Margaret “Peggy” Lavina Hardin passed gently away in her home on July 12. She was born to Margaret and John Hobby on January 5, 1942, in Cañon City. She grew up on the family ranch in Rosita, Colorado, and graduated from Custer County High School in 1960.
In 1960, she also married her lifetime partner, Frank Hardin. They spent nearly every day together for the last 64 years. Peggy was a deep-rooted resident of Custer County, with only brief stays in Maine, while Frank was in the Air Force, and a short time in Cañon City. In 1976, they built their home in Wetmore, where she spent the rest of her life. Peggy’s two sons, Darrel and Brian Hardin, were the light of her life. She enjoyed nothing more than watching them rope. She was a loving and devoted mother. Her years taking the boys to rodeos were some of her most fond memories. She held a deep love and adoration for her entire family.
Peggy had a 20-year career in the medical field. She was also a 4-H leader for many years in Fremont County. Peggy had great strength and determination. She battled cancer three different times in her life. The second of those battles left her bedridden for 10 years. Due to her strength, courage, and strong will, combined with effective therapy, she was able to walk again. Peggy is preceded in death by her eldest son, Darrel Hardin, and her parents, Margaret and John Hobby. She was also the last surviving sibling of her eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband, Frank Hardin; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Toni Hardin; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Cemetery in Cañon City. A gathering followed at the Wetmore Community Center.
