Neola Freeman

Neola Freeman, 90, passed away quietly on February 26 in Hospice with family around her bedside. 

Neola was born on October 18, 1928 in Kansas to Ira and Eva Lawder. She had an older brother Stanley Lawder, now deceased.

She grew up in Kansas during the days of the dust bowl and shared many stories of living during that time.

After high school she married Marion Keller. They lived in Wyoming for a time and worked with buffalo and sheep. To this marriage there was one child born, son Richard Wayne. The marriage eventually ended and Neola and Richard then moved to Calhan, Colorado. This is where home would become for the two of them.

While getting settled and making a home for the two of them she met the man that lived down the road, Albert Freeman. They fell in love and married on August 2, 1954 in Raton, NM. To this marriage two children were born, daughters Jacalyn and Kristeen.

While raising a family and helping with the ranching, she held numerous jobs and had many adventures. She and Albert drove the school bus for the Calhan School District. They drove the bus to and from school and for many ballgames. Neola also played basketball with the Calhan Women’s league and coached girls softball in the summer.

She worked for several years at Woolseys Grocery in Calhan and then went on to run her own upholstery shop out of the home. Neola had a passion for sewing and made a lot of Albert’s western shirts and dresses for her girls. She also taught sewing for 4-H for a time.

She had waitressing and cashier jobs at different local businesses. Eventually she would take on cooking for the Over 55 Club with longtime friend Jean Gaddy. They cooked meals for many years so people could get together once a week to visit and eat good food.

Neola also began driving the Senior Bus from Calhan to Colorado Springs. She loved being able to help people by getting them to their appointments and picking up groceries.

In 2000, Neola lost the love of her life when Albert passed away. She later decided to retire and enjoy her four granddaughters who would then bless her with six beautiful great grandchildren. They all loved spending time with her on the ranch.

Neola is survived by her daughters, Jacalyn (Willis) Cummins of Limon, CO, Kristeen DeVorss of Calhan, CO and a daughter-in-law Sarah Barr of Turpin, OK.

Also surviving are granddaughters Rebecca Luetke of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Harley Broughton of San Diego, CA and son Romello. Jenifer (JW) Metcalfe of Calhan, CO, daughter Alex and son Kolt. Jessica Mullins of Mesa, AZ and son Caleb. CJ (Craig) Lucero of Rush, CO and son Dally. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Neola is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Albert Freeman and her son Richard Freeman.

She will be missed dearly.