Obituary of Marie Brockway

Marie Hoenehs Brockway was born June 11, 1916 to Gottlob and Mayme Hoenehs in Hugo, Colorado. She was born in the same house she lived in her entire life. She attended Hugo Public Schools and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1934. After graduating, Marie was employed with the country’s first farm program, the Ag Adjustment Program (a predecessor to the ASC office) and later employed as secretary for the County Extension Agent, a job she held for several years. She then returned to the AAP as secretary remaining in that position until 1941. On June 15th, 1939 she was united in marriage to Chester Roy Brockway and to this union was born two daughters, Beverly and Marjie. In 1946 after a brief move to Denver, Marie and Chet built a locker plant in Hugo and for the next 20 years, she helped him operate the business and raise their two daughters. In September of 1966 she started working in the County Clerk’s Office for Lincoln County and was appointed County Clerk and Recorder in 1969. She was officially elected to office in 1970 and re-elected again in 1974, ‘78, ‘82 and ‘86. In 1987 Marie officially retired from her county employment. Through the many years Marie made a multitude of friends throughout all of Colorado in the county government. In her retirement, Marie enjoyed visiting with her many friends every day. She was dubbed the “General” by many and you would have to ask Pat Markle and Mike Bass as to why they are the “Private” and “Sargent”. In an interview regarding her retirement - Marie was asked to elaborate on the “memorable moments” as county clerk - her response (and true to form) Marie quoted “Most of those memorable moments were when I blew my stack - and they’re not for print” Marie loved to visit and “straighten out” anyone who was interested in the local history. Being in the Clerk’s office for 16 years and spending her life in Hugo, there wasn’t much about life or Lincoln County that she couldn’t tell you about. She had a thirst for the knowledge and local history and loved discussing the details with anyone that was interested. Much of the history of Lincoln County has been passed along through the memoirs of Marie. Even at age 93, Marie’s acute memory of occurrences and history thrilled her many friends and family. At the time of her death, Marie was still working on historical projects. She has passed along a time and generation of thoughts, history, and lessons to so many people, and we thank her for transcending the historical boundaries from long ago and passing that knowledge down to future generations. Her family called her “Little Gran” and everyone enjoyed playing cards, Chinese checkers and Skip Bo with her. She always wanted to win and kept a watchful eye. She always made sure her grandkids were “taller” than her and liked to share a good joke with all. She enjoyed a conversation regarding politics and spoke her mind freely. She never missed a Lawrence Welk Show and most recently enjoyed Dancing with the Stars so much she made sure to “Vote” every week. She had a love for animals and especially her two “kitties” Sissy and Sassy. She kept anything and everything and her house was a treasure for kids and grandkids alike. Marie was known as the “General” to some but she might be considered the “Commander in Chief’” of the family. Any information about family or family members - Marie was the one to call! She was the bond that tied all family together. A woman of heart, grace, pride, dignity, assurance, respect, joy, love. knowledge, history, and kindness. She will be missed dearly! Marie passed away at Lincoln County Hospital on November 1, 2009 at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of Lincoln County. Marie was preceded in death by her parents Gottlob and Mayme Hoenehs and her sisters Cleo and Rita. Also preceding her death was her husband, Chester Brockway. In passing she leaves her two daughters and their families; Beverly Deines and her husband Ed of Show Low, Arizona; their children Heidi O’Grady and her husband Jerry and their children Erin and Liam of Stamford, Connecticut; Melissa Sullivan and her husband Jim and their children Ryan and Leah of Nampa, Idaho. Marjie Hines and her husband John of Limon, Colorado and their children Kristy Huppert and her husband Steve and their children Taylor, Haley & Hannah of Highlands Ranch. Colorado; Shelly Rogers and her husband Rod and their children Madison & Tanner of Windsor, Colorado; and Mike Hines and his wife Shelly and their children Sidney & Trey of Limon, Colorado. She is also survived by her two nieces; Rita Livingston and her husband Spence of Casper, Wyoming; Paula Williams and her husband Don of Albuquerque, New Mexico;and her nephew Dennis Brockway and Maridell of Los Alamos, New Mexico; and a host of very special and dear friends.