Colleen Marie (Reed) Brockett went home on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 in Helena, Montana. She was born on February 23rd, 1950 in Miles City to Wayne M. Reed and Audrey (Wildman) Dixson. She grew up mostly on ranches from Cut Bank, Lewistown to White Sulphur Springs.
Early in life, she learned how to “cope” with losses in her life. At the age of 18 years, she lost the love of her life, Louis (Howard) Nelson. They were to be married in February, 1968 while he was home on leave from the Marine Corps. Instead, the leave was cut short and he was sent to Vietnam. On May 5, 1968 he gave his life serving his country. They met at a rodeo in Harlowton on July 4, 1967. In February of 1969, her father passed away.
September 5th, 1969 Colleen graduated beauty school in Miles City then moved to Helena. She worked at Hirst Beauty Salon and Blue Cross/Blue Shield until marrying James C. Wattnem and moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia. From there they were sent to Charleston, South Carolina and on to Spain courtesy of the U.S. Navy. To this union, Candace Leigh and James Chad were born in Charleston, South Carolina.
Colleen went on to marry Ray E. Brockett and moved to Evanston, Wyoming. They worked on ranches at Augusta, Great Falls and Belt. Her son, Cotton Riley was born while they were at Augusta.
In 1995, Colleen moved back to Helena and went to work for the State of MT, Department of Labor & Industry, retiring after 25 years.
Family and her many pets were very important to her. She was proud in the fact that her sons served in the army and that her daughter went on to earn a college degree.
She preceded in death by her parents, both paternal and maternal grandparents, her fiancé, Howard Nelson and beloved pets. She is survived by her children; Candace (Brian) Ahl, Chad (Marie) Wattnem, Cotton (Amber) Brockett and her “awesome” grandchildren; Samantha Novak, Justin Ahl, Chase Wattnem, Cheyenne Brockett, Cayden Brockett, Caleb Brockett and Cameron Brockett along with friends and family.
Viewing will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 27th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th at the Community Aid Building, 6 Main Street, Martinsdale, MT. Burial will take place at the Harlowton Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 29, 2023
Community Aid Building
6 Main Street
Martinsdale, Montana 59053
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 29, 2023
Harlowton Cemetery
Harlowton, Montana 596
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 29, 2023
Community Aid Building
6 Main Street
Martinsdale, Montana 59053
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 29, 2023
Harlowton Cemetery
Harlowton, Montana 596
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Robin says
Candy and family so sorry for the loss. She was a great friend and co-worker.
Brad and Misty Hodgea says
Candace, Chad and Cotton Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. God picks a new bouquet every day.
Rick Ellison says
Colleen was a beautiful person, inside & out. She was kind, had a sense of humor & cared for others. I graduated with Colleen in 1968 at White Sulphur Springs high school and she was a very valuable ,respected member of our class. Cherish your memories of her