Mary Helen Oakeley

    Mary was born in Trinidad, Colorado to Louis C. and Mary E. Rodriguez. She was the eldest of eight siblings who grew up on a farm near Barr Lake in Brighton, Colorado. Mary lived in Colorado her whole life. She worked as a mail clerk at the post office while raising her two children, John A. Rodarte, and Laura J. Garcia, who later lived in Iowa and Florida, respectively. She was so proficient at her job that she became a trainer for the AI that sorted the mail. She was a robot trainer. Mary’s nickname became “Mo” based on the initials of her first and last name. She was also loving referred to as “Grandma Mo” later on by her grandchildren.

     After retirement, Mary lived with her soulmate, Ron Ingalls, in Westminster, Colorado. Within their twenty-eight years together, Ron and Mary went on many motor-home adventures. While travelling, she enjoyed “going up the hill” to Central City and Cripple Creek to gamble or to her favorite fishing spot at Lake John in Walden. Ron and Mo enjoyed many steak dinners with their friends at The Legion.

      Mary didn’t want people to worry. She lived simply. Taking care of her lawn, watching the clouds throughout the day, playing a good game of dominoes, or getting to watch a Bronco game all brought her happiness.

     Mary is survived by her soulmate, Ron Ingalls, and her daughter, Laura Garcia; along with four grandchildren, Marc Garcia, Raphael Garcia, Jordan Garcia, and Sean Rodarte. She is preceded in death by both of her parents and her son, John Rodarte.

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