Obituary of Laura Clagett

Laura Mae Clagett, age 82, of Hugo, Colorado passed away Sunday, March 27, 2011 at her home in Hugo. Laura was born January 13, 1929 in Hugo to parents Nicholas Paul and Felicia Babe (Koppes) Thelen. She was the first of five children born to this union. The family made their home in Eastern Colorado. Laura graduated from Hugo High School in 1946. She married Eugene H. “Bill” Solze on February 8, 1947 in Dodge City, Kansas. To this union three children were born. Bill passed away December 24, 1980. Following Bill’s death, Laura needed a “safe” date for a Hugo VFW event, and invited Chuck Clagett. Following their courtship, Father Kennedy united them in marriage on July 4, 1983 in Minturn, Colorado. Laura published the Eastern Colorado Plainsman for many years, and in the early eighties obtained her real estate brokers license. Laura was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary in Hugo, and was the Director of the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management for seven years. Laura also served on the Lincoln County Land Use Board. Laura enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. She and Chuck spent time together gambling at Black Hawk and Cripple Creek, where they were known on a first name basis. They always looked forward to attending the many functions of their blended family, as well as getting together with fellow antique dealers. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, and first husband, Bill Solze. Laura is survived by children Chris and wife Shennan Solze of Hugo, CO, Diane and husband Frank Quinn of Carbondale, CO, Audrey and husband Tony Rose of Pueblo West, CO, Rob and wife Mary Anne Clagett of Colorado Springs, CO, and Gary and wife Lisa Clagett of Colorado Springs, CO; four brothers, Arthur and wife Jackie Thelen of Hugo, CO, James and wife Lisa Thelen of Hugo, CO, Keith and wife Julie Thelen of Hugo, CO, and John and wife Judy Thelen of Hugo, CO. Also surviving are eleven grand children, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.