Dora ""Mickey Marshall Reast

After celebrating a joyous May Day 98th Birthday party, Mickey Reast passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2015.

Born May 1, 1917, in Middlestown , a small village in West Yorkshire, England to Harold and Bertha Marshall, Mickey began her formal education at age seven. At eleven years she declined a “grammar school” scholarship in favor of a commercial school where she studied English, French, bookkeeping and typing while taking cooking classes and playing field hockey.

At fifteen, she finished school and went to work for her Dad, in his shop. At seventeen, she owned her own store selling fancy goods as well as made all her own clothes. As her shop was in a neighboring town, Mickey learned to drive which was unusual for a girl her age. Free time she exercised with the Women’s League of Health and Beauty.

But in 1939, the start of WWII, when the shops were lost Mickey decided to join the British Women’s Auxiliary Air Force where her driving skills were recognized. Being on constant call, she drove crash and smaller ambulances, and staff cars. She drove co-workers home if they had families who suffered from the bombing and one time she even drove General Montgomery.

After the war she met the man of her dreams, John “Jack” Reast, on a blind date, also a WWII veteran. They married in 1948 and celebrated 56 anniversaries.

In 1958, Mickey, Jack, and their beloved black lab Butch immigrated to America where they lived in New Jersey and worked in New York City. Mickey worked for Citroen and Jack for General Motors.

They became US citizens with a dual British citizenship. Upon retirement in 1980, they embarked on another adventure moving to Colorado where they visited the Southwest, and many Indian reservations with Mickey as their driver. They picnicked with Yorkshire tea and biscuits in 48 states.

Ever full of spunk and life, Mickey enjoyed sharing her stories, her tea and biscuits, and her wisdom to all. She always had a part of her heart with her family around the world and her dear Yorkshire. We will miss her dearly, but hold her close to our hearts forever.

Mickey is survived by her niece Jennifer Marshall, nephew William (wife Valerie) Marshall, and Jack’s cousin Malcolm (wife Audrey) Hawkswell, as well as other special family members. Great nephews Daniel, Jacob, Piers and John. Great-nieces Zelie and Helen.

Life-long friends include Paul and Mary Avery, Joe and Laurine Mangels, and Irene----

Special thanks to Senior Helping Seniors, Pathways Hospice, healthcare professionals, friends and neighbors who provided loving care to Mickey.

A memorial will be held Friday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the Richter Cabin, 164 Poudre River Road.

Please bring a British treat and a Mickey story to share.