Bertha Grove Obituary

Burch GroveRed Earth WomanSouthern Ute Tribal member Bertha Marie Burch Grove died in Durango on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009. She was 86. Mrs. Grove had complications from diabetes and other health issues.

Also known as Red Earth Woman, she was born to Samuel and Clara Cloud Burch in Ignacio on May 27, 1923.

She married Alden W. Naranjo Sr. at the Native American Church in Ignacio. After his death, she married Vincent H. Grove, also at the Native American Church.

In addition to her sons, nieces and nephews, she raised numerous children.

She worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Pino Nuche Restaurant and served on various tribal committees. She was the first Southern Ute Tribal royalty, and participated in horse racing, Sun Dance, pow-wows and other Native American dance cultures.

Mrs. Grove was a member of the Native American Church.

She enjoyed traveling and had toured Korea, Australia and other parts of the world.

Mrs. Grove was preceded in death by her husbands Vincent H. Grove and Alden W. Naranjo Sr.; and sons Bruce Naranjo and Eugene A. Naranjo.

She is survived by her sons Alden B. Naranjo and Terence C. Naranjo, both of Ignacio; sister, Judy Lansing, of Ignacio; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A wake will be held at 5 p.m. today, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at the family home at 5802 County Road 521 in Ignacio. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 at Ouray Memorial Cemetery. Dinner will be held afterward at Ute Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Native American Church and sent c/o A. Naranjo, P.O. Box 1285, Ignacio, CO 81137.