Stella Collene Keene

Stella Collene Keene, age 93, of Lakewood, CO, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 26, 2019.

Collene was the daughter of O. P. and Minerva Ellis. She lived her childhood years in Breckenridge, MO, graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1943. After graduating, she eloped with Jack Keene to Kansas City, KS, before moving to Memphis, TN, where Jack joined the US Navy.

Jack and Collene moved to various locations depending on where Jack’s career took them and eventually they settled in Denver, CO, where they remained until Jack’s passing. Collene moved to Lakewood, CO, to be near her daughter and many friends.

Colene was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Maxine Ellis Arms, Marjorie Ellis Alborn, and Berniece Ellis Ziemann; one brother, Maxwell Ellis; and two daughters, Sharon Keene of Osborn and Joanne Keene Jackmond.

She is survived by son Jack D. Keene of Durham, NC, and daughter, Janette Keene Taylor; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Local survivors include her sister-in-law, Juanita Ellis of Hamilton, and nieces Martha Ellis of Hamilton and June Grooms of Kidder, and many other nieces and nephews.

Farewell services will be held on Saturday, March 23, in Lakewood, CO, at the Mountain Christian Church with burial to follow at Ft. Logan.