Vera Colleen Michael, 80, of Midland passed away on April 19, 2018. Funeral Mass will be held 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2018, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland.Colleen was born on July 16, 1937 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Vera Mae Couch and Lawrence O’Connor “PeeWee” Herndon. She met Harlan Michael as a young teller at the First National Bank in Denver. In 1958, they married and soon after moved to Midland, Texas where they raised their two daughters, Cindy and Theresa.Colleen had many adventures and interests throughout her life. Her main joy was raising her two daughters. She was their Girl Scout Leader for many years, sharing her love for crafts, camping, and leadership in the great outdoors with many girls. As her daughters grew up, she began to explore many different hobbies. She was a member of The Midland Palette Club, where she created various pieces of beautiful art. During this time, she also began a love for making pottery. Colleen was a very creative person and always loved getting into projects. She was also a very avid gardener. She spent many years studying the Spanish language even up until very recently. Colleen also held many different jobs, including working for Bunny Kent Realtors, representing Avon and Mary Kay Cosmetics, became a Realtor at Langston Realtors, worked at Caprock Title Company, was President of the Midland Chapter of The Association of Records Managers and Administrators, and as a Record Keeper at Midland County Court House, where she finally retired.Colleen saw much of the world with her best friend, Lucy Thummel, by her side. They shared many laughs and memories getting into hilarious situations that only the two of them could have possibly found. Her final years were filled with many activities with wonderful friends at Manor Park.She thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love of reading, imagination, and art with her eight grandchildren. She always had the best Halloween Costumes for herself and all of the kids. She knitted and crocheted many heirlooms for her great-grandchildren, as well. Her greatest pleasure was being surrounded by her large family and wonderful friends.Colleen is survived by her daughter, Cindy Michael Midkiff and husband Greg of Midland, and their children, Michael Midkiff, Matthew Midkiff and wife Courtney, Nathan Midkiff and wife Taryn, Preston Midkiff and wife Jennifer, and Elizabeth Midkiff Miers and husband Andy; as well as her daughter Theresa Michael Hillman and husband John “Gator” Hillman of Midland, and their children, Allyse Hillman Horton and husband Robert, Mollye Hillman Plagens and husband Drew, and John Michael Hillman and fiancé Addie Anthony. Colleen is also survived by her eight beloved great-grandchildren.Colleen is preceded in death by her parents, Harlan and her great-granddaughter Eloise Horton.The family would like to thank all of the compassionate group of people who cared for Colleen: Janie, Jan, Yvonne, Carmen, April, Edie and Helen, of Jenn’s Loving Caregivers, Dinora Lizoya, as well as, Tracie, Terri, Michelle, and Irma of Hospice of Midland. The family is also very grateful for the doctors and staff at Texas Oncology.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Midland at 911 W. Texas Avenue Midland, Texas 79701, or the St. Ann’s Youth Center at St. Ann’s Church of Midland.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
