"My parents John & Ann Conner came to Vernal in 1980 to meet and get to know Lynn & Colleen prior to Tamala's marriage to me. They right a way fell in love with Lynn, Colleen and Tamala. Colleen was quite the character: I lived at Vernal Lamplighter, worked hard all day, came back to the hotel and jumped into bed, only sliding in half way. That was my first introduction to short sheeting. When I came downstairs for breakfast the each time it happened, Colleen and her co-workers were in the lobby giggling and pointing at me. I learned to check my bed on the days she was working, before diving into it. Colleen really cracked me up; she always made Lynn carry her purse. She would get the biggest kick out of everyone poking fun at Lynn about it. Love you and Lynn, Justin 12/18/2020"
In loving memory of
Colleen Thomas
March 3, 1933 - December 11, 2020
FUNERAL LIVESTREAM LINK https://vimeo.com/490209898
Colleen Mordue Hollyoak Thomas passed away on December 11, 2020 at the age of 87.
Colleen was born on March 3, 1933, to Verda and Fred Mordue in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Colleen married Richard Garrett Hollyoak on November 3, 1951. He was serving his country in Korea when he was declared missing in action. His death date was declared December 31, 1953.
Colleen met her lifetime companion, Lynn Thomas, and they married January 4, 1956, in Payson, Utah. They were later sealed together for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in January. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Colleen always made sure that her family was well fed, making all of their bread from scratch every week. They raised their own meat, and she canned vegetables that they grew, and she used their home grown food to make sure that no one went hungry. She also was active in her children's schools, serving in the PTA and volunteering in other areas. When her children were grown, She went to work as head housekeeper in various hotels around Vernal, including the Antlers Hotel, the Sage Hotel, and the Lamplighter Inn. She took pride in making sure the rooms were ready for guests to enjoy.
Colleen belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served in many capacities in the Church, including music leader for Sacrament Meeting, ward organist, and other music callings.
Colleen is survived by children: Thomas Lee (Suzette) Thomas, Tamala (Justin) Conner, Terrilyn Dockery, Troy (Chalynn) Thomas, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Hollyoak, second husband Lynn Thomas, parents, sister Myrtle Bernice (infant death), and brother, John Clair Mordue, and daughter-in-law Wendy Wardle Thomas.
Services will be held Friday, December 18, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Ashley Valley Funeral Home (410 N 800 W, Vernal, Utah). Viewings will be held at Ashley Valley Funeral Home Thursday, December 17, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., and Friday morning from 9:45 - 10:45. Interment will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery. Service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/490209898.
Colleen's family would like to give special thanks to the Beehive Homes of Vernal and Naples, and Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice for their help during this time.
Tributes
"Always loved your Mom. She was always a kind, fun and giving Aunt. She was a Thomas and we lived that side of the family so much. The Roberts Family "
"Sorry for your loss!!??????prayers for you and your family "
"Colleen we wanted to thank you for the many years of smiles and joy you brought to our family In the Maeser 3rd ward. We will miss seeing you each week and the love you brought to the ward family. Thomas family. We are sorry for your loss. May you be watched over during this difficult time! "