Jay Elizondo

Jay Emmett Elizondo, age 84, died peacefully Thursday, November 22, 2018, while visiting family in Aspen, Colorado for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jay is survived by his wife, Laree (Lewis) Elizondo of Henderson, Nevada; son James Elizondo of Fort Wayne, Indiana (wife Mary Ellen and children Emmett, Aiden, and Anya); and daughter Gwen Woolstenhulme of Orem, Utah (husband Roger and children Seth, Bree, Sy and Bain); and two great-grandchildren Taytum and Anzley (Seth).

He was born October 31, 1934, on his father’s ranch in Sapinero, Colorado. He was the son of the late Emmett Elizondo and the late Lena Nix Elizondo, both of Fruita, Colorado.

In 1953, Jay graduated from Fruita High School, Fruita, Colorado, and in 1968 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Design and Drafting Technology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Jay married Laree Lewis on June 9, 1960, in Manti, Utah and raised their two children, James and Gwen, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As a Design Engineer, Jay was employed by six different companies over a thirty-year period. He lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Ogden, Utah, and Warren, Michigan during his employment and retired in Henderson, Nevada. Prior to attending Brigham Young University, he worked for his father’s sheep ranching business in Colorado and Utah.

Jay was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a Spanish-speaking mission in Texas.

He enjoyed playing golf and loved classic and foreign cars.

Jay volunteered in his neighborhood as a member of the “Community on Patrol”, and was responsible for keeping watch over the neighborhood.

A memorial service will be held Monday, December 3rd at 12:00 p.m. Viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 904 North 7th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado. The burial will follow at the New Elmwood Cemetery in Fruita, Colorado.

Laree would like to thank her family, friends, and neighbors who have offered their help, love, and support during this difficult time.