Edna Lucille Gallagher

Edna Lucille Fancher Gallagher was born July 9, 1917, to Edward and Verge Fancher on a farm near Johnstown, Nebraska. Her sister Dorothy was born two years later but lived only a couple of months. When Edna was 13, her second sister, Margaret, was born.

Edna grew up near Johnstown on the farm. She attended Chadron State Teacher College after graduating from Johnstown High School. She went to Lincoln Nebraska to take a sheet metal course. She met Army Sgt. Francis (Tex) Gallagher while he was a guard at the State Capital. They married on New Year’s Eve 1942. Edna became a Rosie the Riveter while Tex was stationed in California and Missouri.

Tex was sent to Germany where he fought in World War II. He was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was liberated on April 13, 1945.

Michael was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska in 1946. Patricia was born in Camp Campbell, Kentucky in 1948.

In Nov. 1948 Tex had orders for Weiden, Germany. Edna had to take her small children across the Atlantic Ocean by herself since Tex was already over there. She was sick the entire two weeks, not just from sea sickness, but soon realized she was pregnant with Terry, who was born in 1949 in Firth, Germany.

Tex had several assignments including California, Kentucky, Kansas, Japan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Okinawa and Utah. Edna had always been a Sunday School teacher, but once she arrived in Okinawa and the kids were older, she also held various offices in the NCO Wives Club, took classes, became a Girls Scout Leader, taught Vacation Bible School and was the Vice President of the Leaders Organization. She also took a course and became a Red Cross Gray Lady.

Edna and Mike found all sorts of places to hike, but in Okinawa they had to be mindful of the live ammunition they found.

In 1960, Tex was stationed in Salt Lake City, Utah for his final tour. He retired in 1962 and the family moved back to Edna’s father’s ranch in Nebraska. Edna remodeled the house to suit the family, but Tex realized he was not a rancher. The family moved to Kearney, NE in 1966 where Terry graduated from high school and Edna, Mike and Pat attended college.

In 1972 Tex and Edna took a Universal Motel Training Course in Las Vegas. They bought the Crescent Motel in Walsenburg, CO in 1974. Within a short time, Tex was diagnosed with ALS and died on February 12, 1976. Edna spent a lot of time repairing and remodeling the motel she ran alone. In the course of 20 years, she sold it three times only to get it back to fix, repair, remodel and run again.

Edna had many hobbies she loved. Early on, she found she truly loved to paint and draw. She loved hiking, backpacking and working on the West Elk Wilderness Trail and the Colorado Mountain Trail. She also made several wood carvings and designed and made many dolls. She played the piano and organ and loved to dance.

Edna was a member of the Sorority of E.S.A., the Retread Kids, 55+ Senior Citizen Club, Hiking Club and Curves. She was always a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. She donated many hours of her time to projects at the Thornton Senior Center. Edna competed in the Bolder Boulder from 1999-2003. In her age division she got 1st place three times and got 2nd and 3rd place one time each. When she got 3rd place in 1999 she told herself, “I can do better than that”.

Edna met Earl Haling at the Thornton United Methodist Church. They began dating and made it a routine to walk together daily. They found they had a lot in common, and their children were happy they found each other. They had many years of enjoyable friendship.

Edna bought a summer home she called her “play house” in Burwell, NE, in the 1990’s. In the five years she owned this home she was able to spend more time with her sister and brother-in-law in Burwell and her daughter and son-in-law in Grand Island.

Edna lived independently until 2012 in her townhome in Thornton, CO. She moved to Northglenn Heights Assisted Living Community in February of 2012.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a sister, her son, a granddaughter, a niece, two nephews, and longtime friend, Earl Haling.

Edna is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Clayton Anderson of Burwell, NE, daughters and sons-in law Pat and Ron Schwieger of Granby, CO and Terry and Steve Donnell of Thornton, CO. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Kelli and Jason Cole of Broomfield, CO, Tracy and Lance Schofield of Granby, CO, Shannon and Casey Hodges of Granby, CO, Travis and Rae Schwieger of Sparks, NV and Leni and David Sauer of Thornton CO; great grandchildren, Ana Cole, Forest Schofield, David and Maile Schwieger, Ella, Ameila and Lucy Hodges, Mitch and Michelle Sauer and Courtney and Brad Fickess; niece Mary (Jim) Gabovitz of Northampton, PA.

In Lieu of Flowers

Memorial Contributions in Edna Gallagher’s Memory can be made to:

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

3960 E 128th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80241; 303.457.9267; www.shepherd church.org

Agape Hospice Services

6041 S. Syracuse Way # 220, Greenwood Village, CO 80111; 720.482.1988; www.agape-healthcare.com

Fond memories of Edna and expressions of sympathy for her family may be shared at the guest book below.