Colleen J. Atherton

Colleen J. Atherton

March 6, 1927 -April 13, 2012

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Colleen J. Atherton, 85, of Lincoln, died Friday, April 13, 2012.

Born March 6, 1927, in Allen Township, Michigan, to Ralph Kenneth and Florabelle (Richardson) Duryea, Colleen was a current member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and as a pastor's wife, was a member of several churches during her 61 years in Nebraska. She was a member of Junior Farm Bureau in Hillsdale, Michigan, and attended nurses training at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

Colleen was a part of the United Methodist Women as well as a resident of the Legacy Terrace. She was a renowned cook and her specialty was toffee and pie. She was an artist who owned a stained glass shop, made jewelry, pottery and enjoyed gardening. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and had a profound influence on their lives.

Family members include daughter and son-in-law, Lynn (David) Lux, Lincoln; sons and daughters-in-law, Lee (Roseanne) Atherton, Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Paul (Gina) Atherton, Port Charlotte, Florida; grandchildren, Josh, Christopher, Aaron, Lisa, Emily, Caleb, Mariah; brothers and spouses Art (Janice) Duryea, Kenneth (Elinor) Duryea; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband Reverend Richard E. Atherton, and parents.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street. Interment will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Culbertson Cemetery in Culbertson, Nebraska. Visitation will be at Roper and Sons on Tuesday, April 17, from 2-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials to be sent to church of donor's choice.

Arrangements by Roper and Sons Funeral Services of Lincoln.

Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com.