Marsha Brandt

Marsha was born March 21, 1947, in Sou Saint Marie, Michigan. Her family moved to Colorado when she was eight years old. She grew up in and around the timber industry, spending her summers in the woods and nature. She met Jim Hunter in Waldon, CO, they married and had three boys, Terry, Steve and Brian. She had the challenging and joyful task of raising these wild and rambunctious boys. To them, the rules were pliable and subject to interpretation.

Marsha loved Arabian horses. She was a timekeeper for the Flying Heels team roping club, three nights a week in Granby, CO. Marsha loved rodeos and Pony Express Cross Country horse races. Marsha always had a special love for animals. Her home was filled with lots of chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs, dogs and horses. When Marsha had a place on Fruitland Mesa, one of the sweetest memories was watching her walk down to the mailbox. It wasn't just one or two of her animals following her-it was all of them, creating a long, little train as they followed her down the road and back. It was almost as if they knew wherever Marsha was going, they wanted to be right beside her. That simple sight captured so much of who Marsha was- someone who loved her animals deeply, and someone they trusted and loved in return. Marsha liked fast cars and big trucks. She owned a 1968 Firebird convertible ragtop, a 1973 Gran Torino, a 1968 Triumph TR4 convertible, a 2007 Chrysler Crossfire and the fastest of all was a 1973 Gremlin with a 360 cubic inch V-8 engine.

Marsha was a talented and creative artist who could turn almost anything into a work of art. She had a gift for painting rocks and turning them into animals. She also enjoyed cross stitching and created beautiful pieces featuring Native American designs, cowboys and clowns.

She could sew, knit and crochet as well, making most of her own dresses. Her creativity reflected who she was- someone who could find beauty and inspiration in the simplest things and share that beauty with others. Marsha had a huge collection of books that included every book written by Stephen King. Marsha was also a great cook and baker. She used to make her bread dough in five-gallon buckets and baked the most amazing cinnamon rolls in a wood burning cook stove. Marsha also loved to bowl, she was part of a bowling league for many years.

Marsha had a remarkable and varied career. She began as a secretary and bookkeeper for the Courthouse in Granby and in Hot Sulphur Springs. She also worked as an aide in home health care, where her caring nature allowed her to make a difference in the lives of others. Marsha broke barriers when she became the first female police officer in Aspen, a remarkable accomplishment that reflected her strength, courage and determination.

Most of all, Marsha loved Jesus. Her faith was at the very heart of who she was. She often marveled at the fact that the wisdom, grace and mercy were of God and at the beautiful truth that these qualities were embodied in Jesus Christ a man.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Curry and Doris Brandt. She is survived by her three sons, Terry, Steve and Brian, one brother, Perry, and two sisters Cindy and Debbie. As well as seven grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.