August 20, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska

 

June 18, 2009 in Aurora, Colorado

 

Colene Ann Adams, 59, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2009, at The Denver Hospice in Aurora, Colorado. Colene was born August 20, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Gerald A. English and Evelyn A. English (nee Hledik). 

 

In 1956, Colene and her family moved to Hay Springs, Nebraska. There she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Francis Fraser. She grew up with two older brothers, Allen and Gary, and a younger sister, Loretta.

 

Colene attended Hay Springs High School and graduated in 1967. That summer her family moved to Rushville, where she was employed at the Wefso Drugstore.  However, it was in high school where she met Steven D. Adams, and after knowing one another their first three years of high school, the two dated their senior year. The couple continued to date after high school and finally engaged on December 24, 1968; they were married on February 23, 1969. On July 27, 1969, the newlyweds celebrated the birth of their first and only child, Mark.

 

In 1970, Colene, her husband Steven Adams, and their son Mark, moved from Nebraska to Denver, Colorado. Over the course of the next five years, the family of three moved around the Denver metropolitan area before buying a house and settling down in Aurora, Colorado. There the three lived until Colene and Steve divorced in 1981. Soon thereafter, Colene opened the next chapter in her life when she began a relationship with Allan Willits, a relationship that would bring her much joy and happiness throughout the remainder of her life. Colene and Allan both worked for Safeway and over the course of the next 31 years they would change from store to store in the Denver metropolitan area all the while meeting and making new friends, relationships that continue to this day.  She was a variety manager and was known by her coworkers for her meticulous stocking abilities and attention to detail. In 1984, Colene and Allan bought a new house in Aurora, a home that she would live in for the rest of her life. 

 

In her years, Colene was known for many things. One of the biggest was her cooking and baking. Most may think she loved to be in the kitchen because of the many things she would make and give to various family and friends. However, the truth is she did not love the kitchen, but she loved seeing others take pleasure in the foods and treats she made. She truly loved seeing others smile when they bit into a hocus-pocus bun, or savor the flavor of a bowl of potato and broccoli soup. Colene was also known for decorated and well-manicured nails. Mostly, she never spoiled herself, but she enjoyed having her nails done and usually with some decorations to celebrate the approaching holiday whatever the holiday may be. Colene also enjoyed collecting certain things, a passion given to her by her mother. Over the years, Colene dabbled in collecting various objects, such as Happy Meal toys, Barbie dolls, musical carousels, etc, but it was her love and fondness of Occupied Japan figurines and ceramics that most knew her for. 

Family celebrations were especially important to Colene. Memorable Christmases and the Fourth of July were enjoyed every year with family and friends.  Colene certainly had a passion for decorating which was always evident during Fourth of July celebrations at her sister’s farm in Nebraska and on the Christmas presents, each personalized for the intended recipient. 

 

Late in her life, Colene discovered a new enjoyment for traveling. Colene and Allan took pleasure in visiting her brother in Evansville, Indiana; they also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada. Her most valued trip was a Caribbean Cruise she went on in 2008.

 

Colene is survived by her husband, Allan Willits, Aurora, CO; her son, Mark S. Adams, Colorado Springs, CO; step daughter, Rachel Willits, Denver, CO; brothers and sister-in-laws, Allen and Jan English, Colorado Springs, CO; Gary and Lynn English, Evansville, IN; sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Alan Roland, Hemingford, NE; stepbrother, Frank and Rose Fraser, Glenwood Springs, CO; two grandchildren, Taylor Adams and Zachary Adams; nephews, Jerry English, Brandon Roland, and Michael Smith; nieces, Betsy English, Ashley Roland, Megan Roland, and Angela Smith; special friend, Ursula Gurule; and countless other family and friends whose lives she touched. 

 

Colene was preceded in death by her parents.