Dorotha Ellen Mathias Leck, 91, was born in Monte Vista, CO May 23, 1923 to Lurah E. and Harvey A. Mathias and died July 13, 2014 in Canon City, CO. The 10th of 11 children, she was raised on the Mathias Farms in the Sargent Community, graduated from Sargent High School in 1941 in a class of 21 students, and married W. T. (Bill) Leck in 1942 in Van Nuys, CA. Following Bill's WWII Navy service and his graduation from Colorado A&M (CSU), the couple settled in Albuquerque, NM until called home to farm with Bill's parents. They raised four children there and farmed until 1976 when they retired, still living in the house where Dorotha was born, and travelling extensively. She was always active in the community: P.T.A., Beta Sigma Phi, the Sargent Community Church, hospice, and 4-H. Dorotha was most proud of spearheading a drive to restore the chapel in the Monte Vista Cemetery with a grant from the CO State Historical Society. In 2001, they moved to Canon City, where they enjoyed golf, family, and friends. She was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of P.E.O. and a consummate lifelong learner. Dorotha is preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 66 years; her parents, and all of her siblings. She is survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 children: Barbara Tooker from Temecula, CA; Bob (wife Linda) from Canon City; Lori Hammons (husband Bill) from Washington, UT; and Ron (wife Viet) from Viet Nam. At Dorotha's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 601 Greenwood Ave., Canon City, CO 81212. Arrangements are under the care of Holt Family Funeral Home.
Published in the Canon City Daily Record on July 23, 2014.