Colleen May (Ebmeyer) Ress was born May 12, 1926 in Arkansas City, Kans. Passed into the arms of The Lord on Feb. 14, 2017 at Clark-Jeary assisted living facility in Lincoln. Colleen was born a Jayhawk but raised a Hoosier in Evansville, Ind. Graduated Evansville High School, 1944. Attended DePaul University and later graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
United in Marriage to Dr. Willard H. Ress in Evansville, Ind. On June 6, 1946, a marriage that would last 58 years. Taught fifth grade at Saratoga Elementary School until her own family came along. A devoted wife and mother, and lifelong Husker. She began attending Husker football games soon after World War II, when the team rarely won and few came to watch, occupying the same East Stadium seat for 40 years. Colleen’s joy was always in the successes and happiness of her family. She was the embodiment of the fulltime, stay-at-home Mom, caring for her family above all else. Active in St. Paul United Church of Christ and its women’s ministries, delivered Meals on Wheels, enjoyed the company of her family and friends, hosting and attending dinner parties and playing championship Bridge. One of her biggest adventures in life was accompanying her husband to Adak, Alaska where he served as senior Dental Officer for the Naval Air Station there during and after the Korean War. Colleen often talked of her trip to the island aboard the troop ship USNS Frederick Funston. Colleen was an avid and devoted supporter of her husband’s and son’s Marine Corps and Naval careers that spanned a combined 50-plus years and three wars.
Preceded in death by husband Willard H. Ress, Lincoln; sister and brother-in-law Elsie and Hal Wigley, Wichita, Kans.; daughter and son-in-law Sandra Kay and Daniel Moats, Kearney. Survived by son and daughter-in law Steven and Jennie Ress, Lincoln; granddaughter and family Angela Moats-Bauer and Ryan Bauer and three great grandchildren, Reading, Penn.; grandson and family Eric and Brooke Moats and three great grandchildren, Kearney; granddaughter and family Stephanie and Adam Schaer and one great granddaughter, Columbus; granddaughter and family Sarah and Corey Lachance and one great grandson, Lincoln; grandson and family Tracy and Theresa Jones and three grandchildren, rural Firth; and grandson and family Jason and Jodie Jones and seven great grandchildren, Peru.
The family takes solace in knowing that Colleen has been reunited with her husband and sister and now rests in the loving arms of our Lord.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Vine Congregational Church, 1800 Twin Ridge Road with Rev. Renae Koehler officiating.
Memorials to Vine Congregational Church UCC, Lincoln.