Edward Maestas

Edward Maestas

MONTROSE — Longtime Montrose resident, Edward Maestas, age 87, passed away on Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2008 at the Montrose Memorial Hospital.

Jose Eduardo Maestas was born on Feb. 28, 1921 in Cortez, Colorado to parents, Joe Monico and Tonita (Trujillo) Maestas. Edward spent his childhood in the Silverton area and attended schools. He married Lila Bera on July 21, 1940 in Delta, Colo. They had the privilege of sharing 65 years of marriage before she passed away in Montrose on Sept. 5, 2005.

Edward was a happy man, who endured life with a great sense of humor and a smile. He was a dedicated witness in the church of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Montrose for more than 25 years. Edward loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, camping and gardening. He loved animals, especially his little dog, Gypsy and they loved him. You could often find animals on North Park and even children headed down to his home as he was so kind. During his working years he was a meat cutter at Calloway’s in Colona and then Delta when it moved. He spent time working on ranches near Telluride and mining in Silverton. He was always tinkering and found great pleasure wood working. As a younger man, he was in the CC Camps during the depression and as a sport participated in boxing.

Survivors include his children: Charles Maestas and wife Connie of San Jose, Calif.; James Maestas and wife Viola of Albuquerque, N.M. and Anthony Maestas and wife Jan of San Jose, Calif.; 20 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. Edward is also survived by his brothers, Leo Maestas and wife Belsie of Canon City, Colo.; Joe Maestas Jr. and wife Sylvia of Montrose, Colo.; sisters, Dorothy Martinez of Denver; Martha Leon of Delta, Colo.; Virginia Martinez and husband Albert of Olathe along with several nieces and nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lila; his brother, Leopold Maestas; granddaughter, Charlotte Maestas and great granddaughter, Janine Maestas.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Edward’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 11 a.m.

Visit our website, sign the online register and send condolences to his family at  www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.

Arrangements are being handled under the direction, care and have been entrusted to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO. 81401 (970) 240-9870.