Wilma DeNier

Longtime Durango resident Wilma Evelyn DeNier died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Durango. She was 86. Mrs. DeNier was born to William J. and Pearl Spargo in Denver, where she grew up. She graduated from East High School in 1942. One of her joys growing up was waterskiing at a time when commercial skis were not readily available, and skiers had to make their own. Her family spent summers at their cabin at Twin Lakes outside Leadville, where her father was raised. While working at Sears, Roebuck and Co., she met her future husband, Robert DeNier. They dated until he went to Europe during World War II, and continued their courtship via correspondence. The couple married on Nov. 27, 1945, in Denver. After Mr. DeNier graduated from the University of Denver, he became an agent with the FBI, and the DeNiers lived in Denver, Birmingham , Ala., and Newark, N.J., before he was transferred to Durango in 1953 to establish a resident agency here. Her family said it took a while for a big city girl to adjust, but “Durango became her town.” Mrs. DeNier was a secretary at Park Elementary School with Principal Norm Higgs, with Mary Bieber in the Gifted and Talented Program in School District 9-R and for the city of Durango for City Manager Robert Rank and the City Council. An excellent snow skier, she taught skiing at Chapman Hill before becoming a member of the National Ski Patrol when Purgatory Ski Area opened. She was a member of P.E.O. and active at the First United Methodist Church of Durango, volunteering in its Thrift Shop for many hours when it first opened. Mrs. DeNier enjoyed the companionship of numerous dogs and cats and enjoyed cooking and entertaining. The DeNiers enjoyed four-wheeling in the San Juan Mountains, traveled frequently in their motor home and took trips on both elegant cruise ships and tramp steamers. Mrs. DeNier was preceded in death by her husband of almost 65 years, Robert E. DeNier. She is survived by her sons Robert T. DeNier and James D. DeNier, both of Durango; daughter, Donna E. Claus of Chugiak and Chitina, Alaska; and six grandchildren. A small gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert E. DeNier Youth Services Scholarships, Durango Foundation of Educational Excellence, 201 East 12th St., Durango, CO 81301.