A Most Unusual Passage
Copyright© 2026 by J&J
Chapter 60: Epilogue
Today, you will find “A History of Eastern Colorado, 1850 to 1955,” in most universities in the United States. It is often quoted as being the most readable, reliable and concise history of this area ever written. The author? Who else, but Marcus Martel. The first college to use this history as a basis for a class was The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. Professor Emeritus Joseph Manigault taught the elective course with several presentations and discussions by the author himself. This course is still offered as an elective at the Citadel.
Marcus left us on July 14, 2013. He was 93 years old. His end came quickly doing what he loved, speaking about the history of eastern Colorado, at a symposium at Colorado State University.
Martha stayed in the old farmhouse she shared with Marcus for another two years after his death. She died peacefully, in her sleep, and discovered in bed by her son George. She was found wearing an old work shirt of Marcus’.
Elizabeth married Roger Ramie on June 13, 1994. It was a somewhat different wedding. She was escorted down the church aisle by two men, her father on the left, and Marcus Martel on her right. Although some thought it strange, given their age difference, Martha Martel was one of Elizabeth’s bridesmaids.
Elizabeth has been the guiding hand at the tiller of the school in Otis for the past thirty years. Throughout her tenure, she has somehow managed to adjust to the rapid changes in technology, insisting that her students have not only access but instruction and understanding in its use. While Harold Barney was as supportive as he promised to be, she has often had to overcome some board members’ objections to the costs involved, but she has prevailed, assuring Otis students of an outstanding education, both academically and technologically.
She may not reach the length of service Marcus accomplished, but then again, she started much later. There is no doubt though, that, like her predecessor, her students come first, each and every day.
Roger and Elizabeth have four children, two sons and two daughters. She is still the principal of Otis Junior-Senior High School. Roger still teaches and raises horses. However, both are starting to slow down somewhat, as age catches up with them.