Mary Cruz Melchor

With sadness in our hearts, Mary C Melchor at 86 years old, passed away on July 16, 2024 following a brief illness of cancer. She passed away surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home. 

Born September 14, 1937 in Ault Colorado, daughter of Mother Virginia Fino and Father Max Rodriguez. Mary attended Kimball County High School and grew up with her 9 siblings.

She worked at Mesa Mall Food court in Grand Junction where she met and started lifelong friendships. Mary also worked at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the main office assisting with the church’s operations. 

Mary was a member of the Moose Lodge and Elk Lodge and was notorious around the Lodge for her famous frog eyed salad and hospitality. 

Mary came from a family of immigrants who came to the United States to have a better life for their family. This inspired Mary to help others coming into this county and earn their United States Citizenship. 

Mary was a big sports fan as well. She followed the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and Nebraska Corn Huskers (GO BIG RED!) Mary loved her first basemen’s and would refer to Andres Galarraga and Todd Helton as her honeys. 

Mary had a vibrant and independent personality and had a smile that could light up the entire room. She was diagnosed and survived polio at young age. This left her with a small limp and short stature of 4’10 that she lived with the remainder of her life. This did not stop her from living her life to the fullest and raising her four amazing children. She taught them everything from playing baseball to riding bikes. Nothing could stop Mary from living her life and you could catch her at the gym working out, in her garden planting the best tomatoes and chiles on the Western slope, at the hair salon, taking her grandchildren to Taco Bell, making her famous grape jelly, and crocheting items for her family and friends.

Mary never gave up. She was still moving around and enjoying family until the day she passed. Her funny and loving personality will be greatly missed. 

Mary is preceded in death by both of her parents, her son Leslie Melchor, her divorced husband Frank Melchor, Sister Ruth Phillips, Brothers Jose Maria Rodriguez and Robert Fino, and brother-in-law Arturo Vigil. 

She is survived by her children, Lewis (Judy) Melchor Grand Junction, CO, Loretta (Jerry) Patton Albuquerque, NM, and Lawrence (Annette) Melchor Grand Junction, CO. Her siblings Raymond (Cenia) Rodriguez, Lupe Rodriguez, Estan (Clementia) Rodriguez, Dolores Vigil, and Phyllis Salazar. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. 

A Rosary service will be held on July 26th at 6:00 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and the funeral service mass will be held on July 27th and 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Burial will follow the funeral services at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. Reception to follow at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. All are welcome to celebrate the life of Mary Melchor. 

Our family would like to thank HopeWest hospice care for their help making Mary’s last few months of life as comfortable as possible and providing our family with great support. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hopewest Hospice Care.