Mary Lou Hoppe

Mary married Vernon Watson in October of 1950. Mary dropped out of high school to become a wife and mother. They had three children... Costa, Larry, and Vernetta. In their early marriage, Mary and Vernon traveled to different job sites around Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. They finally tired of traveling life and settled their family in Mack, Colorado. In October of 1963 Vernon was killed in a motorcycle accident. Having a strong work ethic and three young children depending on her, Mary sold the house in Mack, finished her high school diploma, and graduated from the first stenographic class offered at Mesa College. She was then hired as the office attendant at Fruita Junior / Senior High School, where she worked for the next few years.

In May of 1970, Mary married Frank Hoppe. He was a truck driver and together they spent many years moving job sites and working road construction. At many of the job sites Mary worked as a flagger and even drove a dump truck for a time. Mary also worked as an office assistant in many of the towns they moved to.

No matter where she moved, Mary would find a church to attend. She loved Jesus and lead many Bible studies. She was out-going and made friends everywhere she went. Many of these people remained her friends for life. Mary was a fierce prayer warrior and prayed for family and friends daily. If you crossed Mary's path you can be assured you have been prayed for.

In addition to her parents, siblings and both husbands, Mary is preceded in death by daughter (Costa Bourg), son-in-law (Rich Bourg), great-granddaughter (Jacinda Bourg) and great-grandson (Garrett Abbott). She is survived by her son (Larry Watson), daughter (Vernetta Edwards), six grandkids, sixteen great-grandkids and six great-great grandkids.

A memorial service for Mary will be held on August 19, 2026 at 10:00 am at Martin's Mortuary, 550 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.