Emma Jean Massey

Emma J. Massey passed away May 14, 2017 at her daughter’s Palisade home, she was eighty-six.

Emma was born on January 16, 1931 in Grand Junction, Colorado from the union of Donald Abraham and Edna Ruth Cooper. She grew up in Grand Junction and was an ancestor of the early decedents of the Grand Valley, Patrick Gordon. Patrick operated the ferry across the Gunnison River and drowned in the late 1800’s while operating the river ferry.

She graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1949 and married Ivan ‘John’ Massey in Grand Junction on August 20, 1950. He preceded her in death on October 9, 1982 in Grand Junction. The family moved to Meeker, Colorado from 1950-56 and then to Gateway, Colorado from 1960-65 and finally settling in the Grand Junction area in 1965. Emma attended Cosmetology School and became a beautician for several years owning and operating the Orchard Mesa Beauty Shop as well as being a Ranchers wife.

Emma enjoyed the outdoors activities be it gardening, taking long rides in the country, traveling, spending time at the family cabin or simply watching the fox, birds and various animals of the countryside. Throughout her life she had a fondness and excitement for gambling. She was known to her family as “Grandma Sassy” for her independent nature and no hesitation to speak her mind. Friends and family will always remember her saying “Oh, Big Deal”

Emma leaves behind two sons; Donald (Linda) Massey and Johnnie (Bea)Massey both of Grand Junction, Colorado, two daughters; Barbara (Jim) Abshire of Paonia, Colorado and Connie(John) McElley of Palisade, Colorado, a sister; Donna Anderson of Palisade, Colorado, nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Cooper.

A memorial service will held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Martin Mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 North 12th Street #B, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.martinmortuary.com