Margaret E. Howey, 97, an almost life-long Valley resident, died in Alamosa on June 12, 2016.

She was born in Hays, Kansas, in 1919, to Charles W. and Charlotte Reuter Dorney. She attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and received a Bachelor degree in Mathematics, then attended graduate school at UCLA in Meteorology. She then did research work for the Weather Bureau in Washington, D.C. where she was the first female meteorologist in the US. Following that she taught aviation weather to pilots in training in Sweetwater, Texas, during World War II. She herself was an early woman pilot, keeping her license for fifty years. She served in the Civil Air Patrol.

She married Vern Howey in Monte Vista March 21, 1944 when he was on leave from the U.S. Navy overseas duty. Marge was very active in volunteer work. She was a certified Braille transcriber; served on the Saguache County library board; performed many years of service at her church, for the American Cancer Society, and the VFW auxiliary. She loved rural life and especially helping with the sheep. Marge was very grateful for the life she loved.

Her parents, husband, sister Charlene Kaiser, and brother Bill Dorney preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children, Dianne (Jeff) Goldman of Denver, Chuck (Jeanette) Howey and Charlotte Howey of Center; her grandchildren, Jessica (Adam) Heinicke of San Diego, Elizabeth Howey of Bayfield, Megan (Vick) Komar of Denver, and Robinson and Reese Goldman of Denver, one great grandchild, Halle Loveday, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday June 16, 2016 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Monte Vista followed by burial in the Monte Vista Cemetery. Please visit www.rogersfunerals.com to express condolences to the family. Contributions are suggested to the Arthritis Association or to the charity of your choice and may be made in care of the funeral home office.

Arrangements are being made by Rogers Mortuary of Monte Vista.