E. Colene Hance

E. Colene Hance was born on a farm near Salem, Nebraska on February 14, 1937 to Fred and Violet Harring. She died peacefully at home on February 21, 2025 following a long illness. She was one of five children.

Mrs. Hance graduated from Peru State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and taught in one-room schools in the Richardson County Rural School district for 10 years. She also taught in Salem and Humboldt Public Schools for several years. In 1978, she received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

While living on the farm near Salem, she married Ron Hoffman, and they were blessed with a son, Scott Hoffman. Following a move to Lincoln, Colene taught in the Lincoln Public School District before moving to Redlands, California where she married Wilton Pate.

While in California, she taught special education in San Bernardino where she became a mentor teacher for the school district as a Special Education Program Specialist and served as the coordinator of Learning Handicapped Programs. Following Mr. Pate’s death in 2000, Colene returned to Lincoln.

In 2005 she married William (Bill) Hance of Lincoln and assisted him in serving in the prison ministry of Lincoln Church of Christ, which he led for many years. In addition, Colene was an active volunteer in the children’s ministry and women’s ministry at church. She also served as an ombudsman for Aging Partners working in long term care and assisted living facilities.

In 2008, Colene received the Humana Starlight Award for her work in Regional Healthcare Services. Teaching and advocating for vulnerable people remained her lifelong passion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Harlan Harring, Marvin Harring, and sister Ilene Kimes.

She is survived by husband, Bill Hance, son Scott Hoffman, brother Walt Harring (Barb), granddaughter Grace Hoffman, stepdaughters Suzetta Nutt (Bob), LaWaun Hance, Marcella Best (David), Crystal Ferrell (John), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, Pate stepchildren, several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved and was dearly loved by many friends whom she regarded as family.

A visitation for E. Colene will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Church of Christ, 5640 Vine Street, Lincoln, NE 68504. An interment will occur Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512.

Memorials can be made to Nebraska Youth Camp, 65 Sweetwater Avenue, Kearney NE 68847 or Lincoln Church of Christ, 820 North 56th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504.