Donna Mae Hight

Donna " Dee" Mae Hight, beloved wife, mother grandmother, great grandmother, and lifelong fabric artist, passed away peacefully in Boulder, Colorado on July 15, 2025. She was born August 14, 1932 in Blackwell, Oklahoma in LLewellyn(Bill) C. McGuckin and Leo Francis Lacy. At age six , Dee moved with her family to Fort Lupton, Colorado, where she began helping in her father's pharmacy as a soda jerk, where she was eating all the profits. Her dad sat her down and had her eat ice cream until she was sick, which apparently broke her of ever really liking ice cream again.

Dee's life partner was Dave Hight, whom she met at age 15. They married on September 21, 1950 . In 1960, Dave and Dee relocated to Boulder to join Dee's father at McGuckin Hardware. After Bill McGuckin's death in 1966, Dave, Dee and their three boys , Brent, Barry and Robb, worked to nurture and grow McGuckin Hardware for many years. In the early days, Dee ensured the accounts receivable were sent out every month, while being a mother at home. This allow Dave to focus on running the store. Dee started McGuckin Clothing in the mid 1980's in a small space east of the store, which she managed for a few years. This venture reflected her love for fabric.

They began their journey in Boulder in a modest trailer on Valmont. They soon built a home on 20 acres in Sunshine Canyon, giving their three young boys room to explore and grow. She often told them to "go play in traffic"!. In 1975, they moved into town and lived in several lovely homes. The Hights asked Dee's brother, Ron McGuckin, along with his partner Doug Dugan, custom home builders , to design and construct their beloved dream home in 2002. This residence reflected Dee's creativity and warmth, with an art studio filled with fabric, craft supplies, and the many projects she lovingly created. Dee was a gifted and passionate fabric artist-self-described as a "fabricholic". She delighted in felting, weaving, dyeing, stichery, knitting, and quilting, and her work was featured in numerous invitational exhibitions for over 20 years. Her home was a testament to her talent, filled with fabric creations of every hue and texture.

Dee built lasting friendships throughout her life. In her final neighborhood, she found a close -knit community of women who celebrated birthdays and regular lunches. Even as her health declined, this cherished "girls group" continued to visit her at Frasier, offering love and companionship through every chapter. As Dee beautifully wrote

"I LOVE FABRIC!, the collecting, the making of things, and sharing. Whether it be making an art quilt, a quilt for my grandchildren or a quilt to donate, the joy is in the process. May others find joy in the sharing of my work". Dee's legacy is woven through every quilt, piece of stitchery, and heartfelt connection. She shared her creativity, dedication, and joy with everyone around her. Her vibrant spirit and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her. Dee and David shared 70 years of marriage until Dave's passing in 2021. Not a day went by when Dee didn't talk about how much she missed him. He would tell her jokes every night at dinner. They especially enjoyed their quiet evenings with their beloved dog, Jessie Lou, sitting on Dave's lap. Her home was filled with notes he had written to her throughout their years. Their love was very special and something our family greatly admired.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents. Dee is survived by her sons, Brent(Lori) Hight of Boulder, Barry (Vicki) Hight of Boulder, Robert Hight of Portland, OR, her brother Ron (Monica) McGuckin of Lyons, CO, eight grandchildren, Holly(Joel Short) Jason(Katie), Mallory Seidl(Christian)Tanner (Gloria), Kelly Frey(Conner), Whitney Buckner(Sage), Chloe Hight (Rockwell), Ellery Hight. Seven great grandchildren, Wendell Short, Everett Hight, Ada Hight, Wood Frey, Grizz Frey, Benjamin Buckner, Shepherd Buckner.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the incredible team of nurses and CNA's at Frasier Meadows Skilled Nursing. The world would truly be a better place with more "Anita's in it. Special thanks also to the compassionate hospice team at Dignity, who held our hands and hearts until the very end.

A family gathering to honor and celebrate Dee's life will be held at a future date.