Wilamae Arlene Dutton

Longtime Monte Vista and Del Norte resident Wilamae Arlene Dutton, 90, died Sept. 22, 2021, at the River Valley Inn in Del Norte, Colo.

Wilamae was born March 15, 1931, in Del Norte, Colo., the daughter of William Adolph Heller and Hazel Victoria (White) Heller. She married John Wesley Dutton Jr., on May 8, 1955, in Taos, N.M., and he preceded her in death on Feb. 25, 1984.

Wilamae was a farmer’s wife in the Bowen district, and everyone always called her such a sweet lady. Sheenjoyed garage sales. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she had a large 4-foot by 8-foot Christmas village that she would set up right after Halloween every year. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed taking care of the wild animals in an around her home. She was also a collector of Native American art that included many pieces of ceramic pottery. In her spare time, she tirelessly worked on and completed many jigsaw puzzles.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Donald) Wells of Monte Vista; her grandson Kevin Long; great-grandson Wesley Long; and the father of her grandson Kevin, Dave (Michelle “Micky”) Long.

Wilamae was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, William A. Heller Jr., and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Cooley Heller.

A Visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa. A Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 1 p.m. also at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa. Interment will follow services at the Monte Vista Cemetery. All in attendance are welcome to wear casual dress.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, words of comfort and remembrances for Wilamae’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.