Obituary of Kenneth Pickard

Kenneth Earl Pickard, 87, of Vona, Colorado passed on December 15, 2014 at Mount St. Francis Nursing Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Kenneth was born on November 8, 1927 in Hooker, Oklahoma to Jim and Marie Pickard. He was the fourth of six children. When Kenneth was two years old the family relocated to Colorado. Kenneth graduated from Vona High School in 1946. On August 6, 1949, Kenneth married the love of his life, Jo Ann Ford, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton, CO. They were later blessed with two daughters, Cheryl Ann and Rita Gail. Kenneth and Jo Ann began their life together eventually settling at their family home where they lived and built their family farming operation over the last fifty years. His son-in-law, Pat, worked by his side for over 30 years and now his grandson, Bryant, operates the farm. In addition to farming, Kenneth was truly a jack of all trades. At one point or another, during his life, he was a brick layer, contractor, mail carrier, bus mechanic and drove the Vona School Bus for many years. Kenneth has always been an active member of the community. In past years he was a member of the Vona Lions Club and served on the Vona School Board. He also served as an active member of the Kit Carson County Democratic Committee and had a true passion for politics. Kenneth was always involved in community activities wherever needed. Even though work and community played an important role in Kenneth’s life, no one was more important to him than his family; his wife Jo Ann, his daughters Cheryl and Rita and their families. He was a proud and loving grandfather to his 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. To celebrate Kenneth and Jo Ann’s 50th anniversary they took their entire family to Mexico. They also shared many vacations and cruises with their daughters, Cheryl and Rita. No matter what the occasion, birthday, anniversary, holiday or just a Sunday afternoon, he always enjoyed spending time with his family. Kenneth enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. While his passion was farming, he also enjoyed traveling, boating, and restoring antique cars/tractors. At the age of 62, Kenneth fulfilled his lifelong dream of learning to fly and own an airplane. Kenneth will always be remembered for his loyalty and commitment to both family and friends. He was someone that you could always depend on in good times and bad. He had an inner strength that was undeniable. His perseverance, strength and commitment to those he loved was a constant in the lives of everyone around him. He worked hard, played hard and lived life to the fullest. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father Jim Pickard, mother Marie Pickard, father-in-law Raymond Ford, mother-in-law Harriet Ford; 2 brothers, Harold Pickard and Louis Pickard; 2 sisters, Leona Edmunds, Velma Hubbell; 7 brothers-in-law, Leon Ford, Raymond Ford, Jack Ford, Pat Ford, Bill Crum, Rock Luebbers, and Ralph Hubbell; 5 sisters-in-law, Hazel Ford, Colleen Ford, Mary Lou Luebbers, Rose Pickard and Kay Pickard; 2 son-in-laws Pat Rueb and Jack Burian and infant great-granddaughter, Abigail Jo Hase. Kenneth Pickard is survived by his two daughters: Cheryl Burian of Colorado Springs, CO; Rita Rueb (Mark Martinez) of Colorado Springs, CO; and grandchildren: Audrey (Andy) Hase of Kirk, CO; Bryant (Brenda) Rueb of Vona, CO; Christina (Chris) Castillo of Burlington, CO; Elise Burian of Denver, CO; and Seth Burian of Hays, KS. Great-Grandchildren: Austin, Tyler and Carley Hase; Alyssa and Brianna Rueb; and Jaydon, Tallon, and Christian Castillo. Kenneth is also survived by his sister Fern (Wayne) McCaffrey of Seibert, CO; 1 brother-in-law and 4 sisters-in-law: Merl Ford of Vona, CO; Kay Crum of Monument, CO; Carol Taylor of Colorado Springs, CO; Linda (George) Card of Strasburg, CO; Nola Pickard of Burlington, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.