Longtime Nevadan Broadbent dies at 98

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 | 9:23 a.m.

Hope Gaufin Broadbent, a pioneering Nevada businesswoman and the mother of former Clark County Commissioner and Aviation Director Bob Broadbent, died Thursday in Boulder City. She was 98.

For more than 45 years Hope Broadbent co-owned and operated Steptoe Drug in Ely, the oldest licensed pharmacy in the state, now owned by her nephew, Art Olsen.

Broadbent's son helped write Boulder City's charter, was the town's first mayor, served as county commissioner from 1968 to 1980 and was assistant secretary for water and science under President Ronald Reagan. Robert N. "Bob" Broadbent also served as Clark County Director of Aviation from 1987-97.

Born March 19, 1903, in West Jordan, Utah, Hope Broadbent was a Phi Kappa Phi graduate of the University of Utah in 1923 and was a teacher at West Jordan High in Sandy, Utah.

In 1925 she moved to Ely, where she was long active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in the Relief Society women's organization.

In addition to her son of Boulder City, she is survived by a daughter, Susan Siri of Reno; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

A private service was held Saturday in Boulder City. Burial was in Ely. Palm Mortuary handled arrangements.

The family said donations can be made in Broadbent's memory to the Homestead, 1401 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City, NV 89005, or to Home Health Care in Ely.