Obituary - Merle Maxine Hockett, 81

Merle Maxine Osolin was born on August 13, 1922 to John and Rose Ella (Bowyer) Osolin. Maxine died November 27, 2003 at Weisbrod Nursing Home in Eads.

She was the third of five children, and was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, Eugene who died as an infant during the influenza outbreak in 1918. She is survived by her sisters, Aletha Holcomb and Betty Jacobs and a brother, Dean Osolin. The family lived on the east shore of NeeNoShe Lake south of Eads for several years. They moved into Eads and opened a gas station, grocery store and creamery in 1935.

Always an exceptional student, Maxine completed the 7th and 8th grades in one year thus graduated from school a year early. After graduating from high school in Eads, she attended Barnes Business School in Denver. She returned to Eads to work in the First National Bank. After about a year, she took a position in the office of the Kiowa County Treasurer. She then advanced to a better paying job with the Department of Public Welfare. During the war years, activity became so slight in this office; Maxine decided to further her education and attended the University of Denver as an accounting major. After a few years employment in Lamar and a marriage, she returned to her hometown and began what would become a 36 year career with the United States Postal Service, the last 9 years serving as Postmaster.

Maxine married Ray Baker in 1945; they had four children, Karen, Marilyn, Kenneth and Leland. This marriage ended in divorce. Maxine married Rich Hockett on February 23, 1968. This marriage added 3 step children to her family, Russell, Wayne and Janett.

Maxine studied and tested to get her pilot license so she could enjoy the freedom of the skies along with her husband Rich. During the 25 years they owned their own airplane; they participated in many fly-ins with Flying Farmers and traveled extensively. Fishing, hunting and traveling were her primary hobbies. She caught sharks off the coast of Mexico, trout in the Canadian Rockies and salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Her travels left her with many memories of events, places and people.

Maxine never knew either of her grandmothers, so it was important for her to know her grandchildren personally and for them to know her. She looked forward to spending several weeks each summer with each of them. Many treasured memories were developed during these times.

Maxine is survived by her husband of 35 years Rich Hockett, children Karen (Don) Gifford of Austin, Texas; Marilyn (Tom) Quinn of Denver; Ken (Debby) Baker of Littleton; Lee Baker of Grand Junction; Step-children Russell (Fannie) Hockett of Tillamook, Oregon; Wayne Hockett of Denver; and Janett (John) Bonnell of Bothell, Washington. Sisters Aletha Holcomb and Betty Jacobs both of Eads; brother, Dean (Jane) Osolin of Peoria, Arizona; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Maxine Hockett were held on Tuesday, December 2, 2003 at the United Methodist Church in Eads. Pastor Donald Lott of the Eads Assembly of God officiated the services. Kathy Shade and Cheryl Wyatt provided the vocal music accompanied by Jimmy Brown and Bob Seay. The songs were: "I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary" and "Amazing Grace". Philomene Liesen and Love Liebl provided the prelude and postlude music. Serving as casket bearers were: Don Gifford, Russ Hockett, Brad Morgan, Melvin Collins, Tom Quinn, and Ron Souser. The final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery. Visitation and funeral services were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.