Colleen Atkins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Atkins, age 85 of Chehalis, Washington. She passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. She was fondly called Coke by friends and family and Grandma Coke by her beloved grandchildren. She was the strength and heart of the family.

Colleen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1939 to Rex and Myra McConnell. Her early years were spent with her family in Utah and California before eventually settling in Western Washington. She attended elementary school in Dunsmuir, California and Toledo, Washington. The family finally settled in Onalaska, Washington where she finished her schooling, graduating from Onalaska High School in 1957. She continued on to work as a bank teller in downtown Chehalis for several years.

Coke met the love of her life, Les Atkins at his grandmother’s house. She was visiting with her best friend (his cousin) and he was napping on the couch. Thus began an incredible love story. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in 1960 in Chehalis, Washington. Coke and Les couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children Shawn, Shannon and Stephanie meant everything to them. They raised their children on the small family farm south of Chehalis.

Her favorite role was that as a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Grandma Coke, always available to rock in the rocking chair, read a book, and search for some kind of snack in the kitchen.

Colleen was known by her family and friends as a warm, kind and generous soul. She loved flying and taking the window seat. She was known for her dill pickles and made the best wild blackberry pie. Every summer she was busy tending the garden, canning vegetables and making jam. She also volunteered for years at the SW Washington Fair, clerking for the 4H/FFA Market Sale. She was a voracious reader that passed her love of books down to her children and grandchildren. She loved going to book club with “the ladies” and watching British television mysteries. Her love of family led to her interest in genealogy, where she was able to trace some ancestors to the late 16th century.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents Rex McConnell and Myra (Whimpey) McConnell, and brothers Larry McConnell, Lee Roy McConnell, and Ross Wilson.

She is survived by her children Shawn (Vicki) Atkins, Shannon (Pat) Sauter, and Stephanie (Mark) Yeager, Grandchildren John Sauter, Michelle Sauter, Jake Longanecker and Julie Sauter, great-grandchildren Axtyn Sauter, Kenidee Sauter, and Kaycie Sauter-Smith, sister in law Theresa Hettler, sister in law Kay Rozmyn and nieces Tammy Schwender and Renea Freeman, nephews Ron McConnell, Steve McConnell and many relatives in Utah and Wyoming.

Her celebration of life is 11 am, January 22 at Sticklin Memorial in Centralia, Washington with graveside service at Alpha Cemetery in Onalaska, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Southwest WA Fair Association at 747 Koontz Rd, Chehalis, WA