Obituary

Lorene (Renee) Johnson Hines, 79

Lorene (Renee) Johnson Hines was born June 28, 1920, nine miles southwest of Hugo, Colorado, on the family farm. She attended grade school at the old North Star Country School, and graduated from Hugo High School in 1938. Renee married the late John F. Hines, and to this union was born one son, John F. Hines of Limon, Colorado.

Renee worked at the U.S. Treasury Department and the Denver Serum Company in Denver for several years. She returned to Hugo in 1956 to care for her mother, after the death of her father. In Hugo, she was employed by the U.S. Agricultural Stabilization Conservation office. Her first illness with cancer forced her retirement in 1968. She also owned and operated the Plains Bar in Hugo for 25 years.

In addition to being a long time member of the Hugo United Methodist Church, Renee was an active member for many years in the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 6612 in Hugo. Renee was especially proud of playing the leading role in constructing the pavilion at the Hugo Evergreen Cemetery, to house the names of all those resting there.

During her life-time, Renee met her illnesses with cancer head on. Despite the surgeries, the pain, the many trips for radiation therapy, Renee beat down her enemy four different times in the last 32 years. Finally, her fight for the fifth time was lost November 5, 1999, at Lincoln Community Nursing Home.

Preceding Renee in death were her mother Edna Peters Johnson and her father Elmer (Speck) Johnson. She is survived by her son Dr. John Hines and wife Marjie of Limon, Colorado, and by her sister-in-law, Louise Hines Dreher of Sun Lakes, Arizona. Louise was Renee=s lifelong friend and confidant, and the big sister she never had.

Also surviving Renee are her loving grandchildren with whom she shared so many precious memories. They are Kristy Huppert and husband Steve of Highlands Ranch, Shelly Roers and husband Rod of Windsor; and Michael Hines of Castle Rock. Renee=s three surviving great granddaughters, Taylor and Haley Huppert and Madison Rogers, were the light of her life.

Renee will be forever remembered for her kindness to others, her many friends and family whom she dearly cherished, and her determined fighting spirit. It was her wish to be remembered with a single white rose. She will be missed by her family and a host of friends.

Love Funeral Home of Limon, Colorado, was in charge of arrangements. There was cremation, with private family services at Evergreen Cemetery at Hugo, Colorado. Memorial services were held Wednesday, November 10, 1999, at the Hugo United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Verna P. Mika officiating. Musical selections were AJust a Closer Walk With Thee= and the AThe Lord=s Prayer.@ Carl and Brenda Dutro sang, accompanied by organist, Creighton Osborne. Renee requested that any memorials be sent in her name to: The Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 6612, PO Box 204, Hugo, Colorado 80821.