Colleen Joyce Nelson was born on July 16, 1929, at St. Mary's Hospital in Sparta, Wisconsin, to Clarence Nelson and Alberta Douthit-Nelson. Due to the illness, and early death of her mother, she made her home on the Rockland, Wisconsin, dairy farm with her grandparents, Charlie and Susie Nelson, who she loving called Mama and Bubba. Within the first 18 months of her life, she lost her mother, grandmother, and two aunts who passed away from tuberculosis, which they contracted while living in Oklahoma.

Colleen attended the Fish Creek Elementary School near the farm, and she told of the many adventures she encountered going to and from school. She spent a great deal of time exploring the "woods" around the farm – wading in creeks, picking wild flowers, and observing and making friends with all of the creatures that lived there. She readily admitted that the hours she had to spend inside the classroom were not her favorite, and she longed to be outside regardless of the weather.

It was during the final year of elementary school that her beloved Auntie Merle moved to help care for an uncle on a farm north of Presho, South Dakota. Being without her Auntie was a very difficult time so she pleaded with her "Mama" to go to South Dakota to live with her Auntie Merle. An agreement was made that IF she would finish her confirmation classes, she could move to South Dakota. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the Fish Creek Lutheran Church in Rockland, Wisconsin, which enabled her to become a South Dakotan.

Colleen attended high school at Presho, South Dakota for two years. It was at this time that she met her "cowboy" and the love of her life, Willis (Woody) Gifford. From this time on one could say that the "rest is history"! She and Woody were married on February 18, 1946, in Pierre, South Dakota, and they moved to the Gifford ranch north of Kennebec. It was during these early years that she learned the hard work ethic and determination that it took to be a rancher's wife.

Woody and Colleen moved to a ranch on the White River south of Kennebec, South Dakota. The "river" ranch became home to many people who either worked for them or just needed a place to live for a while. Many outstanding horses were raised and sold along with a premier herd of cattle. They worked side by side to establish a ranch that brought them great pride. In 1962, that ranch was sold and they moved to a ranch south of Wood, South Dakota, where they lived until the times of their deaths.

To this union three daughters blessed their lives. Cheryl Susan, Sandra Pearl, and Willeen Merle "Billie", who passed away at the age of 13 months. During Billie's short life, both her Grandma Pearl and her great-auntie, Merle, came to help out with her care. They and Colleen lovingly cared for Billie at home until her passing.

Grandchildren, Marty, Mike and Lisa Moore, Kristi and Ryon Parker, and Cody and Amber Medearis, blessed her life. She became their "Meme" and each one has brought her great pride. She freely gave of her love, and she was always there to give advice – especially her words of wisdom "keep the faith" and "never give up" no matter what was in front of them.

Colleen was proud to be the great-grandmother to Tyler and Kade Moore; Andrew, Christian and Michael Wirth; Bailey, Macey and Kelton Adair, Connor Medearis, Chandler LeRoy, and Cydnay and Caylani Medearis. God graciously granted her three great-great grandchildren: Jaxson Frederick; Ava Moore and Wyatt Wirth.

In addition to spending time with her family – whether in person, by phone, or by email, Colleen enjoyed sharing time with her email buddies – especially Alvin and Arlie – and surfing the internet keeping up on all the current happenings around the world. She taught herself how to use a computer, and this helped her pass many hours. She loved country music and Waylon and Willie could be heard throughout the house.

Following Woody's death in March of 2004, she remained on the ranch taking care of their pets and remaining livestock. Her dream was to have all of the buildings painted and to restore corrals and fences that Woody and she had built. She worked toward this dream until the last few months of her life.

On Sunday, August 5th, at 10:40 PM, Colleen was called to her Eternal Rest at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, from complications of congestive heart failure and pneumonia. The final days and hours of her life were spent with her family at her side.

Colleen will be remembered for the poetry that she wrote and shared with family and friends. Her dream was to write a book that contained poetry, short stories of her life, and photographs. As a family, we will make sure this dream comes true. Her fabulous pies will be missed as she baked for everyone on their birthdays and for the holidays.

Greeting her as she enters the Spirit World will be her parents, grandparents, her beloved Auntie Merle; her husband of 58 years, who was truly the love of her life; her infant daughter; and a host of relatives and friends.

She leaves to carry on her legacy her daughters, Cheryl and Sandy; her 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves special, caring friends Jodi Endres and Eddie Medearis, who cared for her place and her pets, Missy and Turk, while she was in the hospital. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who loved and knew her, but she would remind us to "keep the faith" and "to never give up".

A Celebration of Her lLfe will be held on Friday, August 10th, 2012, at the Wanbli Wakinyan Multipurpose Building on the Sinte Gleska University campus at 10 AM. Pastor Gabe Medicine Eagle will officiate; music will be provided by Donald "Skeeter" Leader Charge and Manuel and Glen Old Lodge. A eulogy will be shared by her friend, Arlene Black Bear.

Per Colleen's wishes her cremains will be scattered to the four directions at the family ranch and at the gravesites of her family members in Chamberlain, SD, at a later date. Her wishes were that her services be filled with lots of music, words of praise to her Savior, and happy memories of her love for her family, her friends, and all of God's creation.