Lola Fern Buel

Lola was born on February 21, 1929, to Fern and Lemoine Shouse, in Colwich Kansas. She had a sister Lois, that was one year older. The family lived in parts of Kansas, following ranch life and hard work. Her father Lemoine died when the girls were just nine and ten years old. Fern continued working for area ranch families and households, supporting the family with housing and life lessons. Sterling Kansas was home, and the center of growing up and school for Lola and Lois. Lola graduated from Sterling High School in 1947. She was active in band playing the French horn and was a member of the “Fab Five”, a popular group of student leaders. She worked in the local drug store soda fountain and did chores at the beauty shop. This experience served her through life, giving other people haircuts and perms.

Lola loved music, socializing, and dancing in the big band era of the 40’s. On September 6, 1947, she married Don L. Buel at the Methodist church in Sterling Kansas. He had just returned from his service in WWII. They were a smooth young couple traveling through Kansas chasing his oil field work. She often spoke of their “Tiny trailer” they lived in when baby Kathy was born in 1948. Then followed by Rich being born in 1950. Work led them to settle in Greeley in 1953 where Ted was born. Don continued to travel regularly, but they purchased a new home in the Hillside neighborhood and Nancy was born in 1956. The Hillside house was home for the next 60 years or so. The yard was immaculate, and Lola was known for its beautiful backyard surrounded by flowers and plants of all varieties, staged to bloom at the right intervals and seasons. She loved flowers. The family can tell stories of the Hillside neighborhood, and activities at 2509 14th Ave Ct. for hours, if you ask.

Lola was creative, a skilled seamstress, knitter, could crochet, and excelled at flower arrangements. In the fall we collected thistle, milk weeds, and cat tails so she could make arrangements that were spray painted gold. A favorite to sell at the church bazaar. Her cooking highlights were Sunday fried chicken, meatloaf, cherry pie, and Saturday hamburgers and popcorn. She was creative with a budget of $50 to feed a family of 6.

The family was always active in the First United Methodist Church. Lola and Don had leadership roles and Lola was responsible for weekly alter flowers. Lola spent many years assisting Don at the downtown Real Estate office. She worked at the Denver Dry Co., and the Weld County Planning Commission for several years. In 1970 they transitioned to a career with Lubrication Engineers. Don was the area salesman, and Lola manned the home office for calls and deliveries. They traveled to many “Sales Meetings” and became friends with other couples from the company.

Grandpa Don passed away in 1993 after a struggle with congestive heart failure. Lola was a faithful caregiver. After his passing, Lola’s painting flourished. She was active with the Greeley Art Association, entered her work in shows for judging, displayed in several galleries, made sales and special orders from folks that love her work. Her artwork was fulfilling in her life. She saw detail in everything and could express it in her painting.

“Grandma Lola” is another character that Lola became. Grandkids Casey, Katie, Kyle, Allison, and Denise were special to her. She played all types of games, loved Rumikub, Fox and Hound cards, promoted drawing and painting, sewed pajamas, baked cookies, loved swimming, and made them laugh. She was always proud of kids and grandkids.

Lola had spicy humor, quiet sarcasm, and deep thoughtful caring for others, especially her family.

Lola passed away December 3, 2025. She has gone to Heaven with Jesus and joined her friends and family that have passed before. Deceased family includes her parents, sister Lois, husband Don Buel, special daughter Kathy Duffy, and son Ted Buel. Surviving family are Rich and Lora Buel, Casey and Dani Buel, Alden Buel, Cora Buel, Katie and Danny Birmingham, Sean Birmingham, Alex Birmingham, Gary and Nancy Weber, Kyle and Jared Rudiger, Kenley Rudiger, Jayla Rudiger, Allison and Clint Werning, Gunner Werning, Otto Werning, Denise Weber, Don Duffy and his family.