Vanita O. Hawkins

Our beloved mother Vanita O. Wright Hawkins passed away on Friday, September 11th, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was 92 years young.

Vanita O. Wright Hawkins was born December 8, 1933, in Prowers County, Colorado. She was one of six daughters born to Lester Arvine and Testa Fern (Puckett) Wright.

A true farm girl, she was raised on the family homestead located outside of Lamar, Colorado. At the age of thirteen, she assisted more on the farm and learned to rebuild tractors, plant crops and manage the animals.

Throughout her life she worked in various occupations and professions including restaurants, accounting, apartment management, forestry service, baker and a variety of home businesses.

In 1954, she married Harold Wayne Hawkins. (preceded in death). They had seven children Katherine Ray Hawkins Ross (Stanley Keith), Connie Kay Flavell (preceded in death), Floyd Jay Hawkins (Stephanie Lynn & Kathleen Ann both preceded her in death), Lorna Gay Hawkins Simpson (Lloyd Oliver both preceded in death), Gladys Faye Hawkins Masi (Frank), Elaine Mae Hawkins, Pleasant Randolph {Randy) Hawkins (Lora Lynn) and stepson Jackie Lee Hawkins. She had 27 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her sisters Juanita Arvina Haskell and Lila Aletha Jackson, she is survived by sisters Twila Agusta Jordan, Viola June Hartman (George), Lola Mae Wright.

Devoted to her church of 32 years and her church family, she served as the church secretary and was a board member of Freedom Fellowship for 30 years. Her love of the color purple was legendary and hobbies included crocheting, Pinochle, traveling, dancing, cooking and baking, as well as playing the guitar, organ and autoharp.

In lieu of flowers please send cards with a story about how you met our mom. Cards can be sent to P.O. Box 726, Fort Collins, CO 80521.