Claudia Mae (Whitson) Holgate

Claudia ""Mazie"" Holgate, 95, of Farmington, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, in Farmington. She was born in Breen, Colo. on Feb. 24, 1921, to John E. Whitson and Laura Daphne Baird. She grew up in Colorado and attended school there. She married her childhood sweetheart, W. Leon Holgate in 1938 and they enjoyed 62 years together until his passing in 2000. They lived in Los Angeles, Calif., until after World War II. In 1946, they moved to Fort Lewis College at the Hesperus Campus. Leon worked in the Agronomy Department and Mazie taught in the College Elementary Demonstration School. They then moved to Farmington where Leon was employed by El Paso Natural Gas Co. and Mazie taught school for 29 years. After retiring they traveled each summer and spent 16 winters in the Imperial Valley in California. Mazie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different callings. She was also a member and past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Tau Chapter. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, gardening, and growing African Violets. She also quilted, tatted, and made cards. She was a letter writer and kept in touch with many people over the years. Most of all, she enjoyed her many friends and family. Mazie was preceded in death by her husband, W. Leon Holgate; her parents, John E. Whitson and Laura Daphne Baird; three sisters, Ilee and Lurlene Whitson and Jackie Sturdevant; and a granddaughter, Katia Bloomfield. She is survived by her daughter, Merilee (Gary) Bloomfield of Kirtland; son, Jim (Dianne) Holgate of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Kailee (Cory) James, Nick (Sunshine) Bloomfield, Noel (Dustin) Parsons, Aurora (Lenny) McKenzie, Lisette (Robert) Hanson, Aubry (Jaran) Richards, and Stevie Holgate; seven great-grandchildren, Tanner and Aiden James, Katie, Jamie, Corbin, and Macy Parsons, and Mearon McKenzie; and numerous nieces and nephews who were like sons and daughters to her. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Joseph Pope and the staff of Beehive Home #2 for their care and concern during her decline. Also to her many friends and family who visited, called, wrote letters and sent cards. We will be forever appreciative. A family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington and another visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Knudsen chapel), 1310 E. 25th St. in Farmington. The casket will be closed. A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at the Kline Colo. cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688