Emma Shock

Posted

2021/10/obituary-shock.jpg

Emma Shock was born Nov. 28, 1925, in Tiffany to John Carlson and Anna (Liese) Carlson. She entered the gates of heaven on Oct. 18. In 1946, she married Lawrence Shock and they started farming in Allison. Soon they added three daughters — Darlene, Jeannie and Sherry — to their family. The marriage lasted 61 years until Lawrence passed in 2007. 

She attended schools in Ignacio and graduated from Ignacio High School. Playing basketball and academics kept her busy in high school. After graduation, she taught school in the Tiffany area when there was a shortage of teachers, even though she was younger than some of her students. She was a success and found her love of teaching at an early age. 

In 1956, Emma was named Homemaker of the Year for Southwestern Colorado and was honored in Pueblo. She started at Allison school as the cook and when the school was closed, she transferred to the Ignacio schools. While still working, she began taking college courses and in 1977, went full time to Fort Lewis College, where she graduated with a teaching degree, and began teaching in the Ignacio schools. Upon retiring from teaching, she tutored for SUCAP. She made many friends among her fellow teachers and she always held her students in a special place. 

Emma was a member of the National Grange for over 70 years. She added 4-H to her involvement, becoming a local leader, a member of the state leaders group, fair superintendent and traveled to many national meetings. She enjoyed almost 70 years of 4-H involvement. She chaperoned many 4-H trips throughout the United States, where she met many leaders whom she held as friends throughout her life. 

Emma was very involved in the church activities, and was always willing to give her time to others that needed help. She was always a friend that wanted to be there for others in need or to celebrate their wins. You could find her at ball games, concerts, plays and activities with her grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence. Surviving is her brother, John Carlson; her children: Darlene (Steve) Wylie, Jeannie (Del) Benson and Sherry (Dick) Schutz. Grandchildren: Rhonda (Tony) Beam, Justin (Angela) Wylie, Scott (Zenda) Wylie, Travis (Kristen) Benson, Shelby (Dane) Stratton, Jason (Megan) Schutz, Craig (Casey) Schutz, and Casey (Bree) Schutz, plus 16 great-grandchildren. 

She loved life and was always ready to visit neighbors, lend an ear or bake a meal. She will be missed by all of us.