Grace Hoke Obituary

Grace Ion (Fowler) Hoke was a Nebraska farm girl. She was born in her aunt's house in Harrison, grew up on the family farm near Gordon, rode her pony to grade school, and graduated from Chadron High School in 1939. She owned and operated Grace's Beauty Shop in Cheyenne, WY for several years until an acquaintance from Chadron, then a Navy pilot ferrying aircraft coast to coast, telegraphed her asking her to meet him at the Cheyenne airport during a fueling stop in the middle of the night, which she did.

In June of 1944, following a short courtship, Grace boarded a train for New York City and married Ensign John David Hoke at The Little Church Around the Corner. Following WWII the couple settled in Cheyenne where two sons, John and Barry, were born. In 1951, the Wyoming Air National Guard was called to active duty and John was sent to Korea where he was killed flying a ground support mission in a P-51 aircraft. As a young widow, Grace worked to support her sons and provide opportunities for them to be educated, learn about the world around them, and become independent.

Grace lived in Casper for many years, working as a hostess or waitress in several restaurants and finally retiring as the office manager for Dr. George Phillips. She enjoyed doing many craft projects, baking cookies and collecting coins. Due to problems associated with COPD and macular degeneration Grace moved to Colorado Springs in 2003 to be near family. She lived in her own home until a few days before her death.

Grace was a devoted daughter and mother, a loving grandmother, and a true friend to many.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frank E. Fowler and Elsie Hazel (Powell) Fowler, and brothers Eugene and Joy. She is survived by sons John of Saratoga, Wyoming, and Barry (Mary) of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by grandchildren Suzanne McKenna (Steve), Michael Hoke (Emmy Betz), and Matthew Hoke, along with great-grandchildren Collin McKenna, Katherine McKenna, Thalia Hoke, and Matilda Hoke.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful Silver Key Meals-on-Wheels volunteers who brought not only nourishment, but also love and companionship into Grace's home. Grace was cared for by many dedicated and loving professionals from Star Senior Care, Pikes Peak Hospice, and The Life Care Center who are all greatly appreciated.

There will be no local service. Her ashes will be interred in Cheyenne, WY, next to her husband.