Steven Ray O'Connell

The good Lord called me home on October 8, 2024, in Hotchkiss, Colorado surrounded by my loving family, after complications from a slight case of Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

Born on September 17, 1965, in Delta, Colorado to John (Jack) and Maxine O’Connell, I came into this world on a Friday in the early afternoon, forever changing my parents' lives. They would soon learn that I’d crawl, climb, or walk anywhere I desired, no permission necessary. I gave them many scares and gray hairs. I claim them all. They loved unconditionally and I was fortunate enough to live through a few falls, fires (self-set), a couple bike wrecks that would have killed a normal kid, and a car wreck that resulted in my one and only ticket. I deserved many though. 

I was lucky to have a father who repaired things, operated equipment, drove truck, hauled about anything and helped anyone in need. From an early age, I was in the apprenticeship that would shape my life and fuel my desire to fix almost anything I wanted.

I grew up in Hotchkiss and graduated from Hotchkiss High in 1984. I attended Mesa State College for welding, receiving my certification in 1986. I came back to Hotchkiss where I met my wife Valerie, who gave me the greatest gifts in my life, Christina and Casey, our two children. 

I’m blessed with a wonderful wife of 36 years whom I love more than words can express. This adventure called life flew by so quickly that in a blink of an eye the children grew up, making me so proud of their accomplishments and the fine human beings they have chosen to be. They eventually married, and I gained a daughter-in-law, Betsy and a son-in-law, Caleb, who I love dearly and are an irreplaceable part of our family. From Casey and Betsy’s union I also gained two wonderful granddaughters, becoming “Papa” to Adeline and Ember, which brought so much happiness to my life. 

I was employed in the mining industry for 34 years, spending 29 at West Elk — my work family who I have been proud to share nearly half my life with, many long days, tough jobs accomplished with some of the best people I know. Thank you for all the memories, your hard work, and friendship. I also served on the Colorado Coal Mine Board of Examiners as an Electrical Advisor for nearly 21 years and took great pride in making sure electrical candidates were qualified and safe. 

I am survived by my wife, Valerie; daughter, Christina Wyatt (Caleb); son, Casey O’Connell (Betsy); and granddaughters, Adeline and Ember; mother, Maxine O’Connell (John Butcher); and stepsister, Becky Armstrong (Wanda Mickey). I am also survived by numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

I was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Leo and Louella (Lou) O’Connell; maternal grandparents, William (Bill) and Muriel Carpenter; father, Jack O’Connell Sr.; and brother, John O’Connell Jr. 

A Celebration of Life BBQ will be held on Saturday, October, 26, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the pavilion behind Zack’s BBQ in Hotchkiss. We invite you to share memories, bring your beverage of choice, and a camp chair (if needed). 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s name to one or more of the following organizations:

1. 1.   Team Gleason (https://teamgleason.org/donate/)
2. 2.   Ranch Haven (Venmo: @Ranch-Haven; Cash App: $RanchHaven)
3. 3.   The ALS Association (https://www.als.org) 
4. 4.   Dan’s Vans ("Dan’s Vans," Hilltop Community Resources, 1331 Hermosa, Grand Junction, CO 81506, ATTN: Barbara Brown)
5. 5.   HopeWest (https://www.hopewestco.org/donate/)

A special thanks to these organizations, and to each friend, family member, community member, and care team member who supported us during this difficult time. Words cannot express how deeply we appreciate the love shown to our family. We are incredibly grateful and will always remember your kindness.