Constance "Connie" Wathen

March 29, 1934 - August 7, 2017

Constance M. (Connie) Wathen, 83, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Monday, August 7th, peacefully, at Crowley County Nursing Center, Ordway, CO.

Constance was born in Pigeon, MI on March 29, 1934, a daughter of the late Elta (Maust) and Allen Swartzendruber. She graduated from Elkton High School in Pigeon, MI.

She was the wife of Richard Martin Wathen, they were married on August 21, 1977 in Rocky Ford, CO. When she married Richard they moved to the farm and she very involved in gardening and canning. That is what contributed to her being an amazing hostess and being so giving of their hard labors.

She was a member of Rocky Ford Mennonite Church in Rocky Ford, CO.

Connie worked in medical records as a transcriptionist at RF Hospital until it closed in 1986. She then worked for Valley Wide as a medical transcriptionist until she retired.Â

Connie was the leader of the Girls Missionary Service Association Girl's Club for a long time, secretary of the church council for many years and a member of the Women's Mennonite Auxiliary Service. She made beautiful cross stitch pieces for the relief sale, family and friends. She was a giving woman, always volunteering her time for the betterment of others at summer bible school, Sunday school, food banks, relief sales, thrift stores and gathering for and delivering holiday baskets. She was a great hostess and she made children and those around her feel special.

She is survived by her husband Richard of Rocky Ford;

Sister Ruby Ludwig, of Tuscon, AZ;

Brother Clare, husband of Kathy Swartzendruber, of Bayport, MI;

Niece Stacie, wife of Arik Schwietzer, of Bad Axe, MI;

Nephew Jeffrey, husband of Tiffany Swartzendruber, of Bayport, MI;

Nephew Shawn, husband of Laura Swartzendruber, of Bayport, MI;

Grand-Nephew Chase Schwietzer, of Bad Axe, MI;

Grand-Niece Sadie Schwietzer, of Bad Axe, MI.

She is also survived by Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the area.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law:

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 17th at Rocky Ford Mennonite Church in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor Jeremy Yoder officiating. Inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.