Lorita Marie Dill

Lorita Dill, affectionately known as Charlie, of Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by curiosity, independence, humor, and deeply held convictions. 

Lorita was born in La Junta, Colorado, 71 years ago. After the death of her biological father, Ralph Cline, Sr., the family moved to Canon City, Colorado, where she was raised by the man she called “Dad” and her mom, Bill and Mary Boben. 

After high school, she attended Barnes Business School in Denver, Colorado. As the chapters turned in her life, she held a variety of jobs but found her passion in becoming a firefighter and EMT instructor. Lorita was a very talented artist and photographer and had numerous photos published in various rural and agricultural magazines. She loved the outdoors and found joy in the simple things that made life sweet. She treasured the quiet beauty of the mountains and all creatures, big and small. In every season and in every place, she was passionate, spirited, and loving. 

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Owen; son, Sean (Korey) Dill; stepchildren, Jeremy Owen and Jody (Jeff) Litchford; sisters, Connie Linam, Diana (Chuck) Skerjanec, and Mary (Bob) Boben-Thrift; sister-in-law, Natalie Cline; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lorita was greeted on Heaven’s shore by her parents, grandparents, brother Ralph Cline, Jr., brother-in-law Dale Linam, and sister Sherie Savage. 

Surrounded in memory by the family and friends she cherished, each of them carries forward a part of her story. In every heart that loved her, she will never truly be gone. In the words of Lorita, “Rest in paradise.” In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Humane Society of your choice. 

Private family services will be held.