Lorene Maxine Cox

Lorene was born in a tent at a sawmill in Hartshorn Missouri to John Helton and Mae Summers Helton (stepmother Lorene Helton). She attended grade school in Hartshorn, and High school in Summersville Missouri where she met her childhood sweetheart Jesse Cox. During Jesse’s deployment in WWII Lorene worked in a factory in St. Louis packing light bulbs and electric motors. After returning from the service, they were married July 15, 1946 and set off for California. The two made it to Colorado and decided this was the perfect home. Lorene and Jess built their home in Palisade in 1955 and together raised two children: James Cox (Deceased)(LeeVon) and Linda Smith (Paul). She enjoyed grandchildren: Clay Cox (Deceased), Brett Gaines (Daniel) and James Wade Cox (Victoria) with great grandchildren, Brody, Hayley and Garrett; all of Grand Junction. Lorene was blessed with sisters: Ella Mae Craft of Missouri (Deceased)(Ernie), Wanda Mead (Thomas) and Donna Farney (Gailen) of Grand Junction. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends the Kerr family.

Over her 97 years, Lorene was always busy with quilting, embroidery or crochet. She loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She enjoyed fishing in Lake Powell, Blue Mesa and summer vacationing in Alaska.

She stayed true to her humble beginning and always said since she was so old there would be no one to attend her funeral. The truth being that there are many people who deeply feel the loss of such a wonderful woman and mother. As tribute, we will enjoy some homemade ice cream along with some heartfelt stories.

Special thank you to Beehive Assisted Living and Hope West for exceptional care.

Burial is August 28, 2023, 1 pm Veterans Cemetery with 5 pm celebration of life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Cox family.