Florence Rita Veo

Florence Rita (DelTonto) Veo was born on September 27th, 1933 to Pete and Susie DelTonto in Montrose, Colorado. Growing up, Florence lived on the family farm working in the fields and helping her mother tend to her younger siblings and the house. She often spoke of her morning chores which included milking the cows before catching the school bus. She received her education while attending Montrose Schools.

While working at Maude Austin Drug Store in Montrose she met the love of her life, Ernest L. Veo. Ernie would order a strawberry milk shake and request real ice cream instead of ice milk. He was willing to pay the 5 cent surcharge for ice cream. After Florence got to know him better, the milk shakes were a little thicker and the 5 cent surcharge was “forgotten”.

Florence and Ernest were married on December 14, 1952 and celebrated 71 years of marriage before Ernie’s passing on May 9, 2024.

Florence accompanied Ernie during his enlistment in the U.S. Army where he served at Fort Ord, California; Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Hood, Texas where their son David was born.

Upon returning to Montrose, the family expanded with the births of Dennis, Debra, and Terry.

Florence was a member of the United Methodist Church Women’s Circle, and the Emblem Club of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Florence was a long time 4-H Club sewing leader.

During her employment years, Florence worked as a cook and eventually a manager for the school food service department of Montrose County School District. During her work with the school district, Florence became a member of the Colorado State Food Service Association (now known as School Nutrition Association) and rose to the position of State President; an accomplishment she was very proud of. During her tenure as president she and Ernie were able to attend the National Convention of the Food Service Association held in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was an experienced they shared many times over the years.

Florence was also employed at Clubb’s Ben Franklin Store and the local Walmart store.

Florence and Ernie loved to travel whether it was to visit their children, grandchildren or other relatives and friends. They were able to take an overseas trip and cruise the Mediterranean Sea spending a short time in Italy, the birthplace of her grandparents and father. A second overseas trip allowed them to visit the Netherlands on a river cruise.

Florence was known for her beautiful yard, large vegetable garden and immaculate home. Neighbors commented quite often how they would see her working in her yard or garden, and were amazed that even during her later years she was still out in the yard on a daily basis tending her flowers.

Florence’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a wife and mother first. She and Ernie traveled to various states to attend the high school and college graduations of their children and grandchildren. They traveled many times to Arizona to watch their grandchildren compete at the local county fair.

Florence was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, David (Jolene) Veo of Park Rapids, MN; Dennis (Kathy) Veo of Montrose, CO; Debra Veo of Green Valley, AZ; Terry (Patricia) Veo of Maricopa, AZ. Grandchildren: Kristopher (Bethany) Veo; Levi (Sara) Veo; Cash (Melissa) Veo; Jessica Veo (Darrell) the sole granddaughter who was born on Florence’s birthday; and Logan Veo. Great-grandchildren: Jordan, Eli, Jaxon, Easton, Mason, Lainey, Lindey, and Dalton. She is survived by three sisters: Lena Whitworth, Alice Miller, and Annie Menica, and one brother John DelTonto; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband Ernest Veo, both parents Pete and Susie DelTonto, an infant daughter, sisters Mabel DeVincentis, Pauline Garinger, Virginia Hadley, Betty DelTonto; and brothers Charlie, Jimmy, Joe, and Bobby DelTonto.

The Veo family would like to convey a heartfelt “Thank You” to all the Hope West Hospice nurses for the sincere and loving care they provided Florence during her final journey.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hope West Hospice or Christ Church of the Valley in memory of Florence Rita Veo.

Funeral service will be held May 31st at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church of the Valley, 10 Hillcrest Plaza, Montrose, Colorado. Interment will follow the service at Cedar Creek Cemetery, Montrose, Colorado.