Ilene Caster

Ilene was born in Topeka, Kansas, to George and DeVera Harris. She was preceded in death by her parents, twin brother and sister in early childhood, brother Frank Harris (2020), spouse Ralph Caster (2013), son-in-law Phillip Douthitt (2013) and daughter Terri Douthitt (2025).

Ilene graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. While working in the insurance industry, she met and married a handsome Airman stationed in Topeka. They married in 1951 at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After the service, Ralph’s employment took them to Iowa, Texas and then to Fort Collins, where they raised three daughters. Ilene was a homemaker until the girls reached middle school and high school years and then became a licensed insurance agent in Colorado. She retired in 1988 as Agent and Office Manager at Western Service Agency in Fort Collins.

Ilene enjoyed music and was a gifted pianist. In her younger years she sang at church and performed in weddings. She enjoyed playing the piano for weekly sing-a-longs at the Fort Collins Good Samaritan where she lived after becoming a widow. Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting and some needle work. But her real enjoyment was playing card games with family and friends. She also had many fond memories of the 17 years of traveling with her husband after retirement in their motorhome.

Ilene is survived by daughter, Cathy Caster, and daughter and son-in-law Debbie and John Duval; grandchildren, Katie Nelson, Scott (Lauren) Nelson, Jed (Terri) Douthitt, Thad (Heather) Douthitt, Susie (Eric) Wittrock, and Rachel (David) Reyes; and her seventeen great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life Ilene showed strength, resilience and perseverance. The family would like to recognize and give special thanks to the assisted living staff at the Fort Collins Good Samaritan Village; the Village Medical Community Care Team; and the exceptional staff at Pathways Hospice. We will always be grateful for your care and commitment to our Mom.

At Ilene’s request a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Good Samaritan Foundation or Pathways Hospice at pathways-care.org.