Obituary of Colleen Hazel Wells

Colleen Wells passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her home July 20, 2016. She was born July 30, 1950 in Longmont, Colorado to William and Loretta Rhoades. She grew up on the family farm east of Longmont and started school at St. Vrain Elementary, where she was usually the sole student in her class until the school consolidated with Platteville Elementary. There she met her lifelong friend Junita Johannes and graduated from Valley High School in Gilcrest in 1968. Colleen went on the attend the University of Northern Colorado where she earned her Bachelor's degree in accounting. Colleen married Richard Wells in Dec. 22,1974, in Boulder, Colorado, and they had two daughters together, Valerie Wells, born in 1977, and Kimberly Wells Smith, born 1979. After her marriage ended in 1982, Colleen and her daughters moved to Temecula, Ca. in 1986. However, she maintained close ties with her family and friends in Colorado, returning each summer for a holiday. She particularly loved Estes Park and staying at the YMCA camp there Colleen loved living in Ca. where she pursued her accounting career, and earned her master degree from Fresno State University. In 2012, she returned to Colorado for career opportunities. At the time of her death she was employed by CH2MHILL in their accounting department. Colleen enjoyed participating in marathons with her friend, Junita. She was also very close her brother, Harold Rhoades and maintained close ties with her sister, Sandra McDonnell who lives in Canada. She was involved in her church, Cherry Hills Community in Highland Ranch. Colleen is survived by her siblings, Harold Rhoades and Sandra McDonnell, her daughters, Valerie Wells and Kimberly Wells Smith, her granddaugher, Jyleah Wells, her grandson, Brandon Smith, and the newest arrival to the family, born July 19, 2016, great grandson Zander. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation to their local SPCA or Humane Society in Colleen's memory. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at Grace Chapel-Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Boulevard in Highlands Ranch. Service Information