Helen B. Hoke

Helen Hoke was born October 14, 1933 in Galeton, Colorado on a farm to Katie Wilhelm and Fred Brug. She was one of 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She lost her parents at an early age to diphtheria. Her Aunt Mary raised her along with her sister, Jeanie, near Longmont.

In her early teens Bob Hoke, a young man whom was a family friend, courted her. During high school she would baby-sit a local family's child in exchange for a room. Bob was drafted into the army and sent away. She moved away to California, then returned to Colorado.

Bob, whom had married and divorced, had three children from his marriage. In 1968 they would be reunited as husband and wife for the next 41 years.

Helen became a stepmother to Bob's children, ages 9, 7, and 4. She was a natural to motherhood and cared for all of her children, and grandchildren and even lived to see a great-grand son born.

Helen worked for various companies as a bookkeeper, or administrative assistant. Although, she found her true calling after retirement as a nanny for many young families in the area, often caring for several days a week.

Helen took pride in her home and took joy in cooking for everyone, and anyone who stopped by. Her fried chicken and potato salad were a hit at every family reunion, and always the first to go, and her German food was top notch.

Helen had a passion for crocheting, and she was always crocheting every time a child was born, niece, nephew or grandchild, making beautiful Afghans for every one.

In December 2006 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and in January 2007 started chemotherapy. She was a fighter with a strong heart, and never complained. Although still alert and pain free she still had a twinkle in her eye and the spirit to fight. The cancer finally got the best of her tiny body on March 9, 2009.

Helen your enormous love inspires us all. We thank you, honor you, and bless you to the angels.

Love Bob, Teresa, Tammy, Monty, Candice, Tanya, Sara, Grayson, your brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and all of the children you touched.