Melissa Peña Obituary

Melissa Peña

Melissa Peña died Friday, July 4, 2014, at her home in Englewood. She was 47. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Mrs. Peña was born to Jerry and Ellenette (Watts) Humpy on Aug. 19, 1966. She grew up in Denver and graduated from Ignacio High School in 1984. After graduating, she moved back to Denver where she attended the Arapahoe Community College.

She worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, but most enjoyed working at the Native American Trading Co. in Denver where she met many other Native Americans, according to her family.

She also enjoyed dancing at pow-wow's and making jewelry.

In 2005, she married Francis Peña in Ignacio.

"She loved the Denver Broncos, her family and her friends," according to her family.

Mrs. Peña is survived by her husband, Francis Peña, of Ignacio; children, Autumn and Sage Medicine Blanket, of Ignacio, DeVonne Madril, of Aztec and Crystal Madril, of Denver; sisters Anna Watts, of Ignacio and Suzette Humpy of Denver; brother, Mitchell Watts, of Ignacio; seven grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.

A wake for Mrs. Peña will be held at 7 p.m. today, July 10, 2014, at the Southern Ute Chapel inside of the SunUte Community Center on Ute Road, in Ignacio.

A memorial service will occur at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2014, at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Room inside of the SunUte Community Center.