Mary Erlene Schlegel, 88, of La Junta, CO, passed away Friday, May 7th, at Bent County Healthcare Center in Las Animas.

Erlene was born in East Lynn, MO on November 10, 1932, a daughter of the late Vivian Lorene (Hartzler) and Earl Joseph Roth.

She was the widow of Solomon “Salty” John Schlegel, they were married August 17, 1957 in the Pioneer Memorial Hospital Chapel, Rocky Ford, CO.

Erlene met her husband Salty after she completed her nursing education. They began a family and farming in the Holbrook area. After their marriage, Erlene worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Rocky Ford, CO.

Erlene enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting and working on puzzles.

Erlene was a leader of the Needles and Spoons 4-H club, was active in her church, volunteered at Crossroads and had been actively involved in making of apple butter for the Mennonite Relief in Rocky Ford for many years.

Following the death of Salty Erlene soon resided at Casa Del Sol in La Junta where she enjoyed the Casa community and participated in gardening, exercise, potluck meals and puzzles.

Erlene is survived by Daughter Sally Mosher, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Christine (Mike) Laurent of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Lisa (Bart) Chaney, of Erie, KS; Sister Lena Piatt, La Junta, CO; Brother Galen (Marie) Roth, of Harrisonville, MO; Sister-in-Law Gatha Roth, of Peculiar, MO.

Also survived by Grandchildren: Kayla (Angel) Resendes; Tylor (Toni) Laurent; Catlin Laurent; Cody Laurent; Heather Chaney; Collin Chaney; and Great Grandchildren; Chloe, Trever and Eloise Laurent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; Solomon “Salty” Schlegel; bother; Everett Roth; son in law Rocky Mosher; brother-in-law Fred Piatt.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Friday, May 14th at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in La Junta, CO with Pastor David Darling officiating. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO following service. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Sangre De Cristo Hospice House, 1207 Pueblo Blvd Way, Pueblo, CO 81005.

Visitation for community, family and friends will be Thursday, May 13, 2021, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Encore, 4th and Chestnut, Rocky Ford, CO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford – Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com