Elza Wilson

Elza went to be with his Lord and Savior Nov. 9, 2021. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and loved by all his family and friends. Elza was born at Yellow Jacket, CO to Edwin and Mildred (Finley) Wilson, homesteaders in the Cortez area. After graduating from high school in 1956, he served in the United States Navy working as a jet mechanic on the aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger. On leave he met Peggy Duvall on a bus trip from L.A. to AZ. They began to write each other. He sent her an engagement ring in a toothpaste tube box and then married her May 24, 1959.

Elza worked at Slickrock and Nucla, CO with the uranium mill. Then, he was a milkman for about 9 years in Durango. Next, the family had a janitorial business for about 5 years in Farmington, NM. After the janitorial business, Elza sold cars in Farmington, Aztec, Grand Junction, and Delta. When he retired from selling cars, he worked for the forest service for several summers.

Elza loved to fish, hunt, and bowl. He liked to spend time with his family picnicking and fishing on the Grand Mesa. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to him, and he loved spending time with them. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was faithful in attending and serving as a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Durango, Grace Baptist in Farmington, and Pear Park Baptist in Grand Junction. He read his Bible and liked to sing the old hymns.

In 2018 Elza had a stroke that put him in the Palisade Living Center. The family is thankful to all those who lovingly cared for Elza in his time at the nursing home.

Elza was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Wilson, mother, Mildred Wilson, his sisters Martha Faris (Lee) and Florence Randles (Elbert). He is survived by his wife, Peggy, his sister Mary Ellen McComb, his children, Carrie (Randy) David of Grand Junction, CO, Jana Wilson of Greer SC, Eddie (Triva) Wilson of Colorado Spring, CO, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Gifts in memory of Elza could be given to Pear Park Baptist School or Church.