BARBARA COLLEEN ROSS-CARPENTER

Colorado Springs - Barbara Colleen Ross-Carpenter, 83, died December 21, 2014 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after a brief illness. Her husband Thaine Carpenter, was by her side. She was born on March 5, 1931 in Phillipsburg, the daughter of Claude and Inez (Barham) Runyan.

She grew up and graduated from public school in Almena in 1949. After graduation, Colleen moved to Dodge City and began working for Dr. Lewis Mock, a local optometrist, who introduced her to Robert E. (Bob) Ross in 1950. They married on October 12, 1952 and were blessed with two sons, Kenton Lee and Robyn Scott.

Together, Bob and Colleen operated Ross Heating & Plumbing in Dodge City until the mid 70's. Colleen was also part owner of Professional Eyewear during that time. She and Bob then owned and operated Rossonian Apartments and Warehouse City U-Stor-It. She was involved with the Dodge City chapter Sweet Adeline's Barbershop Chorus, and a member of the Boot Hill Belles barbershop quartet. Colleen performed as Miss Kitty in the Long Branch Variety Show.

Upon retirement, she and Bob moved to Cascade, Colorado. Bob was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1986, succumbing to the illness in 1991 at the age of 65. Colleen then married Donald Thaine Carpenter on November 9, 1994.

They moved to the Kansas City area and after Thaine's retirement, the two relocated to her beloved Colorado Springs, where they resided until her death.

She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Dodge City, where she served as children's choir director for many years.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Thaine Carpenter of Colorado Springs, Colorado; son Kenton Ross and wife Jana of Dodge City; one sister, Carol Friesen and husband Noble of Wellington, Colorado; one brother, Meredith "Mert" Runyan and wife Teresa of Kansas City; three grandchildren, Haley Ross-Ashcroft and husband Brian of Austin, Texas, Casey Ross of Los Angeles, California, and Alec Ross of Austin, Texas; two great grandchildren, Cameron Robert and Clara Marguerite Ashcroft of Austin, Texas; four step-children, Kale Carpenter and wife Julie of Topeka, Troy Carpenter of Leavenworth, Teri Carpenter-Beashore and husband Gary of Kansas City, and Kyler Carpenter of Topeka; four step grandchildren, Amber Carpenter of Leavenworth, Trevor Carpenter of Topeka, Taylor and Blake Beashore of Kansas City; one step great grandchild, Tyonna Carpenter of Leavenworth; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Donna Dellasega and Betty Jenkins; her first husband Robert E. Ross; and one son, Robyn Scott Ross.

A service celebrating Colleen's life will be held at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. A private inurnment will be at a later date. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.