Mary Darlene Ham

Mary “Darlene” (Potter) Ham was born in Benkelman, Nebraska on February 16th, 1932, to Mary Rita (O’Brien) and Floyd Emmett Potter.  She entered Heaven’s Gates on Saturday, January 26th, 2019.

Darlene moved to the community of Haxtun, Colorado at age 2. Living on a farm and attending school. She loved horses, competing at fairs and riding her horse in parades. In High School she was a member of the Haxtun Fightin’ Bulldog band and was a Majorette, with that band winning the coveted Colorado University Band Days in Denver.                                               

Darlene faced significant adversity early on as her mother died when she was only 16, followed by her youngest brother passing away at the age of 9. This left her, with local family help, to raise herself along with caring for her brother Ted. In her new role she blossomed into an amazing woman full of strength and determination. She developed a sense of kindness and compassion that she carried throughout the remainder of her life.      

While a Senior in Haxtun High School, she met the love of her life, Lyle Rodney Ham.  She and Lyle were married on August 20th, 1950. The two of them were quintessential soulmates for 59 years until Lyle’s passing on January 26th, 2010. Their relationship was a true partnership with adventure and devotion. Ultimately, her life was an example to be followed by all her children and grandchildren.

Darlene and Lyle set out to create a loving family and successful business. She kept the books of the Farm/Ranch and threw herself into the raising of her three children. She loved her children fiercely. She continued to love listening to music all her life, and each day she played beautiful songs on her record console while getting the children ready for school. She became an exceptional cook. Lucky were the custom harvesters that worked for Lyle Ham as the tailgate meals were fit for royalty. Later her family get-togethers for the holidays became legendary spreads of fabulous food. Darlene kept one of the cleanest most organized homes in the community, while considering the wind and outside dirt major enemies. She loved to garden and particularly loved her flowers. She absolutely adored creating flower arrangements. She was a talented seamstress sewing her daughter beautiful dresses and repairing the damage her boys did to their clothes. She became an avid sports fan as she attended her children’s sporting events and was very proud to see her daughter follow her footsteps both in band as well as singing.

Interestingly, Darlene was also always a discoverer of cutting edge technology. She pursued various cameras and Super 8 filming of the family events. She continuously improved her music stereo and she bought what had to be the first hand held calculator for her son. She surprised everyone one Christmas with what had to be the first ghetto blaster. New gadgets were her fascination.

Darlene was a very spiritual person embracing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Church was important to her. Doing the right thing for the right reasons were paramount in her life. These beliefs she instilled in everyone in her family.

Darlene believed in doing things with class and dignity. She felt there really wasn’t anything you couldn’t do if you put your mind to it. She was quick with words of encouragement and was spot on with her wisdom when it was needed.

In later years Darlene welcomed being a Grandmother. This she took to like a duck to water. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren. Those grandchildren knew they were loved and cherished and this gave them great strength in their lives.

She and Lyle began traveling a great deal and especially enjoyed Snow Birding to Arizona each year exploring new adventures. The two of them were pioneers for their time.

Darlene will also be remembered by many through her volunteer work at the hospital. This activity was very special to her. A particular joy for her was styling the hair for various residents.

We will miss her laughter and her endless delicious baking. We will miss her electric organ playing of “In the Mood” and “Blue Moon” while nearly rocking off of the piano bench. We will miss her ever ready ear to hear our problems and her possible caring solutions. We will miss her love.

We love you Mom. We love you Grandma. We love you Great Grandma.

Darlene is survived by her three children: Rod and his wife Patti Ham of Haxtun, Colorado. Tony and his wife Lucy Ham of Bozeman, Montana. Joni and her husband Norm Tanner of Greeley, Colorado. 

Six grandchildren and six great grandchildren:   Marcie and husband Michael Davis, with children Marshall and Macie Haxtun, CO, Tracy and wife Melyssa Ham with children Mollie and Jaymie, Haxtun, CO, Kateland and husband Chris Townley, Phoenix, AZ, Dakota and wife Kari Ham, Bozeman, MT, Kelsey and husband Andy Morgosh and child Bodie, Helena, MT and Nikolas Brown and child Ronan, Ft Collins, CO.

Brother Floyd “Ted” (Betty) Potter of Vernal, UT.  Nephew Rex (Susan) Potter and family of Vernal, UT, Nieces Dixie Lee and family of Vernal, UT, and Teri Potter and family of Vernal, UT, and numerous cousins and their families.

Preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Floyd Potter, brother Jackie Potter, husband Lyle Ham and nephew Rory Potter. 

In lieu of flowers the family has set up a memorial fund.  Mary Darlene Ham Memorial Fund and the contributions can be sent to 341 North Wayne Street,  in Haxtun, Colorado 80731.  

A funeral service was held on January 31, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Haxtun Community Center in Haxtun, Colorado.  Interment followed the service at the Haxtun Cemetery.  Pastor Jeri Soens and Father Jerry Rohr officiated the service.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.

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