April 2023

Celebrating your 100th birthday in Heaven Two dear bright eyes, a tender smile, A loving heart that knew no guile, Deep love of God that was always right, Her joy to make some other bright. If sick or suffering one she knew, Some gentle act of love she’d do. No thought of self, but of the other, I know He said “Well Done,” dear mother. Love your daughter Elsie and son Rudy

Evelyn May (Frenchmore) Dionisio passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 4, 2023. Services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Trinidad CO, on Monday, April 24th, 2023, with a rosary at noon and a mass of remembrance at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow. Graveside Service at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Evelyn’s memory to a charity of your choice. Arrangements made under the direction of the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home.

TRINCHERA, was called home by our Lord and Savior April 4, 2023. Chandler passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving children. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Letha “Gene” Caldwell. He is survived by his children, Jeff (Corita) Caldwell; Jennifer Caldwell; Jeannine Caldwell; Jason (Sarah) Caldwell; six grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; sister, Ann; nieces and nephews; special little dog, Precious, and many dear friends that he considered family. Chandler joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving in WWII in the South Pacific, including Guam, Saipan, Okinawa and Gaudalcanal. He left the Marines 4 years later, returning to active duty a short time later, joining the U.S. Army; serving in Vietnam as a ranger in “The Big Red One”. Chandler honorably served and protected his beloved country for 25 years, retiring from the army as Command Sergeant Major in 1969. After his retirement, Chandler and Gene continued their venture through their lives together, operating a cattle ranch. Chandler was a firm believer in hard work, and kindness and respect for others. He never met a stranger that he didn’t treat as though he’d known them for years. Chandler and Gene were avidly involved in community events, and kept in touch with many friends they made throughout the years. Chandler thoroughly enjoyed and lived his life in its entirety, with his wife and children by his side; with the love of his country and military career, his cattle ranching business, and the pride and commitment he had to serve them all with his wholeheartedness. Chandler was an enthusiastic man that truly had a zest for life, with a heart of gold to everyone he knew. He will be greatly missed by many. May Chandler’s memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. There will be no public services. Chandler will receive full military honors at private services at a later date. Condolences may be sent in care of Comi Funeral Home, P.O. Box 122, Trinidad

Mary Ellen Murphy, 95, died April 4, 2023. She was born Jan. 5, 1928, in Madison, S.D., to Edward and Emma (Minnaert) Richter. She graduated from St. Thomas High School in Madison, S.D., and St. Joseph School of Nursing in Mitchell, S.D. She was married to John Murphy Sept. 12, 1949. Together they owned and operated funeral homes in Yankton, S.D., Mitchell, S.D. and Trinidad, Colo. In addition to raising seven children she worked as a registered nurse in San Francisco, Calif., while John attended mortuary college, Yankton, Mitchell and briefly in Trinidad. She and John moved to Trinidad in November of 1981 and purchased the Mullare Funeral Home. She and John fell in love with the community and immediately after the purchase began remodeling and investing in the historic and iconic landmark now known as the Chappell House (aka Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home). The Chappell House was built in 1886 by Delos A. Chappell and has seen a complete transformation since the family purchased it in 1981. The building was converted from a doctor’s office and residence in 1934 to a funeral home/residence and had remained unchanged from 1934 to 1981. An interesting bit of history is that Georege Mullare, who converted the building to a funeral home, died in his sleep before the open house and was the first funeral. She assisted her husband with the funeral business and helped oversee the remodeling from 1981 until his passing in 1993. After her son Tom took over the business, she helped oversee the transformation of the unused Carriage House 1993/1994 from storage facility/horse barn to a modern day living quarters that she enjoyed living in independently for over 10 years. In 1996, the current 1600 sq ft John Murphy Memorial Chapel and 3000 sq ft garage below the chapel was added to the complex. She was semi-retired and living in the Carriage House in 2002 when Tom and Paula married and moved into the upstairs residence and completely remodeled and added on to it in 2002 and 2003.