Marie Erhard Obituary

Marie Wells Erhard, 82, died peacefully at her home on November 28, 2005. She was born in Berkeley, California on February 1, 1923 to John B. and Alice (Snook) Wells. Marie married Milo G. Erhard on May 25, 1946 and raised four daughters in the four countries and two states where Milo's work took them. After living in California for many years, the couple moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, built their own home, and began a custom home construction company. In 1989, Marie and Milo moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Marie was again instrumental in the design and construction of what would be their last home together before Milo passed away in 1992. After his death, she resided briefly in Prescott, Arizona and then relocated to Colorado Springs in 2001. Marie's spirit of adventure was obvious not only in the willingness with which she recreated homes in numerous places, but also in what could be called her willingness to take a dare: she was a markswoman in college, went white water rafting and gliding during middle age, went on a trip to the Amazon only a year ago after being diagnosed with lung cancer, and even more recently fulfilled a long-held dream by going to Mt. Rushmore with her friend Virginia. In addition to traveling, Marie loved to cook and incorporated traditional family recipes with favorite dishes from her travels into an enormous collection, to the great benefit of her family and friends. Other interests included politics, history, and family history. She was active in the Republican Party and thoroughly enjoyed expressing her opinion on current events. Marie had a lifelong interest in history in general, and deeply treasured stories and mementos of her own family history. She was known for her generosity to those who needed assistance and for her love of chocolate (about which she could be less than generous!). In recent years she found great comfort in her faith and in the fellowship of the Calvary Church, 917 S. 25th Street, Colorado Springs. The church will have a memorial service on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. Marie is survived by her daughters Sara Shindel of Longmont, Colorado, Marta Erhard of Colorado Springs, Anne Erhard of Saipan, MP and Teresa Erhard of Imperial Beach, California; grandchildren Shawna Sousa of Golden, Colorado, Adam Shindel of Basalt, Colorado, Chantal Ferr of Livermore, California and Bathory Erhard-Honea of Imperial Beach, California; and brother John Wells of Pasadena, California. A Memorial Service and reception will be held Friday, December 9, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Lehmberg Chapel, 420 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903-1227. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie's name to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903-3624.