Pearl Arleen (Smith) Saffer died Monday April 30th, 2012 at the Yuma District Hospital with her entire family at her side. Pearl was born on November 7, 1929 in Shaw, Colorado to Daniel and Ethel (Britton) Smith. She was the oldest of four children. She and her siblings Lois, Arvella and Alvin attended school at Sunny Slope. After completing the 8th grade, Pearl attended Pilafire School in Denver through the 11th grade.
On June 4, 1947 Pearl married Ross David Saffer. The couple made their home 19 miles north of Arriba where they set up farm and ranch. On May 14th, 1949 their first child Veda Pearl was born. In 1952 the family of 3 moved to a wheat farm northeast of Arriba. Seven years later the fun began with the arrival of Daniel Nathan on August 14th, 1958. Next came Stephen Kirk on October 16th, 1959. All heck broke loose with the arrival of Jeffory Wade on September 1st, 1963. From that day on all Pearl ever did was shake her head at Jeff. As the kids grew, Pearl enjoyed bowling and playing softball on league teams with her friends. She was also always very active in the church. Pearl was a devoted mother. She enjoyed watching Dan restore cars and drag race. Pearl also went to several motocross races to watch Jeff compete. Pearl's hobbies included crocheting scarves, blankets and doilies and she loved watching the horse races.
In 1965, the entire family moved south of Flagler to continue farming and ranching. Then, in 1968 they moved once again to a farm site northeast of Genoa. While living at Genoa, Pearl took a job as a waitress at the Husky Café in Arriba. She and Ross later took over the management of the restaurant. This was the beginning of Pearl's long-time involvement in the service industry. Shortly after this, they took over the management of the Southside (Airport) Café in Flagler. Ross and Pearl's son Steve began managing the Husky. At that point Ross and Pearl moved to Flagler to focus on the business there. In 1980 a new plan took seed and Ross and Pearl began construction on the Hearty Rancher restaurant in Akron. They opened for business on Mother's Day and had to close their doors by 2:00 because they ran out of food. The business was the beginning of many, many wonderful friendships. People would often come in asking for Pearl's famous pies, cinnamon rolls and glazed donuts and always looked forward to the Sunday all-you-can-eat buffets with home-made bread pudding for dessert. It was at the Hearty Rancher that many of the young people in Akron first took their place with the working class, especially Ross and Pearl's granddaughters. Many cherished memories were created working alongside each other. In 1994 the couple decided it was time to retire and sold the building to the Akron Head Start program.
The family always made it a point to get together as often as they possibly could. One family gathering at her granddaughter's house that stands out in the minds of all the grandkids is the Christmas Grandma Saffer demonstrated her ability to leg wrestle. At the age of 70, she could still beat the young kids. The family now has the fourth generation competing with one another leg wrestling! She also showed everyone how she could walk-thru-a-broom. The Saffer family gatherings are always full of laughter and fun!
One of the highlights of Pearl's retirement was the trip to Cancun she took with her granddaughter and niece and their families. It was the first time Pearl had ever taken a trip outside of the United States. Her trips usually were confined to South Dakota, Estes Park or Salt Lake City, Utah. After 58 years of marriage, Ross passed from this world on June 25, 2005. Pearl continued to live at home by herself until March of 2011. After a fall, she moved with her daughter Veda and son-in-law Leo. She was often teased for how good she had it being waited on hand and foot. Pearl flourished in this environment as she enjoyed the daily interaction with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She had plans to ride with her grandson Matthew this year taking cows to the pasture. Pearl told Veda she was going to go with Matt and she would let Veda know when she was ready to go home. Pearl was a kind-hearted and soft-spoken lady that has left an imprint of the hearts of anyone that knew her.
Pearl is survived by her daughter Veda and son-in-law Leo Pieper of Akron; sons Dan and wife Cynthia of Greeley; Steve of Flagler; and Jeff of Akron. She also leaves to mourn her sister Lois Rogers of Anton and brother Alvin Smith of Burlington; sisters-in-law Mary Ann Saffer of Akron; Mildred Saffer of Hugo; Nina Saffer of Flagler; brothers-in-law Glen Saffer and wife Joyce of Flagler; and Varlen Peterson of Lindon; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Pearl was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Ross, sister Arvella, sister-in-law Opal Miller and husband Lee; brothers-in-law Avon Saffer, Dale Saffer, Merle Saffer, Claude Saffer and wife Fern, Guy Dyson, and Clay Rogers.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Akron. A Vigil was held the night before also at St. Joseph's. Interment followed the mass at Arriba Cemetery in Arriba. Memorial donations may be made to the Arriba Cemetery, or to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society. Bowin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.