Connie Kay Vocke – September 7, 1947 – September 11, 2026

Funeral Services for Holly, Colorado resident, Connie Vocke will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2026 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, Holly, Colorado with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating. Interment will follow at the Holly Cemetery.

Visitation for Connie will be held from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the funeral home.

It is with profound sadness and grateful hearts that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable woman, Connie Kay Vocke, 79, of Holly, Colorado, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 11, 2026.  Connie was a woman of unwavering faith, extraordinary strength, generous love, and a heart that always seemed to have room for one more. She was truly an angel among us, and her presence touched countless lives. 

Connie was born in Watonga, Oklahoma, on September 7, 1947, to Madeline (Evans) Van Meter and Claude Van Meter. In 1950, Connie moved to Colorado with her parents and older sister, Peggy. Her childhood was spent in the country, where her mother was her teacher in a one room schoolhouse. Connie attended country schools until her freshman year, when she began attending Two Buttes High School. As a sophomore, she transferred to Holly High School, graduating in 1964 at the age of only 16 years old!

Following high school, Connie attended Lamar Community College, where she earned her cosmetology license. Her creativity and talent would lead to opening Cottonwood Country in Lamar and Holly. She was an accomplished florist and designer. 

On April 22, 1967, Connie married the love of her life, Loyd Vocke. Together they were blessed with three daughters: Lana Lanae, Tammy Lynn (deceased), and Shona RaNae.

Connie and Loyd began their married life and farming career at “The Ranch” north of Two Buttes. In 1973, they moved to the “Webb Place” south of Holly, where they raised their family and built a life centered around faith, family, agriculture, and community.  Connie was a true partner in every sense of the word. She was affectionately known as the “star” hired man, and there was little she could not or would not do. She drove tractors, worked cattle, drove trucks, hauled kids to countless activities, and worked alongside Loyd and her family on the farm. She was a 4-H leader and especially loved watching her girls show their animals.

Her love for agriculture and the ranching community was evident throughout her life. She was a member of the Simmental Association and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. She was honored as the Prowers County Farm Wife of the Year, a fitting recognition for a woman who gave so much of herself to her family, farm, and community. Connie was also an original member of the Board of Directors for Colorado East Bank and Trust. She later received the “Angel Among Us” award for Prowers County shortly after the Holly tornado. 

Connie was also a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was involved in church throughout her life, attending First Baptist Church in Holly and, later, worshiping with Loyd and girls at Star Community Church for many years. Later in life, Connie was one of the founders of Community Calvary Worship in Holly. Her faith was not simply something she talked about—it was something she lived.  Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith not simply through words, but through the way she treated everyone she encountered. She prayed faithfully, loved unconditionally, forgave freely, and gave generously. Her relationship with God was evident in the compassion she showed to others and in the peace and encouragement she brought into the lives of so many.

Her influence extended well beyond her immediate family. Connie always had room for one more child. Her nephews Billy Joe and Chad were loved as if they were her own, and when Buck and Rusty Sparks came along, Connie and Loyd welcomed them into their hearts and thought of them as their own grandchildren. That was Connie’s way: if you needed a place, she made room; if you needed love, she gave it; and if you needed someone in your corner, she was there. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and faithful servant of God. To those who knew her, she was much more than any title could describe. She was the heart of her family, a source of strength and comfort, and one of the most caring and selfless people anyone could ever have the privilege of knowing.

In 1991, Connie and Loyd were thrilled to welcome their first grandchild, Tanner Dean. Kelsi Jo soon followed, and then Tayte Michael. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she cherished every moment she was able to spend with them. In May of 2026, she was blessed by a great grandson, Harrison Dean. 

Her faith was tested over her life through many tragedies. Her cherished nephew, Billy Joe was killed in a car accident in 1994. Then in 1996, Connie’s beloved husband, Loyd, was tragically killed in an accident. Connie faced the unimaginable loss with the same courage and determination that had defined her entire life. She continued to operate the farm and care for the cattle on her own.  1999 was the year that tragedy struck again when the family home burned to the ground. Connie moved to Holly, but she never truly left the farm. She continued driving out to the farm every day, faithfully caring for the land and cattle until she was no longer able to do so.

Connie was also a woman who knew how to enjoy life. She treasured her many friendships and loved spending time with friends, especially when a game of Bridge was involved. She loved decorating her home and had an incredible eye for beauty, creativity, and flowers. Whether she was working on the farm, caring for her family, serving her church, arranging flowers, or simply visiting with a friend, Connie gave everything she had.

 As a mother, she taught through her example that love means putting others before yourself, being there when someone needs you, and never giving up on the people you love. As a grandmother, or NaNa as she was called by her grandkids, she was a special blessing, creating memories, offering wisdom, giving hugs, and making each grandchild feel as though they were the most important person in the world. Connie’s life was defined not by what she had, but by what she gave. She gave her time, her strength, her faith, her talents, her home, and most of all, her love. 

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue through the many lives she touched. The lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, the meals she shared, the hands she held, the tears she wiped away, and the love she gave so freely will continue through her children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She had a remarkable gift for caring for people. And we all know her laugh, it was infectious. She gave this life far more than she ever asked from it. 

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Claude Van Meter; her mother, Madeline Van Meter; an infant brother; her infant daughter, Tammy Lynn; her adored nephew, Billy Joe Sparks; her beloved husband, Loyd Vocke; her best friend and sister, Peggy Sparks; brother-in-law, Bill Sparks; uncle, Ben Evans; and aunt, Ruby Evans.

She is survived by her daughters, Lana Lanae (Chet) Arnold and Shona RaNae (Mike) Page; her grandchildren, Tanner Dean Page, Kelsi Jo Cullimore (Drew), and Tayte Michael Page; great grandson, Harrison Dean Cullimore; nephew, Chad Sparks (Janet); great nephews, Ben, Rusty and Clayton Sparks; along with extended family and countless friends whose lives were made better simply because Connie was in them.

Her life was a gift. She was, in every sense, “an angel among us.”

And while those who loved her will miss her dearly, they can find comfort knowing that the faith she lived every day has finally carried her home.

Until we meet again, Mom, NaNa and Connie, we love you, and we will carry you in our hearts forever.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holly Fire and Ambulance or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Valley Funeral & Cremation, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado 81052.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.valleyfuneralcremation.com.