Maebella Dee Owens Collyer

Maebella Dee Owens Collyer left her earthly body peacefully at the age of 96, and ascended into the presence of the Lord on July 13, 2024. She was born to Hugh and Nell (VanDeMark) Owens in Elk River, MN, in September of 1927. Dee wrote that she was “blessed to be born into a close-knit, warm and loving family, and then to have a large, loving, close-knit family of my own.” Dee loved all her family and friends deeply, and was cherished by all who knew her. After graduating from Elk River High School in 1945, and Central Communication School in Kansas City, MO, in 1946, she worked for National Airlines in Jacksonville and Tallahassee, FL, as a radio and teletype operator. She married Jack H. Russell in 1947, and they became parents to Donna in Florida, and Linda in Wenatchee, WA. After their divorce, she married Wallace B. Collyer in 1953, and adopted his three children: Michael, Cathy and David; together, Wally and Dee had Kurt. In addition to raising six kids, she worked full time outside the home, retiring as Assistant Administrator of the Chelan County Juvenile Department in 1982. Dee's retirement years were spent enjoying her home, yard, walks at Riverfront Park, travels, church, various Bible Studies, and mostly her family and friends. Dee was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, John Browne; step-brothers: John Browne, Jr. and Don Karl Flanigan; husband, Wally; daughter, Linda Ballard; sons: David and Michael Collyer; son-in-law, Tom Winstanley; and daughter-in-law, Ellen Collyer. She leaves her step-sister, Marcu (Cookie) Johnson; stepsister- in-law, Rayetta Browne; daughters: Cathy Davis (Randy) and Donna Winstanley; daughter-in-law, Candy Collyer; and son, Kurt Collyer. Also missing Dee are her grandchildren: Rachel Evans (Sean), Fred Ballard, Patrick Collyer (Marta), Katherine Collyer (Jeff), Scott Davis (Melissa), Stephanie Klute (Markus), Spencer Winstanley (Brie), Nathan Collyer (Megan), Bethany Hoffman (Brad), Ben Lynn (Traci), and Curt Collyer; along with 14 great-grandchildren; and more extended family. All agree that she was the best mother, mother-inlaw, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and cousin ever. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The family thanks CIEL Memory Care and Confluence Health Hospice caregivers for their gentle and loving care of Dee.

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Maebella Dee Owens Collyer

September 12, 1927 - July 13, 2024