Alene Serafina River

Alene Serafina River, 92, a recent resident to Rock Island and longtime Ouray, Colorado resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, February 26, 2015, at her daughter Roxanna's home in Rock Island, Washington. She was born on July 23, 1922 in Ouray, Colorado to the late Oliver and Alice (Deru) Fellin. Alene received her elementary and high school education, graduating Valedictorian of her class, and continued her education at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Elwood Robert River at Gunnison, Colorado. They moved to make their first home in Victor, Colorado for one year prior to returning to Ouray. Together, they owned and operated a grocery store known as Ouray Spot Cash. In 1970, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Robert River. Following his passing, she accepted the position of Head Cook for 11 years at the Ouray School. Alene was employed as a Bookkeeper at Citizen's State Bank for several years. She later worked at a souvenir and gift shop in Ouray until completely retiring. She continued to make her home in Ouray until moving to live with her daughter in Rock Island, Washington in October of 2014. Alene was a devout Catholic, the matriarch of her family, her church and community of Ouray Colorado and lifelong member of the St. Daniel's Catholic Church, where she was involved in every woman's ministry possible. She enjoyed volunteering at the Museum, being a member of the Women's Club and other community and school organizations. Her greatest "Loves" were her faith, family, friends and Ouray. She enjoyed reading, music, art, cooking, cleaning, collecting music boxes, and attending hundreds of school events. A true Trojan Fan. Alene is survived by five children, Ferris E. "Rocky" River, Montrose, CO, Roxanna M. & David Halls, Rock Island, WA, Richard A. "Rick" & Mary Anne River, Ouray, CO, Robert R. "Rob" & Martie River, Tempe, AZ and Rosalyn A. & John Trujillo, Ouray, CO; two sisters, Viola "Vi" Osborne, Ventura, CA and Serafina "Seri" Fellin, Albuquerque, NM; 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood River, one infant son, Raymond River, and one brother, Oliver Fellin Jr. A Funeral mass will be on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11 A.M. at St. Daniel's Catholic Church in Ouray, Colorado. Local arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee. All are invited to visit her tribute online and leave a memory for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com.

Alene Serafina River

July 23, 1922 - February 26, 2015