Kathleen Jeanette Tolos

Don't fear, hope instead; Eat less, savor more; Don't whine, work instead; Spare useless words, speak concisely; Love, and good will come your way -The Tolos Family This was the way Kathleen Jeanette Tolos lived and died. She taught us by example what it meant to live a simple, yet rich life, appreciating the small, yet immensely beautiful aspects of nature - the scent of pine trees and spring rain, the fragility of baby chicks and the way mother geese protect their young. She knew the joy of a healthy, active body and the nourishment of simple, well-prepared food. She walked and exercised daily and lived a life of clean moderation. "It always turns out for the best" was her philosophy on the joys and tribulations of life. Although she left us physically on April 13, 2005, her spirit of spunk and simplicity will continue to nurture and remind us daily how to live our lives and face our challenges. Kathleen Jeanette Rankin was born March 9, 1916, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Arthur and Lola Rankin. She worked her way through Colorado A&M College as a nanny and by working at the soda fountain in the student union. Graduating in 1940, she began her 43-year teaching career, which included teaching home economics, English, kindergarten, art, and P.E. She received her master's degree in education from Colorado State University in 1964. In 1983, she took "early retirement" from Poudre School District to care for her mother. While in college, Kathleen met the man of her dreams, a good-looking Greek football player, Chris Tolos. They married and had three children, Tina, Michael and Tinka. As Chris pursued his coaching career, the family moved many times, beginning in Burlington, then to Littleton, La Junta, Golden and finally Fort Collins. Kathleen was a gifted seamstress, making her own clothes as well as clothing for her daughters and granddaughters. She greatly enjoyed seeing her granddaughters leaving for dances wearing the formals she had created for them. The Fabulous Fifties exercise class at the Pulse Health Club was the center of her enjoyment for many years. She said it was her "mental health" and hated to miss even one day of exercise and seeing her friends. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority, Retired Poudre School District Teachers, Retired Home Economics Teachers, Poudre Education Association, and Colorado Education Association. The family would like to express their profound thanks to the Hospice of Larimer County and Dr. David Allen, especially the "Purple Team," Maria, Gina, Michelle, Bonnie, and Pat, and to Dr. William Lopez and Dr. David Cullinane, who so lovingly helped her retain her quality of life for as long as possible. Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Tina Jerry Dunn, and Tinka Clyde Greenwood; five grandchildren, Chrissie Greenwood, Bill Bernadette Greenwood, Thad Dakota Dunn, Tara Nathan Schwindt, Tricia Steve Fadness; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob, Job, Nicholas, and Hattie Rose Greenwood, Jason and Shannon Dunn, Samantha Schwindt, and Mikaela and Cade Fadness; two nieces, Beverly Rula of Iowa and Susan Bowers of Colorado Springs; and nephew Jack Rankin of Phoenix. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris; son, Michael John; her parents; and two brothers, Arthur and Bob Rankin. Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. Monday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., with burial at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Larimer County or the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.

Tributes

Kathleen Jeanette Tolos

April 13, 2005