Monica Rene Dibsie

A celebration of life for Cortez resident Monica Rene Dibsie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Ertel Memorial Chapel. She passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in her residence at the age of 61. 

Monica Rene Dibsie was born on August 1, 1961, in Montrose, CO to Albert F. Penasa and Geraldine M. Buzzard. Her childhood years were spent moving around from Montrose, CO, Gunnison, CO, Gallup, N.M., Powell, WY, Sandy, UT, and finally settling in Cortez, CO. Summers were spent in Montrose with her sisters and cousins riding horses, climbing trees, and loving life on Uncle Ernie’s sheep ranch. When Monica wasn’t spending Summers in Montrose, she was active in the 4-H program showing horses and raising market lambs. She even won grand champion for her applesauce cookies at the state fair.  

Monica graduated from Montezuma Cortez High School in 1979. She started working at Citizen’s State Bank in 1982 and continued working there when it became Four Corners Community Bank for 41 years. She had a great work ethic and always went the extra mile for her customers. 

Monica had two children, Jory Miller and Brandi Miller Martinez, both from Cortez, CO.  

Monica married the love of her life, Steve Dibsie, on May 15, 2004. Together, they shared a love of camping, kayaking, traveling, and most of all, riding motorcycles.  

In 2003, Monica and Steve went to Milwaukee for the 100th anniversay of Harley-Davidson. Together, they went on many great rides and made many lasting friendships along the way; one of which is with Dan and Jan Johnson of Winfield, KS. They don’t ride motorcycles anymore but had found a new and exciting love of riding in their side by side with many families and friends.  

Monica had a green thumb and always had a beautiful yard, where her and Steve put on BBQ’s for family and friends, for any occasion. She was a fantastic cook and there were always leftovers that were distributed for whoever wanted to take them home. She had a big heart and loved taking care of everyone. She was the main caregiver to her dad during the last several years of his life. She was a lover of all creatures great and small, especially her fur babies, Rosie, Gizmo, Tony and Alice.   

Monica is survived by her husband, Steve Dibsie; children Jory Miller, Brandi (Jed) Martinez; stepchildren Amy (Joe) Shearrer, Christopher (Megan) Dibsie, Patrick (Mandy) Dibsie; sisters Marcie Kropf and Missy (Dean) Valdez; grandkids Willie and Augustus Miller, Kaitlyn and Kamden Shearrer, Makenzie and Camryn Dibsie, Bella Dibsie and Tori Maestas; Great grandchildren Elijah Martinez and Sofia Martinez; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Monica's memory to the Cortez Animal Shelter. Due to the rainforest Monica has left her family, they kindly ask for folks to refrain from adding to the jungle.