Coleen Gaub Garza, age 54, of Miles City passed away peacefully on March 29, 2019 after a brave fight with inoperable brain cancer. Her loving family was by her side.
Coleen Maria was the second of four children born to Harold Albert Gaub and Judith Parker Gaub of Fallon, MT on September 3, 1964. She grew up on the family farm and at a young age was tasked with cooking meals while her parents worked in the field. She continued her love of cooking thru 4-H, perfecting her culinary skills and winning champion ribbons on her cakes and breads. Coleen enjoyed playing the piano, listening to country music, and could easily spend the better part of a day reading. Her parents were active members of Grace Lutheran Church, Fallon, MT. Coleen was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1978 and was involved in the church youth group and when old enough, helped out at vacation bible school.
Coleen attended elementary school in Fallon and graduated from Terry High School in 1982 where she met her high school sweetheart, Jim (Santiago) Garza. Coleen and Jim married on May 26, 1984 while she was attending Dickinson State University. After graduation they moved to Minot, ND where she completed her Medical Technology Internship. Jim and Coleen returned to Glendive where Coleen worked at the Glendive Medical Center for a short time before they moved to Miles City where Coleen worked in the Holy Rosary lab for the next 29 years before her health forced her to retire.
Coleen had an amazing mind for chemistry and biology and took great pride in her job. She organized the local Health Fairs and oversaw the Blood Bank. Although quiet by nature, she was known for her kind words and smile and had compassion and empathy for her patients. A longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Ladies Guild, she served on the Board of Evangelism and supported Lutheran World Relief.
Together Coleen and Jim enjoyed trips to Texas and attended car show events, and never missed an opportunity to dance to a good band. They loved to travel to see good country bands including night shows at the local fairs and enjoyed the Barn Players productions.
Coleen’s life centered around her sons Kody and Daniel and nothing brought her more joy than the arrival of her first grandson, Tucker. In January of this year, she was able to hold and welcome her new granddaughter, Eve, into the world. Coleen was a caregiver and always made time for her family. Coleen mastered the art of cake decorating and her boys could count on meticulous, creative birthday cakes. On her days off, a hot breakfast and lunch always waited on the table. Coleen supported Daniel’s band trip to Europe by selling her well-known German Kuchen and cookies. She surprised us all when she joined the women’s trap shooting class. She became a good shot and even had her own gun. Coleen enjoyed collecting and restoring antiques, yoga, evening walks with Jim, gardening, and sewing blankets and pillows for her sons and a special quilt for her grandson. She also had a tender heart for her beloved rabbit and guinea pigs.
Coleen was preceded in death by her grandparents, her mother, Judith Gaub in 2005, and father-in-law, Santiago C. Garza in 2010.
Coleen is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jim Santiago Garza; sons, Kody (Jessica) Garza and Daniel Garza; grandchildren Tucker and Eve; father, Harold Gaub; brother Ty (Monica) Gaub and sisters Sarita Gaub Brievik and Noel (Jay) Gruba; mother-in-law Antonia M. Garza; sisters-in-law Lupe (Frank) Rodriguez and Mary (Duane) Fischer and brothers-in-law Steve (Alma) Garza, Louis (Jennifer) Garza and David (Liza) Garza and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019 with family receiving friends from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made to Wake Up and Lace Up, The Saint Vincent Foundation, or Holy Rosary Hospice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 4, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday April 5, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Carolyn Kimball says
Jim and family,
Prayers of comfort for the pain of your loss.
Kayla (Gookin) carpenter says
Kody, I know we only went to school together,but I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gloria says
Jim and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gloria and Shorty
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
Jim and family, We so sorry that you have lost Coleen. She was always so kind. Our thoughts are with you all.
Vikki Bradley says
Jim & family,
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Coleen was a wonderful lady, she always had time for a short visit where ever she saw you.
Kelly and Dulcy Hubbert says
Jim and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Coleen’s passing. She was such a kind soul and always had such a sincere smile on her face. She will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Kelly, Dulcy and Family
Vicki Strohmayer Mason says
Jim and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Coleen was an incredible woman to work with. She held us all to a higher standard and managed to do it in her naturally sweet and compassionate manner. She will be missed.
Tom Fleming says
Thoughts and prayers to Jim and family
Donald Hartgrave & Amy Hartgrave says
Thoughts and prayers to you Garza and your sons…so glad Donnie got to visit with coleen about a month ago…You’ve been a great friend to Donnie now it’s are turn to return the favor …just know we’re here for you.
