Martha Ellen Lampton

Beloved mother and grandmother, Martha “Marty” Ellen Lampton, passed away peacefully at her home in Cedaredge, Colorado, on October 24, at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving family. Marty had been under the compassionate care of HopeWest Hospice since August.

Marty was born in Cortez, Colorado, to William and Helen Phipps. In 1967, she married the love of her life, Richard Lampton, and together they shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2014. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and seven children. Marty taught her family to appreciate flowers, art, cooking, and the value of hard work.

Her family brought a twinkle to her eye, and she was never shy about bragging on her children and grandchildren. Marty’s deep love for God carried her through life’s challenges, and she was proud to be part of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation.

Throughout the years, Marty enjoyed painting—especially decorating windows for the Little Britches Rodeo—where she shared her artistic talent with the community. She had a fascination with researching Bigfoot and loved long rides on the mesa, watching for wildlife and spending time with her family fishing. Though she didn’t fish herself, she gladly untangled lines, baited hooks, and broke up the occasional squabble.

One of her favorite actors was Sean Connery, which was the center of many jokes, that never failed to make her daughters laugh and tease her until her cheeks turned red. Marty also took pride in her work as a school janitor, always proving her strength, work ethic, and determination.

Marty is survived by her seven children and their spouses: Peggy Kohles (Brandon), Esther Garcia (Manual), Caleb Lampton (Kathleen), Belle Abercrombie (Joe), Murray Lampton, Jed Lampton (Melinda), and Sylvie Widner (Jason); 19 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings James Robert Phipps (Sarah), Barbara Miller (Daryl), Bernie Phipps (Cindy), and Brenda Korsmeyer (Stuart).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Duane Lampton; her parents; and her brother, Bill Phipps.

Marty’s love, stubbornness, calm spirit, and nurturing heart will be deeply missed. Her strong will and tenacity made her truly one of a kind. We like to think she’s off on her next great adventure—hunting Bigfoot.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14th, at 2:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home in Delta, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice in Delta, whose care and compassion made the last few months possible for Marty and her family.