Clarice Colleen Rust

Colleen passed away Monday May 3, 2021 due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. She was living in Marysville, Washington, at the time in April House, an adult family home.
Colleen was born Feb. 18, 1934, to Delbert and Eunice Thompson in the small town of Wauneta, Nebraska. From early on, she preferred the name Colleen to her first name, Clarice. Throughout her life, friends and family called her Colleen, Colleenie, Col, CeCe, Grandma, GG, and a host of other nicknames. Colleen spent her early life in Wauneta, graduating from high school there before leaving for Colorado Women’s College in Denver. In college, she discovered an interest in music, learning to play the drums.
It was while in college that Colleen met and married Lt. Blaine Rust, USAF, with whom she raised three children. The family lived in many wonderful locations, including Montana, California, Louisiana, and Colorado. Colleen and family moved to the Monument, Colorado, area in 1970 when Blaine retired from the Air Force. Unbeknownst to her, her college roommate, Sally Yates, was also living in Monument. The two of them went into business together, founding Crows Nest Crafts. They sold their art at boutiques and art fairs all over Colorado.
Colleen later worked as a travel consultant in Monument and the Colorado Springs area for many years. She often commented how lucky she was to be able to travel as part of her job. She visited every continent, but had a fondness for France (the wine!) and Italy (the food!).
Throughout her life, Colleen enjoyed creative endeavours, including watercolor painting, flower arranging, interior design, oil painting, knitting, sewing and needlepoint.
Her friends and family thought the world of her, and she of them. Long-time friend Toni Grant said “we shared awesome memories over many decades. I will especially miss her humor and her laughter.” Dottie Simmons, another dear friend, called her a “fabulous woman.”
Colleen is survived by her children: Terry Rust (Jane) of White Rock, New Mexico, Dr. Michael Rust (Kathy) of Snohomish, Washington and Nancy Weaver (Greg Murphy) of Dayton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Vicki Mirandon of Del Mar, California; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. A private celebration of life will occur later this year. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s Foundation in lieu of flowers is requested.