Memorial services for longtime Cortez resident Asalea Violet Wright will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Reverend Bob Seney will officiate.
Asalea was born March 27, 1931 in Atoka, Okla., the daughter of Raliegh and Zettie (McElroy) McBee. She passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at Vista Mesa Assisted Living Center at the age of 80.
Her children, Boss and Lisa, said of Asalea, Mom Granny during her time of passing, as well as her entire life surrounded herself with the most important thing in her life, which was her family. There was always the feel of love and warmness in her home which was felt by anyone that entered. She lived a very active life taking care of her husband and her family. She took up many activities such as golfing, skiing, fishing, etc., so that she could share those experiences with her family. Asalea was truly loved and her memory will always be in our hearts.
Asalea married Robert Lee Wright in 1948 in Atoka, beginning a lifelong partnership of marriage, family and business. After their move to the Cortez area in 1957, Asalea became involved with St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. She was an active member of Daughter of the Nile, Cortez Elks Lodge Auxiliary, and Cortez Ladies Golf Association. In Asaleas partnership with her husband Bob, they owned and operated a successful oil field business and, for a time, operated Stoner Lodge.
Surviving Asalea are her children, Lisa Mae Wright of Durango and Kevin Boss Wright of Cortez; her grandchildren, Kelly Wright of Grand Junction, Colo., Robby Wright of Cortez, Leah Allen of Cortez, Jeff Wright of Greely, Colo., and Randy Wright of Cortez; her daughter-in-law, Sherri Wright of Cortez; and her brother, Alfred McBee.
Asalea was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Robert Lee Wright; by her son, Robert Bobby Lee Wright Jr.; and by her siblings, Bessie, Effie, Opal, Elnora, Cleve, Charlie and Oleta.
Memorial contributions may be made in Asalea Wrights name to University Hospital Cancer Research in Denver.
Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.
