Wilma Nadine Flowers

WILMA NADINE FLOWERS

On a homestead north of Narraguinip Lake in Lewis, Colorado. Wilma Nadine Cothern was born March 13, 1933. To Loyd and Nannie Cothern. Wilma was the 2nd child of 6 born to this union. The only daughter along with 5 brothers. Rendal, Jack, Eldred, Joe and Dean. All born at the Homestead. Wilma grew up helping the family on the dry land farm. Raising pinto beans and wheat. She helped raise a huge garden, can the food for the winter and milk 25 head of goats, milk cows and many other daily chores on the farm.

Her grade school years were at the Lewis Colorado. Along with her brothers she would walk 4 1/2 miles to school. Then walk the 4 1/2 miles home each day. In the winter when the homestead would get snowed in the kids would be schooled at home by their mother Nannie. The kids often spoke about being happy to return to school. Because Mother was very strict and didn't put up with mischief.

Wilma was very involved in 4-H. While in her younger years she walked to her 4-H meetings, and enjoyed sewing and cooking projects. She also enjoyed Home economics. Then going home and teaching Mother everything she learned in class. She always had a quilting or embroidery projects going.

Wilma placed high in her projects in 4-H. Due to the war going on was not able to attend the state fair in Pueblo, Colorado. So in the fall instead of going to state, she was able to travel to Fort Lewis College in Durango for a celebration for the ones who qualified to go to state. Traveling to Durango for this event, was the first time she had been out of Montezuma County. She was 12 years old.

Wilma always took on odd jobs, cleaning houses, ironing baby sitting for neighbors and cleaned the Methodist Church in Lewis weekly. She enjoyed helping her family and neighbors.

Wilma went to high school at the old Calkins Building in Cortez, Colorado. After completing the 10th grade, She married Melvin Flowers on May 19. 1950 in Aztec, New Mexico. Their first home was in the eastern part of Colorado in Los Animas County. In July of 1951, James Lloyd was born. Then in October of 1953 Patricia was born in La Juanta, Colorado.

Pat had problems with her immune system. Always getting pneumonia. So in 1956 the decision was made to move the family to Hayward, California. In hope Pat would do better health wise at the lower elevation. Pat's health did get better. Around October of 1958 Cotton decided he wanted to move back to the Cortez Area. To be closer to his parents at Arriola.

They purchased an acre of ground next door to his parents. In July of 1959 Linda was born. A few years later in Aug of 1964 Melva was born. The family stayed at Arriola until all the children were grown and moved to homes of their own.

Melvin "Cotton" as he was called and Wilma worked many years driving school buses for Montezuma Re-1 School district. In the early 1980's they started a portable toilet business. Also had a septic tank business until October of 1993. Wilma got a call that her parents in Black Canyon City, Arizona were needing her and Cotton to relocate to care for them in their declining health.

While in Black Canyon City, Arizona, they were involved in several organizations. The Bragging Rock Club, High Desert Park Volunteers, The Black Sheep Riding Club. Which consisted of several people with 4 wheelers touring the area. Mom was also in a ladies sewing club. It met every Wednesday afternoon for a few hours. Granddad Loyd would watch the clock and tell her "you better get ready so you can collect some gossip for us for the week". Away Mom would go to her sewing club.

Grandmother got very sick and was called to Heaven October of 1995. Granddad Loyd passed in February of 1998.

Mom and Daddy lived on their place in Black Canyon City as their health was declining. The higher elevation of Colorado effected their breathing to the point the decision was made to stay at the lower elevation. One of the hardest things for Mom, was to be away from her children and Grand children. So when the weather warmed in the summer they would go back to Cortez for a while.

In March of 2002 Pat got very ill and went to be with our Lord. A few years later in February of 2007 Cotton was also called home.

Mom was so brave. She stayed in Arizona tending to the place until May of 2017. She decided to sell the home and move in with her daughter Linda and son-in-law Joel Grauberger in Yuma, Arizona.

She enjoyed the warm weather, Planting flowers and a garden. In the winter her high light was attending The Legacy Gospel Concerts, the Gospel Jubilee, and Winterhaven Gospel jams during the week. On Sunday she looked forward to attending the Mountain View Bible Church. She became known as Momma Wilma.

In July of 2021 her son J.L. passed away and she was determined to travel one more time to Cortez to attend his services. Shortly after returning to Yuma, her health made a turn. She was put on full oxygen. July of 2022 Hospice was called in to the home. She was able to spend her remaining days in the family home.

On November 16, 2022 Wilma peacefully graduated to Heaven. To be with her Lord and Savior

Mom has had a beautiful life spreading joy and loving her family in so many ways. She was always offering a helping hand where needed. She loved gardening, canning what she had grown and she loved to sew! beautiful quilts, dresses and other projects for her family and friends.

Wilma is survived by her daughters Linda Bruce Grauberger of Yuma, Az and Melva Terry (Ronnie) of Cortez, Co. Brother Joe Cothern (Eleanor) Camdenton, MO Her Grandchildren Dawn Beck (Shane), Anthony Roybal (Mallory) of Cortez, CO. Joey Terry (Tiffany) Broken Arrow, OK , Kyle Terry (Ashleigh) Logan, UT, Angela Ritchey (Justin) of WY and Danielle Murphy (Trent) of AZ Great Grand Children Stoney Beck, Avy Jo Stockton, Alexander Northern, Neko, Nova and Pepper Shea Roybal, Ashlyn and Kaydan Anderson, Alivia, Kasey, Ashton, John and Justin Terry, Jay Ritchey, Courtney, Dancy, Riley, Raylee and Stormie great great grandchildern, Alyssia Beck, Angel and Rebal. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Wilma is preceded in Death by her husband Melvin "Cotton" Flowers, Son James LLoyd, daughter Patricia Barron, her parents Loyd and Nannie Cothern sibblings Rendal, Jack, Eldred and Dean Cothern.

Mom lived her life as honest as she could. Always telling her family about Jesus and loving each one unconditionally.

Rest in peace Momma Wilma we will miss you and your sweet smiles. Thank you for everything you taught us. You took a piece of us with you when you left. We love you so very much. God Bless You