Dolores Elnora Kuntz

August 24, 2023, Dolores Elnora (Brenner) Kuntz, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Grand Junction. A faithful Christian, the clouds parted and her Heavenly Father ushered her home. 

In the weeks preceding her passing, Dolores was surrounded by love from her entire family and countless friends. 

Born in McCracken, Kansas, Dolores moved to Colorado in 1942 when she was twelve years old after surviving the Dust Bowl. Her parents sold the family farm, determined to buy a ranch in the mountains of Steamboat Springs. 

Dolores’ first year of school in Colorado was daily by horseback, traveling to a little white, single room schoolhouse located in Pleasant Valley. There she would meet her best friend of a lifetime, Lloyd ‘Sonny’ Kuntz. This friendship would lead to 66 years of marriage after attending college.  

Together, Sonny and Dolores built a beautiful life on their ranch in Steamboat with their four children: Dennis, David, Darlene and Deanna. In their retirement years, you could find Sonny and Dolores at their home in Arizona during the cold months and on the ranch in Steamboat Springs in the summertime.  

Dolores was wonderfully talented. She had a true calling for art and painting. Her home showcased dozens of her beautiful work of art from years previous. She loved to garden and took immense pride in her flower garden each year. Dolores was active in both her church and Bible Study group. On Sunday mornings, you could find her at church singing nearly every hymn by heart.  

Without question, Dolores’s deepest pride and joy was her family. Grandma, as she was lovingly known by the grandchildren and great grandchildren, shared a special and unique bond with each one. She was a constant presence in the lives of so many.  

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Sonny. She is survived by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. While we navigate this devastating loss of our family’s matriarch, we encourage everyone to say not in grief, she is no more, but in thankfulness, that she lives.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Rd, Grand Junction, CO at 5:00 pm Saturday September 9^th. The family encourages anyone who would like to participate, to wear purple in honor of Dolores and her signature color! For those who can’t attend, a livestream of the service can be found at http://youtube.com/live/Ud5WMrQv3XI?feature=share. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction, CO.