Margaret Elizabeth (Ayer) Deutsch

Margaret Elizabeth (Ayer) Deutsch, 78, died March 23, 2012, at Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo.

Margaret was born to Burtis “Bill” Bennett Ayer and Mary Edell (Stewart) Ayer on Aug. 3, 1933, in Maher, Colo. She spent her childhood in Maher, and received her education at Onion Valley School and Clear Fork through eighth grade. She graduated from Crawford High School and furthered her education at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo.

On Aug. 17, 1953, Margaret married Terry Everett Deutsch in Delta, Colo. The young couple spent some time in Missouri while Terry served in the military. To this union was born two daughters and one son. Margaret and Terry shared 40 years of marriage before Terry’s passing on June 14, 1994, in Crawford, Colo.

Margaret, a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and aunt, enjoyed sewing, painting, writing poetry, playing the piano and singing in the church choir. Margaret was a member of the Crawford Community United Methodist Church, Hotchkiss Emblem Club, Needlerock Club and was vice president of the Hotchkiss Crawford Historical Society. Throughout her lifetime she was very busy, including stints as a kindergarten teacher, truck driver, rancher, farmer and Mary Kay consultant.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and those who had the privilege to love and know her.

Survivors include daughters, Leta Hughes and husband John of Cedaredge, Colo., and Lori Hobbs and husband Randy of Palmer; son, James Lester Deutsch and wife Faye; and sisters, Mary Helen deKoevend of Grand Junction, Colo., and Henrietta Keenan of Crawford, Colo.; five grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Terry Everett Deutsch; brother, Jim Ayer; sister, Audrey June Collings; parents, Bill and Mary Ayer; and nephew, Bruce deKoevend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Emblem Club or Crawford Community United Methodist Church.

Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory cared for the family. Sign an online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.

The Rev. John Hiestand officiated at services on March 31. Graveside side services followed at Garden of Memories in Crawford, Colo.