Carleta (Connie) Collier
The Western News | UPDATED 14 hours, 14 minutes AGO
Carleta Mae Collier, known lovingly as “Connie” to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2024, at the age of 83.
She was enjoying the final day of a Mexican Riviera cruise, a fitting end for a life filled with adventure and love. Connie was born on Aug. 2, 1941, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Carl and Velmeda Cole.
She was the oldest of three children, sharing her childhood with her siblings David and Sharon. Though both siblings preceded her in death—David at age 16 in a tragic car accident and Sharon later in life— Connie cherished the memories and bonds they shared.
In her youth, Connie moved from Troy, Montana to Libby, Montana with her family where she attended school before marrying Paul Collier at the young age of 16. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and love.
With the help of Connie’s father, they constructed a home in Mahoney Acres and later, in 1966, cleared 40 acres on Prospect Creek to build a new family home. They raised their two sons, Mark and Lance, amidst this natural beauty with the Cabinet Wilderness Area in the backdrop, creating a legacy of perseverance and determination.
After Paul’s retirement, Connie and Paul embraced the RV lifestyle, traveling extensively across the country. Following Paul’s passing in 2004, Connie continued her journey on the road, later finding companionship and love with Ray Thrasher, a family friend, who became her life partner.
Together, Connie and Ray explored the world, making memories of countless cruises and RV adventures. Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Collier; her son, Mark Collier, and her siblings.
She is survived by her son, Lance Collier, and his wife Billie; her grandchildren, Jessica Maconnell and Paul Collier; and five great-grandchildren; and her devoted and loving companion, Ray Thrasher.
Connie lived a life of joy, exploration and resilience. She blessed those around her with her adventurous spirit and warm heart. Her family takes solace in knowing she was doing what she loved most when she passed and are grateful for the full, vibrant life she lived.
A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.