Money doesn’t grow on trees OBITUARIES

individuals that desire to reach areas and serve needs that the government cannot.

Budgets are ultimately a series of choices made by the government of a locale as to how to spend tax revenue. e inputs into how a budget is crafted are ultimately more complex than many realize. Writing about the state budget matters in the further education of the general public and how both they and elected o cials handle the budgetary choices made in both the state and county level. I encourage you to question your state legislators about how they vote on the long bill. You should attend hearings about budget concerns that a ect you and those whom you know personally. Most importantly, take the time to tell others in Jefferson County and Colorado about what you have learned.

Joe Webb is the former chairman of the Je co Republican party.

RUPPEL

Phyllis

May 27, 1931 - July 12, 2023

Phyllis “Phyl” Ruppel of Twin Bridges, Montana, died at home on July 12, 2023 of natural causes. Phyl was born in Highland Park, Illinois, May 27, 1931, to Arvid and Ouida Tanner. She was married to Edward ompson Ruppel in 1956. ey had been married 58 years when Ed passed away in 2014. Phyl is survived by their 4 children and spouses, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Complete obituary is available at https://www.kandlmortuaries.com/ obituaries/obituary-listings?page=1

Ronald Robert Way

March 5, 1952 - July 13, 2023

Ronald Robert Way was born on March 5, 1952 to Forrest and Margaret Way. He grew up on his family farm in Nemaha, IA with his three sisters –Connie, Donnie and Peggy. He played in the Nature Sons band and enjoyed riding his horse while playing “Scarecrow”. He was the rst from his family to put himself through college, going on to graduate from law school in 1977.

He left the corn elds of Iowa for the Colorado mountains, what his dad had called “God’s country.” After a few attempts to nd a dance partner one night in 1981, the love of his life and wife to be, Teresa Waite said yes.

In 1982, she “dropped the i, added a y and forgot the rest” of her last name. ey had two daughters, Jamie and Crista Way.

In 1993, his wish to move to the mountains came true when the Way family bought a home in Pine, CO. ere, he raised his family and built his law practice. He later watched his four grandkids, Ryker, Ellie, Cici and Vera, run around the same house.

Ron lived his life to the fullest, “counting it all joy.” His light is carried forward by his wife, two daughters, three sisters, two son-inlaws, four grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews.

BY STAVROS KORONEOS

Enemy Mine