Iris Viola Colton

Iris Viola Wellard James Colton, 92, of Rexburg, died Thursday, June 24, 2010, at The Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rexburg. She was born June 15, 1918, in Dubois, Idaho to John William Wellard and Gertrude Isabelle Andrews Wellard. Iris’s most vivid memories were living with her brothers and sisters in Little Lost River. She attended Salt Lake Beauty School in Salt Lake City, Utah. She married Vincent Sumin James February 16, 1938, in Rexburg, Idaho, together they had 4 children. She and her sisters cooked at The Sawmill in Kilgore, and she worked as a hairdresser and waitress in Newdale. She and Vincent then moved to Blackfoot, and in 1953, Vincent preceded her in death. On August 10, 1955, she married Ernest Myron Colton in Pocatello, together they had 3 children. Later they made Dillon, Montana their home and she worked as a manager at a local motel. Iris lovingly cared for her 4th child, Ricky, who at age two suffered a devastating illness and was confined to a wheelchair. Over the next 24 years she and Ricky developed a very special understanding and love for each other. Ricky moved away from home in 1976 at age 26, Iris was 58. In spite of major health problems, she was an energetic, happy 92 year old. Her last four months were made incredibly wonderful by the loving care she received at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rexburg; the family expresses their heartfelt thanks to all of those who cared for her there and to Ambrea, with Rexburg Hospice. Iris was completely surrounded by her loved ones on her ninety second birthday celebration the Saturday just before her passing. Thank you LaRue Howard and all the Klingler family and Mom’s sweet sisters for being there for our Mom while she was with you in Rexburg. She is survived by her children, Darrell James, of Spanaway, Washington, Janiel James Mecham of Highland, Utah, Lemoine James, of Walla Walla, Washington, Ricky James, of Denver, Colorado, Stanley Colton, of Spokane, Washington, John Colton, of Dillon, Montana, Barbara Colton, of Golden, Colorado, sisters, Phyllis (Darrell) Banta, of Rexburg, Cleo Klingler, of Rexburg, Esther Andersen, of Idaho Falls, Juanita (Victor) Tam, of Blackfoot, 28 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby. Burial will be in the Wilford Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.