Colleen Harshman

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Colleen Leatha (Mattison) Harshman, 92, went to be with Jesus on September 8, 2023. She was born October 2, 1930 to Roy and Josie (Ewers) Mattison at Cardin, OK. She attended 1st through 8th grade at Cherry Grove School, then transferred to Quapaw High School, graduating in 1948.

Colleen's dream was always to be a nurse. She worked at St. John's Medical Center while going to night classes and getting her LPN certification. Colleen dearly loved nursing and worked at the hospital for 58 years, retiring in 2006. During her time at St. John's, she received several awards for the high quality of care she provided to her patients.

Colleen married her soul mate, Reuben D. Harshman on December 31, 1947. He preceded her in death on February 27, 1991. She is also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her children, Diana Alleshouse of Galena, KS, Carol Clyburn (husband, Michael) of Galena, KS, Gary Harshman (wife, Carol) of Bartlett, TN, Cathy Paddock (husband, Richard) of Galena, KS, and Michael Harshman of Galena; eleven grandchildren, Christy, Bill, David, John, Reuben, Adam, Lacey, Missy, Patty, Mike, and Austin; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren, and one more due in November; as well as a host of extended family, friends, and her faithful cat of 14 years, "Cali".

Colleen was a member of Park Hill Church of the Nazarene where she was a board member for over 40 years. Colleen had a servants heart and loved her church and church family. She enjoyed crocheting, especially making baby blankets for coworkers and doctors for their newborns. She crocheted bedspreads for couples getting married and even taught her twins to crochet and they still love it to this day. 

Colleen enjoyed going to Quapaw Title 6 for Senior Craft class, enjoyed making wedding cakes, and enjoyed going to Quapaw Casino where she has many friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

The family will host a celebration of life on October 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Park Hill Church of the Nazarene, 2700 S. Mian Street, Galena, KS 66739. Family will be at the home, 11180 Se Bagdad Road, Galena, KS 66739 for friends to call. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2307 Tucker St, Pittsburg, KS 66762, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.