Colleen Willms

Colleen Mae Smith Willms, 86, of Kingfisher, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024.

She was born to Hurchel and Hattie “Irene” Smith on Feb. 26, 1938, on their family farm in Cleo Springs.

Colleen attended Oakdale School through the eighth grade and graduated from Cleo Springs High School in 1956.

She married Ray Lee “Fritz” Schroeder on Dec. 25, 1955, and together they had three children: Steven Ray, Debra Mae and Stanley Lee.

Colleen pursued her passion for beauty and attended Enid Beauty College, eventually running a beauty salon from her home in Cleo Springs.

She also attended Northhome western Oklahoma State University in Alva and actively contributed to her family’s farming and cattle operations.

She enjoyed sewing quilts for family members over the years and attended numerous classes at Prairie Quilts in Hennessey.

On April 13, 1991, Colleen married James “Jim” Willms.

Together, they enjoyed attending horse races and cheering on their grandchildren at various sporting and school events. They actively attended the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kingfi sher.

Colleen continued to help with farming and cattle work and spent a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Steve, grandson Bobby Collins and sisters Carolyn and Izetta.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Songcha Schroeder; daughter Debbie Crissup (Jeff); son Stan Schroeder; stepson Wes Willms; stepdaughter Vicki Barton; sister Donna Rich (Jack); sisters-in-law Marciadean Harrison (Richard) and Marlene Hildebrand; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Colleen’s family and friends will forever cherish her memory.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with burial following at Kingfisher Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.