The story I am about to relate is one that happened in this area when I was a small boy. The little girl I write about was just one year older than myself.

On August 17, 1930 Priscilla Gomez wandered away from her grandfather’s sheep camp on Sawtooth Mountain which is about 50 miles west of Saguache. Her Grandfather Julio Maez was employed by George Hazard as a sheepherder. Julio was on charge of the buck herd.

After members of the family searched for Priscilla unsuccessfully, Saguache County Sheriff "Slim" Paul was notified. Many volunteers from this area joined the search, some of these people rode horseback while others walked John Crooks directed a search with his hound dogs and two light airplanes flew from Lowry Air Force Base near Denver and skimmed at tree top levels over a large area as observers scanned meticulously. The two small plane crews gave up and returned home to Lowry’s 120th Observation Squadron.

Some people thought that a mountain lion had carried the little girl away. Others believed in foul play.

The hundred or more men and women searchers finally gave up after three days and went home. Several years later, discovery of the bones brought on a burial spot. A white picket fence was placed around the grave, but it is not easily visible in modern times."

The above quote is from L. R. McGraw’s book — "Mountain Tales Faded Tracks and Hi Jinks."

What remained of Priscilla’s body was found several years later by some campers or fishermen. Positive identification was made by family members from shreds of the little girl’s dress.

On August 8, 1995 almost 65 years to the day of the little girl’s disappearance, my good friend "Spike" Lovato took me to the gravesite. What a beautiful, serene setting of the last resting place for an innocent little girl.

At this tiny picket fence with a cross at the head of the grave, someone carved many years ago— Aug. 17, 1930 Preciliana Gomez.

Within the past couple of years, someone has re-painted the cross and fence and also left some artificial flowers.

I took Spike’s picture standing by the grave and we both went away wondering what Heaven really looks like.

Cecil Hall