Gladys Ellen Crafts, 90, a lifetime resident of Durango, CO passed away December 29, 2011 at ManorCare Nursing Home in Springfield, MO.

She was born to Walter and Gladys Morris in Ignacio, CO on March 5, 1921. Ellen worked for Mountain Bell and School District 9R at Riverview Elementary as a secretary. She retired from the Diamond Circle Gift Shop in 2002.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Karen Ostwald Hetherington, and partner Chuck Williams; three grandchildren, Sharon Pace, and partner Mike MacKanen, Kimberly Slavens, and husband Kelly, Justin Hetherington, and wife Tracy; four great-grandchildren, Carsen and Saylor Pace and Logan and Eli Hetherington; two sisters, Opal Morgenthaler and Wilma Brewer; brother, Herman Morris, and wife Lois; sister-in-law, Pat Morris; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Morris; two sisters, Shirley Wilson and Georgia VanDerCourt; and by her partner of 30 years, Lewis Clark.

My very special thanks to Chuck, who so lovingly helped me care for my mother. Thanks to Three Rivers Hospice and the staff at ManorCare for their loving care and support.

Most important, thank you to my mother for being the best mom a daughter could ever have. You were always there for me. Rest now in peace, but know you are always with me in my heart.

I love you.

No services are planned.

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