Obituary
Eva Joyce Rathbun Colgate

Eva Joyce Adams Rathbun Colgate, the second of three girls, was born on July 9,1929  in the Rocky Ford Hospital in Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado to Lea and Celesta Adams.  She lived there until 1931-1932 when her parents moved their family to Custer County.  A few years later the Adams bought the Willow Glen Dairy. She went to the one room Willows School House from 1-8 grades and then attended and graduated from Custer County High School in 1947.  She attended Colorado A and M College and graduated with a B.S in Vocational  Home Economics in 1952

She met William (Bill) B. Rathbun  and they were married in Madison, Wisconsin in 1954.  She gave birth to a daughter, Joan, in 1955.  They moved to Lauderdale, Minnesota, a suburb of St Paul, for Bill to complete his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota.  In 1961 they adopted a toddler, Kirk.

After many decades of marriage, they divorced.  Eva moved back to Custer County and reconnected with and married George T. Colgate.  They lived for years on the Colgate family ranch near Hillside, Colorado. Health concerns moved them to lower altitude in Canon City.  Later as a widow, she continued to live independently in Canon City.

Throughout her life she was an exceptional seamstress, homemaker, teacher, school bus driver, entrepreneur, award winning quilter, and dedicated community volunteer.

She died on January 31 at the age of 95. She is survived by her daughter, Joan and her 2 grandchildren Gillian and Travis and extended family throughout  the area.

A private immediate family only interment  is planned.