MONTE VISTA —Joanne Marlee Rinebarger, 33, and Tracy Aaron Rinebarger, 37, died Oct. 26, 2009, at their home near Monte Vista.

Joanne was born Sept. 3, 1976 in Aurora to Stephen and Verla (Miller) Galla. She grew up in Idaho Springs and Denver.

Tracy was born on Sept. 25, 1972 in Alamosa to Ronald and Patricia Rinebarger. He and Joanne were married on Dec. 10, 2005.

Joanne’s eventful life took her to Arkansas and back to Colorado. Being a mother was her greatest achievement . She will be remembered by her family and friends as loving and generous.

A graduate of Monte Vista High School, Tracy grew up in Monte Vista and excelled in school and sports. He was involved in his younger years in peewee wrestling and in later years took up bowling, a little golf, softball and fishing with his brother Mike.

During his high school years he was a member of the National Honor Society . In 1991 he had the honor to be on a high school track team that set new school records in their relays. He loved to play football and was able to go to the Down Under Bowl in Australia also in 1991, and during that trip he had the opportunity to spend 4 days in Hawaii. His brother Mike was able to join him on the trip which made the experience for Tracy that much more memorable. His brother Mike has always held a special place in Tracy’s life.

One of Tracy’s favorite times of year was when hunting season came around and he, his father and a couple of friends would set up a tent and hunt for a week. He always enjoyed special times spent with his dad.

Tracy was employed with the USDA in Rio Grande County as a potato inspector. He will be remembered as a loving, friendly person that knew no enemies.

Joanne is survived by her son, John Caudle, 14, of Monte Vista and daughter, Shayla Galla, 13, of Mountain Home, Ark. where she lives with her father; her mother, Verla Miller of Salida; stepfather, Ronald Spilman of Broomfield; her brother, Stephen Galla of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and twin sister Jolene Galla of Dacono, Colo; nieces. Victoria and Alexandria Lathrop; nephew, Zachariah Lathrop; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Forrest and Bernice Miller and brother Ronald Spilman Jr.

Tracy is survived by his parents, Ron and Patricia Rinebarger of Monte Vista; brother, Mike (Christine) Rinebarger and nieces Makaila, and Mackenzie Rinebarger all of Colorado Springs; maternal grandmother, June Terpstra of Alamosa; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Earl and Sue Rinebarger and maternal grandfather Leonard Terpstra.

Cremation has been selected and a joint memorial service will be held for both Tracy and Joanne. The services are currently pending and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers for Tracy, contributions may be made to the Tracy Rinebarger memorial fund through the San Luis Valley Federal Bank or in care of the mortuary office; for Joanne, contributions may be made to the Joanne Rinebarger memorial fund at the First Christian Church of Salida.

Arrangements are in the care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista.