Well-known Sanford resident Scott Kreps, 72, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. As per his wishes, he spent his final days at his Homestead surrounded by loved ones.

Scott was born in Alamosa, Colo., to Noble Eugene and Elva “Mitchell” Kreps. Scott married his high-school sweetheart Sarah Haslett on June 26, 1970, in Manassa, Colo. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 19, 1980. He remained a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout his life.

Aside from his religious affiliation, he was a civil servant and truly loved being a part of the community in which he lived. His passion for reading, writing, history, and politics were driving forces in his life. He was an active member of Conejos County Writers Circle and served on the board of the Sanford Museum.

Over the past three decades, anyone to have ever attended or graduated from Sanford Schools probably shared many a meal — at the Sanford Country Store. Not only was it a staple for the student body, but also for many of the faculty through the years.

If ever you have attended the Pioneer Day’s Celebration and enjoyed yourself a “Scottie Burger” then you would know that not only did you leave with a full belly but also with an ear full of a myriad of topics; from the weather, to politics, to a poem, or a verse of scripture.

It didn’t matter who you were, what your last name was, or what walk of life you came from. Scott’s country store became a pillar that brought a community together. After 32 years of owning and managing the store, the time came for him to pass on the torch. It prides him to this day that his daughter Trudie chose to continue his legacy!

Scott is survived by his wife; Sarah Kreps of Sanford, Colo., his children; Jared (Tracy) Kreps of Sanford, Colo., Seth Kreps of Sanford, Colo., Trudie (Dwayne) Gylling of Sanford, Colo., Jesse (Kira) Kreps of Alamosa, Colo., Eve (Tyler) Sims of Sanford, Colo., Eden (Mark) Gantt of Syracuse, Utah, 20 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his siblings; brother Jeff (Leigh) Kreps of Sanford, Colo., and his sisters Melanie (Gary) Sego of Rio Rancho, N.M., Michelle (Melvin) Richardson of Manassa, Colo., Jane Christensen of Sanford, Colo., Lori (Jim) Gibson of Sanford, Colo., Kandace (Pat) Gunter of Alamosa, Colo.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Elva Kreps and his brother Lance Kreps.

A visitation will be held Friday evening on Dec. 8, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Rogers Family Mortuary, located at 205 North Third St. Manassa, CO. An additional visitation will be held Saturday morning on Dec. 9, 2023, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 755 Main St. Sanford, Colo., with Funeral Services to begin shortly thereafter at 11 a.m. Following the Funeral Services, Burial will take place at the Sanford Cemetery. In lieu of donations to the family, please make contributions to the Sanford Museum.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of support and comfort for Scott’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.