Annabell Archuleta

Annabell Archuleta, age 81, of Mancos, Colorado passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family in Durango, Colorado on Thursday, August 23, 2018.

A rosary will be held at St Rita’s Catholic Church in Mancos on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 7 p.m.

A funeral services will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Mancos on Tuesday, August 28, 2019 at 10 a.m. A private burial service will be held at later date in the San Luis Valley.
Annabell was born to Jose and Anna Archuleta on September 16, 1936 in Antonito, Colorado. Annabelle was the fourth of six children. She grew up on a farm and worked along with her brother and sisters to help support the family. She attended Antonito High School, where she graduated in 1955. She married Julio Archuleta on September 19, 1957 in, Antonito Colorado, and moved to Mancos, Colorado in August of 1959. They had three children Kenneth, Ronald and Mark. After her last child started school, Annabell attend Fort Lewis College, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education. She went on to teach second grade for 20 years at Manaugh Elementary School in Cortez, Colorado. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Adam State College in Alamosa, Colorado. As a teacher, Annabell enjoyed being with all her school children and always had a soft spot for those most in need of a kind word or a hug. She was proud to have influenced so many young lives.

Annabell loved to garden and she was an avid walker. She spent hours in her yard and gardens, and loved flowers. She enjoyed seeing and talking with friends and making new friends as she walked each day. She is fondly remembered by many in Mancos for the time spent with her as she walked. She always had time for a wave, a smile, or some conversation. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking for holiday gatherings and family picnics. Green chili was her specialty. She always made enough for her grandchildren to take home. She devoted her time and energy to family; it was the most important part of her life. Her strength and courage, encouragement and compassion, and sense of humor are an inspiration to the entire family. She was an active volunteer at St. Rita’s Church and the Mancos Valley Inn, where she visited friends and provide a warm smile, a gentle touch, and Holy Communion to residents.

Annabell was preceded in death by her parents Jose and Anna and two sisters Celia Archuleta and Rose Gonzales.

Annabell is survived by her husband Julio and sons, Kenneth (Belinda) of Cortez, CO, Ronald (Elizabeth) of Ft. Collins, CO and Mark (Jodi) of Eden Prairie, MN; five grandchildren Michelle, Mathew, Carli, Perry and Sidney; two great grandchildren Evelyn and Lilian.

In lieu flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Rita’s Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society, P.O. Box 239, Mancos, Colorado 81328.