Mary Ellen Hobbs

Born on April 5, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois. A graduate of Peoria's Academy of Our Lady in 1954 and St. Francis School of Nursing in 1957. In 1958, Mary Ellen moved to Denver where she served as a Registered Nurse at National Jewish, Denver General and Children's Hospital. On October 26, 1963, Mary Ellen married Fred Hobbs. She retired from her nursing career and became interested in Denver history and historical preservation and pursued volunteer work while the couple raised their three children. The volunteer activity turned into a part time business when Mrs. Hobbs and a friend formed Historic Denver Walking Tours. The two women conducted the tours through downtown Denver, Capitol Hill, and LoDo. Historic Denver Walking Tours was eventually taken over by Historic Denver, Inc. and she became an integral part of that operation. She also served as a tour guide at the historic Byers-Evans House. In the early 1980's, she served as a secretary to the director of the exhibits department of the Denver Museum of Natural History. She also held positions with the 9 Health Fair and the Denver League of Women Voters. She and her husband were board members of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., which supports the neighborhood where they have lived since 1964. Mrs. Hobbs was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred, brother Larry Rostetter of Flat Rock, NC, children Larry (Jeri) of Sacramento, CA, Jennifer (John) Shouse of Denver, CO, Fred Jr. (Terry) of Erie, CO, and five grandchildren Tanner (14), Sam (12), Julia (10), Steve (10) and Kelly (4). Visitation, Tuesday, January 19, 2-5PM, Horan & McConaty, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. Funeral Mass, Wednesday, January 20, 11AM, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4900 Montview Blvd. Burial at Fairmount Cemetery to follow at 1:30. Memorial donations may be made in Mary Ellen's name to Alzheimer's Association (Colorado Chapter) 455 Sherman St. Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203.