Violet M. Degabain

Violet DeGabain (née Hindman), aged 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep faith, Violet's spiritual journey began in her teenage years and laid the foundation for her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was the heart of her family, which included her husband, Elvin DeGabain, and their five daughters.

Together, Violet and Elvin embraced their calling to welcome and mentor newcomers at their church community.

Born in Denver on May 22, 1932, Violet spent her early years on Corona Street. Just before high school, her family moved to Northern Colorado. They moved often, meaning she attended several high schools, including Keenesburg, Wiggins, Waverly, and Wellington. During her time in these different high schools, she was a cheerleader, participated in the glee and drama clubs, and was a member of the student council. During her junior year she crafted a cedar chest in shop class.

Just before her senior year, the family relocated to Wellington, where her parents purchased a hotel. It was here that she caught the eye of Elvin, who, along with his friend Rex, decided to approach the new girl in town. When Elvin asked Violet to go to "the show" she suggested church instead, and their first date was a Sunday evening church service, leading to a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love. Violet and Elvin married on August 17, 1950, when she was just eighteen and he nineteen. They began their life together in an apartment in Cheyenne, WY, and later bought their first home in Wellington for $3,000, a significant achievement for the young couple.

As the matriarch of her family, Violet cherished her role as a mother to five daughters:
• Bonnie, born in Cheyenne in 1952
• Sharon, born in Fort Collins in 1953
• Virginia, born in Fort Collins in 1954
• Dorene, born in Colorado Springs in 1958
• Linda, born in Boulder in 1962

In 1959, the family moved to Boulder, where they purchased a house on ten acres. Violet's home became a hub of love and hospitality, fostering lifelong friendships through their involvement in the First Assembly of God. Violet worked at the CU Bookstore as a receptionist and retired from there when she and Elvin moved to Bellvue.

In 1984, Violet and Elvin built their dream home near the Poudre Canyon, where she discovered her voice in ministry. She became a leader of the Women's Group and a beloved mentor in various church programs.

Violet had a passion for gardening, scrapbooking, entertaining, and traveling, often enjoying vintage car shows with Elvin. A talented writer, she penned many short stories throughout her life.

Family was Violet's greatest joy. She was the mother of the bride five times, and created cherished Christmas memories that drew family members together. She delighted in reading to her nine grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, sharing her love of God and literature. As great-grandchildren arrived, she left a legacy of faith and love that continues to resonate through her family.

In 2008, following a severe infection, Violet began the long goodbye as Alzheimer's disease took hold. Despite her struggles, her spirit remained unyielding—she continued to express love and gratitude, remembering all the words to her cherished hymns, and saying, "thank you, Jesus," even when other words failed her.

Violet is survived by her devoted husband Elvin DeGabain and her daughters: Bonnie DeGabain, Sharon Strong (Bruce), Virginia Kalmer (Ralph), Dorene Beaver (Dave), and Linda Pasquin. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Matthew Strong (Ashley), Becky Turner, Aaron Kalmer (Liz), Dana Naudain (Jared), David Beaver (Brittany), Brandon Rollin (Mollee), Jordan Pasquin (Ayanna), and Reed Pasquin (Conan); she also had three step grandsons Mike (Shelli) and family, Mark, and Chris (Lindsay) and family, along with great-grandchildren Payton Strong, Elaina Strong, Kiley Strong, Josiah Strong, Jayden Larson, Jaxon Larson, Piper Turner, Brenna Beaver, Audry Beaver, Cora Beaver, Nylah Naudain, Stella Naudain, Murray Pasquin, and Finley Rollin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Avis and Lloyd Hindman.

A funeral service will be held 10am, Monday, November 25, 2024 at Timberline Church, South Auditorium, 2908 S. Timberline Rd., Ft. Collins. Private interment will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Violet to support her great-granddaughter, Cora, and others with CF.
https://give.cff.org/rockymountain/donate?rbref=homepage