Florence D. McConnell, a lifetime Stratton Colorado resident, passed away in her home on September 6, 2023 at the age of 86.
Florence, aka Denise, was born in her grandmother’s adobe home south of Stratton in January 1937 to Elvin F. and Lois I. Wilson. She attended country schools until seventh grade and graduated from Stratton High School in 1955. She met her future husband Jim on her family’s farm and married him in April of 1955. They celebrated 50 years of marriage and raised three children together.
Denise helped with all of the farm work, maintaining a house, working various jobs and volunteered for numerous clubs and organizations in the area. She waited tables, cooked at the schools, was a coordinator for RSVP. She was an American Legion Auxiliary member for 67 years and was in the Colorado Federation of Women’s Club for 61 years, becoming the State President for the 2003 year. There were other volunteer activities too numerous to mention. It was a rare moment where Denise was not doing something for someone else.
She liked to travel, visit friends and family, quilt, sew, play bridge, dance and cooked numerous early morning breakfasts afterwards. Denise was always fond of animals. There was never a day in her life without a pet of some kind that she enjoyed. Her and Jim enjoyed golfing, fishing, and sitting in the front yard watching the beautiful Eastern Colorado sunsets.
In the fall of 1972 Jim and Florence became big Denver Bronco fans, becoming season ticket holders for many years. They were able to attend two Super Bowls, in New Orleans and Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately the Broncos lost both games.
Denise and Jim also had an exciting international trip to Columbia to visit Patricia, an exchange student they had hosted for a year.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents, two brother in laws Glenn Edmunds and Ronnie Bill, and her husband Jim. She is survived by her sisters Barbara Edmunds and Myrna Bill, three children Raymond (Robin) McConnell, Garrett (Paula) McConnell, and Donna McConnell. Eight grandchildren, Bryan (Kristen) McConnell, Adam McConnell, Quaid George, Austin Privette, Michaela Privette, Bryen (Samantha) McConnell, Jesse (Dannette) McConnell, Charly McConnell. Eight great grandchildren. One niece Debora (Chris Bianco) Wilson, one nephew Jerry Bill, Uncle Lou, numerous cousins and many friends.
Memorial Contributions
Kit Carson County Ambulance
or
Parke Health Centers Visiting Nurse Service
