Colleen Nielsen Stonebraker

A graduate of Davis High School, Colleen found the love of her life in Hal Stonebraker, and they were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life, beginning in Clearfield, Utah, and nurtured a family that blossomed into six cherished daughters.

Colleen embraced her role as a homemaker, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with a heart full of joy. She considered this the highest calling in life.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith and constant service to enrich the lives of others and help shoulder their burdens. She held many church callings, including Relief Society President and Primary President, but in none did she find so much joy and satisfaction as when she could simply teach the little ones in Primary. Her heart was always tender towards the youngest, newest, most pure and recently sent from our Father in Heaven.

Her devotion to the Savior was further exemplified by her mission to Martin’s Cove with Hal, a demanding, but immensely satisfying experience they both long cherished.

Colleen’s life was buoyed up by prayer and faith in the Lord to care for those she loved and had deep concern.

Her hands were rarely still, a testament to her industrious spirit. An avid seamstress, she lovingly crafted snowmobile suits, children’s clothing, and beautiful handmade quilts and almost anything else imaginable that could be made of material. She also possessed a nearly-lost talent for crocheting delicate doilies, which often became gifts of love she shared with others.

Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her six daughters, and she poured her heart into supporting them. Whether putting in yards, cleaning houses, or helping with babies and grandchildren, she was always there.

Camping trips to Rock Creek with Hal and her daughters began with the first daughter, Jill and perpetuated through raising all six daughters. She was known to iron everything for the family for a two week experience. They carried on the tradition as their daughters married and soon, children and grandchildren came to love Rock Creek for its magical memories as much as Colleen and Hal. The two of them were known to spend up to three weeks at a time at Rock Creek enjoying God’s creations, fishing, sewing, crafting, reading and napping.

Colleen found joy in simple pleasures: the beauty of her flower gardens, the satisfaction of canning, the thrill of horses, and the taste of her favorite carrot cake and homemade treats. She created cherished traditions, from Easter celebrations and Christmas family parties to sleepovers on the deck with her grandchildren and recreating the nativity with costumes. She was famous for her rolls and scones, and her love of bread and butter was well known.

She wholeheartedly supported Hal’s interests, from hunting and sports to camping and golf. They built a life filled with shared passions and unwavering companionship. She also loved gathering and painting sticks.

Her home was a sanctuary for animals, including goats, horses, dogs, cats, and a lamb.

Even in her final days at assisted living, Colleen’s radiant spirit shone brightly. She accepted everyone with kindness and non-judgment, and her gentle presence touched the lives of many, as evidenced by the outpouring of love and appreciation she received in her final hours.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Leah Nielsen; her beloved husband, Hal Addison Stonebraker; and her sister, Kay Allen.

She is survived by her sister, Sharon (Carl) Jensen; brothers, Grant (Dana) Nielsen and Lynn (Janae) Nielsen; daughters, Jill (Randy) Benoit, Marie (Kim) Mecham, Joann (David) Williams, Cheryl (Warren) Butler, Colette (Marc) Petty, and Chantel (Joel) Bowers. She leaves behind a legacy of 23 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Abbington and A-Plus Hospice, with special thanks to Ashley and Jadee, for their compassionate care.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at noon at Myers Mortuary, 250 North Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Family and friends may gather from 9:30-11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be at Clinton City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com