Patsy Ruth “Dolly” Hauge

Patsy Ruth “Dolly” Hauge (nee Grooms) 1943 - 2022

Patsy Ruth Hauge (nee Grooms), or "Dolly" as she was known to friends and family, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 24, 2022. She was 79 years of age. She is survived by her brother Bob Grooms, and her children, Brad Ray, Richard Pearse, Laura Kiernan, Sarah Tucker, Stephanie Zingg, and Rachel Pearse, in addition to six grandchildren.

Dolly was born August 20, 1943, the fifth child to Ruth and Thomas Jefferson, T.J. Grooms. She was the youngest child to them, following baby boy Grooms, Kenny, Tom and Bob. Her brothers baby boy Grooms, Kenny and Tom preceded her in passing.

She grew up in Lathrop Missouri as part of a farming family and community. As a child she participated yearly in the 4H Club, raising a prize-winning calf for sale at the fair each year.

1961 Dolly attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville and became a Tri-Sigma sorority sister. There she met Wendell Ray, who went on to become her husband in 1962. They moved to Colorado soon thereafter, and had their first child, Bradley Scott Ray in 1963.

In 1969, Dolly married John R. "Dick" Pearse. Later that year, she gave birth to twins Richard and Laura. Those children were soon joined by sister Sarah in 1970, and then twin sisters Stephanie and Rachel in 1972.

Dolly had two passions in mid-life; bridge and Elvis Presley. Dolly was proud to become an American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Sapphire Diamond Life Master in her fifties, and spent many an evening or weekend at the bridge club with her friends. During the 70's she became a huge Elvis fan as well, but never got to see the King perform live, one of her most sincere regrets.

In 1995 she married Geir Hauge, whom she met through bridge as well. They remained married until Geir's untimely passing in 2010.

Late in life she took to international travel; visiting some of the great cultural sites of Europe, throughout Italy and France in particular. She also enjoyed international visits to India, and with her husband Geir's family in Norway and her son Richard's family in Australia.

While her mobility and ability to travel were limited by health conditions during her seventies, she remained a strong, vital and loving force in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Her friends and family mourn her as a much beloved grandmother, mother, sister and friend. She was a woman of faith and we pray that she is at peace now, surrounded by the light and love of those who have preceded her into the eternal.

Although Dolly loved Calla lilies, the family ask that charitable contributions in lieu of flowers be made on Dolly's behalf to the American Lung Association (ALA).

A memorial is being planned currently for her friends and relations in Denver. No venue or date has been finalized yet.

Dolly's remains will be interred with those of her husband Geir, and near her extended family at Frazier Cemetery in Buchanan County Missouri at a date yet to be determined in 2023.