Mignon Kirkpatrick

Article Last Updated; Tuesday, June 23, 2009 7:57AM

Kirkpatrick

Former Durango resident Mignon Kirkpatrick died at her home in Cortez on Friday, June 19, 2009. She was 74.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born to Norris "Doc" and Dorothy Hirsch in Goodland, Kan., on Dec. 30, 1934. She grew up in Goodland, where her family said her greatest love was horses. She rode fences and herded cattle at the Golden Ranch during her summers in high school.

After graduating from Goodland High School, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, later transferring to the University of Kansas at Lawrence, where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and her teaching certificate.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick taught in Denver and then moved to London, where she married Bruce Kirkpatrick.

In addition to London, the Kirkpatricks lived in Iraq, Iran and South Africa. They traveled extensively through Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Her first two children were born in London, then the family moved to Denver and then to Durango.

After the marriage ended in divorce, Mrs. Kirkpatrick returned to college, earned a degree in accounting and became a certified public account. She returned to Goodland, where she practiced as a CPA, and then owned Arrow Travel there.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to Cortez to be closer to her sister, Judy Osterhoudt, and her children.

Her family said she had an active retirement, traveling, weaving, playing music and continuing to work in numerous volunteer positions.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick was active in Episcopal churches in Goodland, Denver, Durango and Cortez. Positions she held included organist, treasurer, vestry member and on the altar guild. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and a member of P.E.O. for more than 50 years. In Goodland, Mrs. Kirpatrick was a member of the Rotary Club and on the hospital's board of directors.

In Cortez, she volunteered at the Cultural Center, Good Samaritan Center and the public library. She was a master gardener and gave private piano lessons.

Mrs. Kirpatrick is survived by her son, David Kirkpatrick, of Durango; daughters Allison Colwell and Sarah Marbach, both of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Margot O'Donnal of Chandler, Ariz.; sister Judy Osterhoudt of Cortez; eight grandchildren;and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at St. Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church, 110 W. North St. in Cortez. The Rev. Erika Meyer will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapter EV, P.E.O., c/o Theresa Maynes, 15153 Road 35.3, Mancos, CO 81328; or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 452, Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be sent to www.funeralhome.com, and click on the obituary section.