Colleen Ede

Colleen Cropper Ede, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, stepmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully after bravely facing a rare muscle disease. She was 70 years old.

Colleen was born on June 18, 1955 in Delta, Utah to Ladd and May Cropper. The youngest of four daughters, she moved with her family to Reno, Nevada, when she was just six weeks old. She spent her early childhood there before the family eventually settled in Ogden, Utah, where Colleen grew up and graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1973.

After working for a year in Kennewick, Washington, she returned home to attend Weber State University. A gifted singer, Colleen performed in choirs led by her father and with a triple trio group called the Melo Aires. One of her most cherished memories was singing in General Conference under her father’s direction.

On August 20, 1975, Colleen married Kelly Hawkes, whom she met through choir. They were blessed with four daughters and built a life full of adventure and love. Their journey took them to North Ogden, Kaysville, Clinton, Alaska, and Honeyville. Though their paths later separated, they remained united in their love for their family.

Colleen held a variety of jobs throughout her life including waitress, seamstress, and retail worker. She found her true calling in education. In 1997, she joined the Box Elder School District and became a beloved elementary school librarian. She served at Honeyville and Perry Elementary Schools and helped open Three Mile Creek Elementary, where she designed a vibrant and welcoming library space that reflected her creativity. Her libraries were filled with themed decorations, student contests, morning chess games, and reading challenges. Children often chose the library instead of recess, and her desk was frequently covered in handmade notes and drawings. One of them read, “I don’t know where my life would be without you.”

She was known as the best dressed librarian, always showing up to school in bright colors, fun jewelry, and coordinated outfits. Colleen had a gift for style and loved to express her personality through her wardrobe. She also had a knack for finding a good deal and took great pride in her bargain hunting skills. Whether it was a clearance rack treasure or a thrift store find, she made shopping into an art form.

In the evenings, Colleen also worked at Utah State University’s Brigham City campus as a classroom facilitator. It was there that she met Douglas Ede. The two fell in love and were married on September 10, 2016. Doug brought love, joy, and meaningful companionship to her later years.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen served faithfully in many callings, especially in Primary and Young Women’s. Her faith was a guiding light that shaped the way she served and the way she loved others.

More than anything, Colleen loved her family. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and stepmother. She gave her whole heart. She showed up at events, sent thoughtful cards and gifts, and stayed connected through text messages even when her health made that difficult. She delighted her grandchildren with daily jokes and constant reminders of her love.

In 2020, Colleen began experiencing muscle weakness from a rare disease that progressed over time. She faced her diagnosis with grace, humor, and determination. She continued to give her best to those she loved.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Ladd and May Cropper, her sister and brother-in-law Sylvia and Paul Sorenson, and her step-great-grandson Asher Jay Neal Christiansen.

She is survived by her loving husband Doug Ede, her daughters and their spouses Kristen and Jason Hewlett, Angela and Joseph Roylance, Allison and Steven Books, and Ashlee and Jedidiah Reeder, fifteen grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Nicole Teare, three step-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Each of them brought joy and light into her life.

Colleen’s legacy is one of love, creativity, service, and resilience. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We love you Colleen. We love you Mom. We love you Grama. We love you G-Ma.

A viewing will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan, Utah, and a viewing on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral at 11:00 am also at Allen-Hall Mortuary. Interment will be at the Wellsville, Utah Cemetery. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuary.com.