Longtime Saguache resident Roger "Riff" Arthur Fenton, 79, passed away on January 7, 2024 at home with his family present.

Riff was born in Wichita, Kansas to Arthur G. Fenton and Lillian M. Bestvater Fenton on May 16, 1944. He met his future wife, Marilyn Melson, while they were students at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. They were married in 1968 during Riff's 4 years service in the United States Army.

Riff and Marilyn established a small studio pottery in Gunnison, Colorado in 1972 and moved their work to Saguache in 1979. He built 5 kilns and worked tons of clay, throwing thousands of pieces in 50 years of crafting functional and decorative pottery. Many people in the San Luis Valley and beyond own beautiful hand-crafted pieces from their studio.

For years Riff enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing in streams and beaver ponds. He and Marilyn loved to listen to music together and a wide variety of music was always playing in the studio.

His sense of humor, story telling, and thought provoking conversation will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his son Neil, daughter-in law Angela, and his grand-daughters Zephyr and Xyla. Cremation was chosen and a gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances, and condolences for Riff's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com