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Delpha Gaskil (Butts, Blakeman) James of Fruita passed away April 25, 2005, at Larchwood Inn. She was 89.

Delpha was born in Wak-eeney, Kan., to Thomas and Glo Butts on Sept. 1, 1915. Her family moved to Texas by covered wagon when she was 2 years old and later moved to a homestead in Colorado by train. She saw a man walk on the moon and many more historical events during her lifetime. Delpha grew up near Milner and Steamboat Springs.

After marrying Calvin Blakeman, the couple moved to Clark, and with his father, they operated The Clark Sawmill. When their son, Lloyd, entered high school, the family sold the mill and moved to Phippsburg. Calvin took a job with the railroad, and Delpha operated the railroad restaurant and hotel.

Later, Calvin and his father built a lumber-processing mill, and Delpha worked with them in the business.

After Calvin's death, she met and married Roy James. They lived in Denver until he retired, then moved back to Phippsburg.

After Roy's death, she moved to Grand Junction and shared an apartment with her sister, Julia Tabor. Later she moved to the Independent Living apartments in Fruita. She spent her last 20 years in the Grand Junction area.Delpha was a member of the Northeast Christian Church. She also was a longtime member of the Independent Center's Stitch-and-Bitch Club.

Delpha was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and a step-brother, Lenny Beck.

Delpha is survived by three children, Lloyd Blakeman and his wife, Natalie; Florence Oest and her husband, Ed; Ralph Blakeman and his wife, Shirley; two foster daughters, Kathryn Johnson and Alma Saindon and her husband, Royce; one sister, Lucile Wilson; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held April 30, 2005, at the Martin Mortuary Chapel in Grand Junction. Cremation followed funeral services with a memorial service and interment held May 7, 2005, at the Hayden Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be given to the Center of Independence, at 1600 Ute Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501.

Delpha has gone to be with the Lord. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. While on earth, Delpha was the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother there ever was.