Dorothy June Head

Dorothy June Head age 93, passed away on November 18, 2022. She was born in Cortez, Colorado, the first child of Dorothy Bernadine Dunning and Clarence Ray Smith. Her brother, Richard Ray “Dick” Smith was born in Cortez in 1934 and passed away in 1999. June’s childhood during the depression and the Second World War was spent at home with summers spent with her Uncle Louie at Barlow Creek between Rico and Telluride, Colorado. She had fond memories of traveling on the Galloping Goose narrow-gauge train from Dolores to Barlow Creek and then riding mules to the mines.

June graduated from Cortez High School in 1945. She married William (Bill) Henry Head in Aztec, New Mexico on October 30, 1947. They had one child, James (Jim). She was predeceased by Bill in 2010.

June spent her working years at several places, including Dr. Massion and Dr. Vogel, Bill Love Real Estate in the Cortez Journal Building, Mesa Verde Savings and Loan Association, and finally at First National Bank. Along the way, her friendly demeanor and desire to help made her many friends.

Her pastimes included trips throughout the Southwest with the Four Corners Jeep Club, elk hunting, at Uncle Louie’s cabin in the “high country” and after retirement, traveling the Mid-West and Eastern U.S. doing family genealogy. She developed an interest in history and served as historian for Montezuma County Historical Society. She also wrote the “Looking Back” column for the local newspaper. June contributed many of her favorite historic photos for public view at Cortez City Hall.

June is survived by her son, Jim (Virginia) of Volcano, Hawaii, nephew Rick (Linda) Smith of Cortez, Colorado, grand-niece Jennifer (Roger) Trembly of Dolores, Colorado and grand-niece Amber (Eric) Jaworsky of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Per June’s request, there will be no services and her ashes will be spread at Barlow Creek. A donation can be made in June Head’s name to the Montezuma County Historical Society, P.O. Box 218, Cortez, CO 81321.