Senator Mary Ellen Epps

December 25, 1934 – June 6, 2014

Former State Senator Mary Ellen Epps, a long-time Widefield resident died Friday, June 6, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. She was 79.

She was born December 25, 1934 in Copperhill, TN to Willie Curtis and Ruby Mae Leahey. She married her beloved husband Frank M. Epps on June 4, 1951.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado Christian University in 1996, attended Regis College for continuing education in nursing, French and she was a student pilot.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughters, Marsha Epps, Kelly Hromas and Heather Segura; three grandchildren Alyx and Madi Hromas, Justin Segura and one great-granddaughter, Alessia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank.

She was a member of Pikes Peak Christian Church and was a woman of strong faith.

A former business owner, Mary Ellen’s biggest legacy was her years of dedicated service to her community and to the state of Colorado. She was elected in 1986 to serve as a State Representative in the Colorado House of Representatives, where she served several terms. Later, she was elected State Senator in 1998 and served in that capacity until she retired in 2002.

During her years of service she served on numerous interim committees to include Adult Criminal Justice, Juvenile Offenders, Medically Indigent (Vice-chair 1993, Chair 1994); House Services, Environmental Ad Hoc Committee, NCSL Arts and Tourism Committee, State/Federal Assembly Law & Justic Committee, Criminal Justice Commission, ALEC Criminal Justice Task Force and Health Care Committees, Professional Health Care Panel; and was a member of the advisory council of women legislators. In 1999 she was chairman of HEWI, and served on Judiciary and Transportation Committees. In 2001 she served on the HEWI and Legislative Legal committees.

She sponsored and effectively implemented a number of programs and legislation including the “boot camp” chain gang legislations, mandatory immunizations for children, automobile insurance penalties for uninsured motorists. Her issues of greatest concern were criminal justice and health care.

One of her biggest accomplishments for the local community involved securing lottery funding for the Widefield Community Center/Widefield School District 3 which helped with the construction of the outdoor pool and more.

She was a friend and supporter of the Security Fire Department as well.

She was a long-time member of the Fountain Valley Republican Club, El Paso County’s Republican party and Republican womens groups.

She was a charter member of the Security Lioness Club, and also was a Lifetime VFW member. Mary Ellen was a member of the Fountain Valley Optimist Club, American Legion Auxiliaries, and the Widefield School District 3 Advisory Board Long Range Task Force, Critical Issues Conference. She served on the El Paso County Planning Commission, was Vice-chair of the Social Services Consumer Review Board and was a member of AARP.

In her spare time she enjoyed music and swimming.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 12, from 12-8 p.m .at Dove Witt Family Mortuary, 6630 S. U.S. Hwy 85/87, Fountain. A Memorial service is planned Friday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at Pikes Peak Christian Church, 4955 Bradley Road in Security. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, to Pikes Peak Christian Church, 4955 Bradley Road, Security, CO 80911.