Margaret A. (Holland) Hendrix

Margaret Alice Holland Hendrix was born November 17, 1930 in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Her family moved in October 1931 to the family ranch north of Ordway, Colorado that her McCabe grandparents started in 1894. It was in this rural setting that Jim and Lorena (McCabe) Holland lovingly raised Margaret, the cherished only granddaughter in the Holland family, along with her older brothers, Charles M Holland and James Pat Holland. She graduated from Ordway High School in 1948 and attended Loretta Heights College in Denver. Donald Milton Hendrix came into her life during this time and they married on February 18, 1950.

The foundation laid during Margaret’s formative years was reflected throughout her lifetime. Her Catholic faith gave her joy and strength. Margaret and Don were married in the Catholic Church in Ordway by Father Doherty, the same priest who had married Margaret’s parents. When the children began arriving, she taught them all by example how to live a faith filled life. First came James Benton in 1951, followed by Donna Rose in 1952, Thomas Alan in 1954, Barbara Irene in 1955, Mary Lorena in 1962 and Ray Charles in 1966. She always said she wanted four children and Don wanted two, so she had her four and then had his two. Margaret consistently demonstrated another one of her attributes-patience- while raising these six kids and being a partner in a ranching enterprise. The “white chair” she used for time outs to reinforce the values she believed children should learn is still in the family. Many mornings the hum of her sewing machine was heard as she rose before the sun did to make shirts for Don or clothing for the kids. One year she made 4 matching western outfits for the kids to wear in the parade.

By 1955 Margaret and Don were living on the family ranch north of Ordway, where they would remain until 1989. Known for her hospitality and excellent food, there was always company at the ranch house. One year she recorded the company visits for the entire year. It averaged out that they had someone besides family there to eat every other day, and every third day, someone stayed overnight. Company was welcomed by her ever present smile and optimistic attitude. Margaret’s faith and attitude prevailed even in the challenging times, through droughts, Don’s illnesses, her own illnesses, and the deaths of her parents and brothers.

Education was important to Margaret, who was a lifelong learner with remarkable intellectual capacity. She was very proud when all six of her children earned a bachelor degree or beyond. Her organizational skills were beyond compare and served her well in later life when her eyesight began to fail, eventually leaving her blind. Even this challenge failed to damper her positive outlook on the life God gave her. Her encouragement and example continues to motivate and inspire family and others who knew her.

Retiring from active ranching in 1989, Margaret and Don moved to Swink, Colorado where she enjoyed being a member of the La Junta Catholic Church, Swink Garden Club and Rural Neighbors.   Time was now available to complete travel to 33 states and 7 countries. Margaret had a phenomenal memory and provided unfailing directions even when her eyesight was fading. In 2012 another life change was accepted by Margaret when she and Don moved to assisted living in Wray, CO. Participating in their grandchildren’s lives provided continued enjoyment in addition to making new friends. Her upbringing remained intact and active as she treated all she met or knew with respect, and always freely gave a please or thank you.

Margaret lost her husband of 63 years when Don departed this earthly life on January 2, 2014. Sustained by her faith, she led her family through that time. The next four years she continued to follow her lifelong habits of being selfless, patient, and ever forward thinking. She was loved for her cheerful sense of humor and compassion for others.

Margaret is survived by her six children: Jim (Twila) of Wray, CO, Donna (Charley) Walker of Falcon, CO, Tom (Koye) of Wray, CO, Barbara (Paul) Stedman of Parker, CO, Mary Rena Loving of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ray (Ardie) of Wray, CO. Also 13 grandchildren and soon to be 15 great grandchildren.

Extended family members surviving include sisters-in-law Joan Hendrix of Sheridan, Wyoming, Lois Asbury of Casper, Wyoming, Leona Carpenter of Kansas City, Kansas, Edna Ward of Carthage, Missouri, and brother-in-law Dale Rusher of Arizona.

A Vigil was held at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial was held at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Wray, Colorado on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Jerry Rohr officiating. Interment was held at the Valley View Cemetery in Ordway, Colorado on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Paul Ekeh. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Plains or St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado were in charge of arrangements.