Vernon Zellhofer

March 24, 2013

Mr. Vernon Earl (Vern) Zellhofer, 88, of Rocky Ford passed away on Sunday, March 24th, 2013 while in the company of family members at his residence. Vernon was born in Illinois on November 14, 1924, the son of the late Fred and Dora Zellhofer. He was the widower of Agnes Ann (Ritzert) Zellhofer, they were married nearly 50 years. He served in the U.S. Navy in WW II. He retired as the Owner/operator at Z-Best/Rocky Ford Pet Foods Rocky Ford, CO for 30 Years. He owned a Bar in Illinois called "THE SPOT" and had also started the trucking company that was previously known as RF Pet Foods. Longtime member of the ELKS Lodge #1147, enjoyed going to the SAGE, delivered Meals on Wheels, enjoyed bowling and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by: Son Joseph Earl Zellhofer of Amboy, IL; Daughter Lori Markus of Pueblo, CO; Grandson Jared husband of Trish Zellhofer of Amboy, IL; Granddaughter Lia wife of LaMonte May of Colorado Springs, CO; Granddaughter Whittney Markus of Pueblo, CO; Grandson Rusty Markus, Jr. of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Nancy wife of Dick Shotliff of Wisconsin; Sister Carol wife of Larry of Illinois. Vern is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Santino, Brooklyn, Tristan, Kylee. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Annie; son: Jeffrey; son-in-law: Rusty; brother: Bud Zellhofer Funeral Services will be at First United Methodist Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 30th, with Rev. Leslie Barnett officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 1-5 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Memorials may be made to SAGE; P.O. Box 793, Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or Sangre De Cristo Hospice; 124 W. Cranston Ave., Fowler, CO 81039 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.