LaHoma Edythe Robinson, daughter of Bob and Annie (McArthur) Dodge was born July 16, 1926, at the home of her Aunt Ada Samaniego in Granada, Colorado. She was a tiny but beautiful, bright-eyed and energetic 4 ½ pound baby girl. Perhaps this start in life gave her the determination to become what she was: petite, determined, bright and always beautiful. With some old fashioned, tender loving care, from her name sake cousin LaHoma, Aunt Ada and Mother Annie, she was nursed into a strong, healthy beautiful baby. After a week Bob came and took his family back to the ranch at Cottonwood. She thrived in the beautiful setting in the canyons. LaHoma was daddy's little cowgirl and started riding before she could walk. She was happiest when she was with her dad and on a horse. Her father rodeoed at this time; family and horses were the center of most activities at Cottonwood. Oh those Dodge girls, what one didn't think of the others did, they were a lively group full of fun and laughter. LaHoma had two sisters, Norma Jean, who was older and Barbara Ann, the youngest. Uncle Brother McArthur and Aunt Lavender lived close by and when Alma Ann was born in 1938, the Dodge girls were so happy. The girls were all so close and it was a grand life. LaHoma attended country school through 8th grade. Education was important to her family and LaHoma loved school. To get the girls to school Bob came up with a plan for transportation that included the bus driver living with the Dodge Family. According to LaHoma, "they left for school in the dark and returned home in the dark." LaHoma graduated from Kim High School in 1944 when the war was at its peak. Life became about improvising and shortages. They lived without tires, gas and most basics. At nineteen LaHoma's uncle, Earl Goodwin, helped her get her first job at the Pueblo Army Depot. She was a natural typist and passed the Civil Service Test with flying colors. She typed, became a guardette and radio operator. Can't you just see her chauffeuring captains, guarding gates and running the radio? She remembered announcing President Roosevelt's death – crying as she shared the sad news with her listeners. LaHoma was living in the city and she loved to shop. She wore size 3 ½ shoes and could wear sample shoes; she could get these tiny shoes without stamps. Her love of shoes probably started then. We all remember her coordinated outfits, matching jewelry and matching shoes. But when in doubt wear silver or gold shoes.

The war ended and LaHoma returned to the ranch. She moved to Springfield to find work and worked at both drug stores, Homshur Abstract and at the County Agent Office. Then in 1945 Warren came home. They went on their first date to a dance in Lamar – it was love at first sight or at least love after the first date. They had a two year courtship and were married August 8, 1947, in Clayton, New Mexico. What a love story they had! They were a perfect match and you rarely spoke one name without mentioning the other. They came back and started the truck line "Robinson Transfer" and hauled freight, cattle and whatever needed hauling from Lamar and all over Baca County. After four years it was time for a change. Warren was tired and the money offered was good so they sold the trucking company and they were off on a new adventure. Fate led them to horse racing. By chance they met some people who were looking for "groomsmen". LaHoma and Warren loved horses. They raced and travelled through Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Ohio. After three years of racing and working in stables in Oklahoma, Kentucky and Colorado, they headed back to Baca County. They bought their home on South 7th Street and were home to stay. LaHoma started working for the USDA in 1956 and stayed there for 30 years, retiring in 1980. Warren went to work for Morris Chevrolet and later Key Chevrolet. He was a great salesman and they won many trips. They enjoyed travelling and went to Las Vegas often, as well as, the Bahamas, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Acapulco. During these years they also were involved in auctioneering. Warren auctioneered and LaHoma was by his side managing.

LaHoma is preceded in death by her beloved husband Warren, father Bob Dodge, mother Annie, two sisters Norma Jean Freested and Barbara Ann Weeks.

LaHoma will be remembered by her five nieces, Judi Swahn, Karen Freested, Jan Freested, Denise Simmons and Dana Held, her cousins Alma Ann McArthur, Myrl Goodwin and all those Dodge cousins.

LaHoma's many friends were like family to her and she will be remembered and missed dearly by all of us. She was always there to care and comfort us with her great cooking, warm hugs and that easy smile. Whenever we get together there will always be a Warren and LaHoma story to share.