling that purpose. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include John Guess of LaJunta, Eric (Karen) Guess of LaJunta, Roslin (Stephen) Marshall of Littleton, grandsons, Will Guess of Kremmling, CO and CJ Marshall of Littleton, CO. Erlene was preceded in death by her parents Earl & Hattie Beegles and her grandson, John David Guess.

Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Community Church in Rocky Ford with Marvin Schlegel officiating. Services conclude at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.