Mary K. Higgins

Mary K. Higgins died Monday, March 14, 2011 in Amarillo, Texas at the age of 79. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. (MST) on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Springfield, Colorado. Interment took place in the Higgins Ranch Cemetery. Mary K. was born March 4, 1932 in Dalhart, Texas to Clyde and Katherine (Knoph) Lathem. She was raised on the Lathem Ranch near Dalhart. She was active in 4-H and was XIT Rodeo Queen in 1948. She married James Marlon "Rusty" Higgins on March 30, 1949. Rusty and Mary K. lived in Dalhart where they began a long farming and ranching career. In 1977, they and their son, Ted bought a ranch at Pinedale, Wyoming. They divided their time between ranches, and in 1983 moved to a ranch at Springfield, Colorado. She resided in Springfield until almost four years ago when she moved back to Dalhart to be closer to family. Mary K. was nicknamed "Bo-Bo" by her brother and when she became a grandmother she was then better kown as "Mombo". Mary K. was a member of the United Methodist Church in Springfield, Colorado; a volunteer and advisory board member for Baca County Hospice; and a member of the Baca County FSA Board. When Mary K. was not volunteering in the community, she spent her time as a talented artist, seamstress, interior decorator, and cooked many meals for family and ranch hands. Mary K. was also certified in handwriting analysis and most definitly a loving and giving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; Clyde and Katherine Lathem; her husband, Rusty; a son, Ted; and an infant daughter, Kathy Marlene. She is survived by a daughter, Carla (Ron) Deeds of Clayton, NM; six grandchildren: Jessica Austin (Moss Wing) of Dalhart, TX; Jenetta (Kurt) Baxter of Dumas, TX; Ronna (Kyle) McAdams of Amarillo, TX; Randi (Corby) Mackey of San Jon, NM; Cathryn (Les) Dail of Ft. Worth, TX; Christen (Kevin) Parker of Amarillo, TX; one grandson: J. T. Higgins of Mammoth Lakes, CA; twelve great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Ploog and Kelsi Wing; Kenlie and Bronson Baxter; Hallie and Hayden McAdams; Gunner, Cobi, and Tyler Mackey; Elizabeth Dail; Raylee and Cathryn Parker. She is also survived by one brother, Ed Lathem of Dalhart, TX; one sister-in-law, Anna Faye Baum of Clayton, NM; many nieces, nephews, and friends; special caregivers in Dalhart: Mark and Linda Walters, Mary Montoya, Reva Buckner, Sherry Carter, Eva Gonzales. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield United Methodist Chruch Building Project Fund, P.O. Box 193, Springfield, CO 81073 or Baca County Hospice, 373 E 10th Ave., Springfield, CO 81073. Family Tree - Author unknown In the center of life's garden A mother gently sows A special seed, a seed of love That sprouts, then grows and grows... From day to day, from year to year, She nurtures it with care, Yet, understanding of its needs, She gives it room and air... Through winters, and through summers, Through sun and rain filled hours, The seedling reaches upward, It branches, and it flowers... In the center of life's garden Grows a thing of majesty, Rooted well with mother's love - A blessed family tree!