Fern Louise Colebank (Stewart)

Fern Louise Colebank passed away in Montrose Colorado on February 13, 2018 after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Fern was born to Raymond & Lena Stewart on March 31, 1933 in Williston, ND. She was the oldest of three children. She graduated with honors from Williston High School & Minot State Teacher’s College which allowed her to teach grades 1-8 in a one room school house. Fern married Raymond Colebank December 30, 1952. They moved to Denver in 1957 and adopted 2 children – Patricia and David to complete their family. Fern taught school for over 40 years at all levels including principal. She received her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in special education from the University of Denver. After retiring from full time teaching, Fern did volunteer teaching of students at a boy’s detention center which she greatly enjoyed. Ray and Fern then moved to Montrose, CO where Fern volunteered with CASA. After beating breast cancer, Fern decided to quit teaching and enjoy life on the golf course, at the bowling alley and at the bridge table. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorothy Hansen, bother Robert Stewart and half-sister JoAnne Erkert. She is survived by her husband, 2 children, 1 granddaughter Melissa Colebank, a step mother Blanche Stewart, 4 half siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. There was a cremation. A memorial service will be held March 24, 2018 at Montrose Methodist Church 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hope West Hospice in Montrose Co. Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose is assisting the family.