Margaret "Colleen" Rivera,
83, of Newton passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Newton
Presbyterian Manor.
She was born December 8, 1937, in Des Moines,
Iowa, the youngest child of Emmett Scott and Jane (Dickson) Willis. Colleen grew up in Des Moines, Iowa,
and graduated from East High School. She married Antonio "Tony"
Rivera, Sr., on September 8, 1956, in Des Moines. In 1963, they moved
to Kansas living in Wichita, Viola, and Conway Springs before
settling in Newton in 1976. Colleen retired from Prairie View
Hospital after 30 years of service. With her strong work ethic, and
love for people, she continued working part-time at Alco and Kidron
Bethel Village until the age of 79.
Her friendly and outgoing spirit
brought joy to everyone. Colleen enjoyed playing bingo, and dancing, especially with her husband. She loved
to cook, and her family cherishes precious memories around her table.
Colleen and Tony were founding members of Newton Christian Church,
and she loved and enjoyed her women's Bible study group. Her happiest
times were spent with her family and friends. Colleen was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her many family members and friends will miss her dearly.
She is survived by children Michael
(Nancy) Rivera of Des Moines, IA; Antonio (Barb) Rivera, Jr., of Cottonwood, MN; Roberta Batterman of
Wichita, KS; Juana (Brandon) Henry of Newton, KS; Diana Ediger of
Hillsboro, KS; Joseph (Kala) Rivera of Hesston, KS; Alita (Alex)
Sanchez of Newton, KS; and Judith (Ken) Crump of Newton, KS, 21
grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 11
great-great-grandchildren.
Colleen's husband, Tony, preceded her
in death in October 2002. She is also preceded in death by her
parents, Emmett and Jane Willis; brother, Harold Willis; sisters,
Grace Berglund, Virginia Collins, Isabel Willis, Maryanne Palmer,
Betty McCaughey, Minnie Archer, Velta Darling, Nellie Goode, and Faye
Harmon. She was also preceded in death by son-in-law, Cliff Ediger,
and grandson, Shane Batterman. She is survived by her sisters, Louise
Celentano of Enosburg Falls, VT; Lois Halterman of Casper, WY; Fern
~Leroy~ Schnathorst of Ankey, IA; and Jessie Belle Rivera of Des
Moines, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering and visitation following
social distancing and mask protocols will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
December 21st at Petersen Funeral Home. A private family interment
will be in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas. A celebrations of life
for family friends will be announced at a later date. All attending should follow proper
social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you
have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home. Memorial donations in memory of Colleen
may be made to Newton Christian Church and Newton Presbyterian Manor
% Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N Main St, Newton, KS 67114.
