I was born in Dermot Texas on January 18, 1926. I attended school there and my class in elementary school consisted of myself and 4 boys. My family operated a filling station. I came to Colorado during the snowstorm of 1946. In a car pulling two horses in a trailer, leaving the horses with friends in Haswell, we made it to our destination south of Rush after 10 days of travel. My mother-in-law and her second husband lived there. He was a good farmer and was good with chickens. He regularly got over 90 eggs from 100 hens. The snow was three feet deep on the level. In June of 1947 we moved to Haswell, Colorado where we engaged in Real Estate. In 1948 we moved to Lincoln County and settled in Hugo where I have lived until the present. The people of Hugo welcomed us with open arms. I love people and having conversations with them. At 97 years of age, I live independently in my home. The Meals on Wheels bring lunch twice a week and the team from Touching Hearts at Home help me with personal and household tasks. I have a multitude of friends who also check on me regularly.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I had an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. My first husband was Arthur Snodgrass, he had studied law and became the local judge in 1955. He passed away in 1964. I married Dock Lee in 1967, after both of our spouses had passed away. At that time, we lifted my house in Hugo and added a basement to accommodate Dock’s children Pat and Peggy. Shorty LaBorde dug the basement out with a little Ford tractor. I bought my current home from Mr. and Mrs. Garrabrant, who I believe to have been excellent schoolteachers.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked for KC Electric for 17 years beginning in 1950. In 1969 I purchased the Hedlund Abstract building with Frances Delost, Attorney and Mirium (Tot) Derry. At the time it was a two-story wooden structure that sat between the First National Bank and the Turkey Crossing. The building was in ill repair, and the bank was wanting to expand. The Graymont Hotel was torn down and the current Hedlund office building was constructed on a portion of that site. Through the decades I have owned rental properties, operated Lincoln Manor Bed and Breakfast, May Gees thrift and gift shop and served as mayor for the Town of Hugo. I enjoyed my time working with Dawn Walker and others to secure the building of the Limon Correctional Facility. I am disappointed that the requirement to live locally was lifted.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants in Lincoln County are Jean’s Family Kitchen in Hugo and I-Hop in Limon. I absolutely love their Swedish crepes.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since January of 1948.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I admire Don Morrison.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Gone With The Wind is my favorite movie.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I try not to give advice, but ask questions leading them to their own conclusions.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community? The First National Bank
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would meet with former Vice President Mike Pence just to hear him out. I would take him to Oscars Bar and Grille in Limon for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is the way Troy McCue with Lincoln County Economic Development works to bring the county together to achieve success.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Heaven or still here.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in a rural community where my parents helped everyone. My mom was a midwife, and my dad ran a filling station. He drove for miles to help people with broken-down vehicles or other needs. We had the only telephone in the community.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate my friends and community a 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Church
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfortable, fairly clean, friendly, and an open door.
