Sylvia Mae King Hodgson, 94, died May 6, 2012, having lived a long and healthy life. She was the granddaughter of two pioneering families. Her father's parents, James A. and Mary Jane Lines King left Illinois, arriving in the Boulder Valley by covered wagon in 1864, and became prosperous farmers. Her mother's parents, James Church and Mary Eugenia Bradway Veeder, gave up the comforts of the East and homesteaded in the San Luis Valley in the 1880's where he was a Methodist minister and farmer until moving to Denver.
Born December 29, 1917 in Boulder, Colorado, Sylvia was the only child of Tenny and Faythe Veeder King. She lived a carefree life on the family farm, off Valmont Drive, in the Boulder Valley. Sylvia went through grades one through eight at White Rock School. She loved her horse and rode it to school, but always remembers the sad day she came home and found that her dad had sold her horse and bought her a car to drive to Boulder High School where she graduated.
Sylvia and her husband Clifford grew up together and began dating in their teenage years. When they married on March 7, 1937, they moved to their home which was on the family farm where Sylvia was raised, remaining there for 60 years. When Clifford retired from farming and ranching in 1978, they wintered in Mesa, Arizona. They moved to Longmont in 1997 to enjoy their retirement.
Mrs. Hodgson was a cook for Boulder County Schools for close to twenty years. Sylvia's passion for cooking showed up in the wonderful food she was always cooking at home and new recipes she loved to give a try.
Mrs. Hodgson was an active member of Royal Neighbors of America, playing the piano for their meetings and marches. She was a member of the Boulder Grange for over 70 years and also a lifetime member of the Valmont Church. She and her friends also formed two social groups, "Button and Bows" in the 40s, and later, "Knotty Grandmas".
Since the early 1940s, Sylvia and Clifford have had a cabin at Red Feather Lakes, and it has played a very important part in their lives and those of their family. An avid golfer, she first took up the hobby of golfing at Red Feather in 1976 and played in organized leagues in Arizona and Colorado. She loved hunting, fishing, square dancing with County Cousins, traveling, social dancing, and teaching piano to various local children.
Sylvia always had a twinkle in her eye, a zest for life, great love for the one and only man in her life, Clifford, and overwhelming love and pride for her children and grandchildren. She exemplified what it means to "live life fully"!
There will be a Celebration of Sylvia's Life on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Crist Mortuary. Sylvia's nephew Darryl Hodgson will officiate. A reception will immediately follow the service, also at Crist.
She leaves her husband of 75 years, Clifford Paul Hodgson; son, Rodney Hodgson (Donna); daughter Dot Keatley; five grandchildren: Nikki Mosley (Mike); Brandy Hodgson (Arthur Judson); Paula Hodgson (Bob Klein); Todd Keatley (Shawna Washburn); and Connie McIntosh; eight great grandchildren: Conor, Mason and Maggie Mosley; Gage and Caden Keatley; Soleil and River Judson Hodgson; Chaz Washburn; and many close friends and relatives. Her spirit is a part of us all, and she has left a meaningful impact on our hearts and lives.
In fulfillment of her wishes, memorial contributions can be made in Sylvia's name to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, Halcyon Hospice, or a charity of your choice. Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family at www.cristmortuary.com
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