Veronica Means says
My condolences to the family. Colleen was the sweetest soul. I am sure she will be watching over all. He tender heart will be missed.
Klista says
Oh Colleen! May you be pain free now ♥️ To the Garza family- I am so sorry for your loss. Colleen was such a knowledgeable person, I enjoyed visiting with her and learning little nuggets from her whenever I was in the lab. I am happy to know she was able to meet her granddaughter a short time ago!
I recently lost a family member to this same disease.. it is so swift, unrelenting, and unfair. My thoughts are with you all.
martha crandall says
My sympathy. RIP Colleen.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and sending hugs from Karen and Clay Taylor Valene Crystal Chance and JC in memory says
Dear Jim and family we are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with you and sending hugs from Karen and Clay Taylor Valene Crystal Chance and J. C. in memory
Sally Mendez says
Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to you, Jimmy, sons and the Gaub family. I am so sorry for your loss. Coleen will be missed dearly. May God’s comfort and peace surround each of you during this time. Please take comfort in knowing you will see her again in Heaven. Rest in peace, Coleen and fly high sweet angel. Love your cousin, Sally Mendez. 🙏❤
Bill & Gaylene McMenamy says
Jim, Cody, Daniel, Uncle Harold, Ty, Sarita, and Noel,
We are so sad to hear of Coleen’s passing. She was a very special person who was a wonderful wife, mother, and cousin. We will miss her dearly. Love, Gaylene & Bill
Cherie and Val Dyba says
Such sad news, may your family be comforted by the Grace of God, family and friends. I didnt know Colleen well but she always spoke to me and was very friendly. My prayers are with all of you.
Jeri Dalbec says
I am so very sorry. R.I.P., Coleen.
Tim and Diane Ehman says
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Coleen.
Connie Young says
Coleen’s family.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many memories of Coleen when we were growing up. I loved spending the night at her house and picking eggs and walking to the bus in the morning, and of course there were the many hours spent at Grace Lutheran Church- Sunday School, Bible School…. Memories I will always cherish. She is gone from our world way to soon but I hope there is comfort in her life everlasting. You have a beautiful Angel watching over you.
Rhonda Sanford says
Jim and Sons, I am So Very Sorry to hear about Colleen! Such a Beautiful Sweet Lady!!! My Thoughts and Prayers are with you All..
Chelsey Oddy says
Jim and Family,
May all the sweet memories of Coleen bring you solace during this time. We hope that all the great moments that you were able to have with her before she passed away brings you comfort.
We will be praying for you during your time of loss. Know that we are all thinking of you.
Jamie & Trent Hess says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. A ray of sunshine who always said hi to everyone and you truly felt that!
Laura and Monty Monasmith says
Words are blurry through tears of loss, but smiles triumph at the knowledge that Colleen is now dancing with Jesus.
Dean and Sue Ashley says
Jim and family
So sorry to hear about Coleen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diane Grutkowski says
Jim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Coleen was an very special lady. She will be missed by many.
Dave and Bette Jewell says
We are so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Coleen comfort you during this time.
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
So sorry Jim and family I so wished she could have got better. May she rest in Peace and pain free . Big Hugs and Prayers are with you all.
Lance Kalfell says
Jim and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. What a sweetheart she was! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lance and Lisa Kalfell
Michelle Gran says
Jim Darrell and I Wish you peace and we are giving you a hug so sorry for your beautiful wife
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Jim and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. She was a great lady and will be missed. Praying for God’s comfort for you all.
Mary Finneman says
Jim and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a gentle soul! Thoughts and prays!
David & Danette Olguin says
So sorry for your loss and praying for all of you! God Bless
Shelley Schultz Steyh says
So sorry for your loss, keeping you in my prayers.
Peggy Johnson Maier says
Jimmy I am so sorry for your loss of your wife. Hugs to you.
Bert, Lonnie, and Janel Kaul says
Jim, Kody, Daniel, Harold, Ty, Sarita and Noel,
You are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers for your loss of Coleen, as she was such a wonderful mother, sister, wife, friend and cousin to us all. We are deeply sadden and are heartbroken as her infectious smile and the joy she brings to everyone will be missed.
Hugs, Prayers, and God Bless.
Bert, Lonnie and Janel Kaul
Julie Brush Sumrall Bounds says
Jim and family , I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Nora Drew says
Dear Family and Friends: I am sorry for your loss of your loved one. I won’t say I know what you are going through, because I don’t and can only imagine. May God comfort and bless you and help you to treasure your memories of her.
All of God’s best.
Chris Mavis says
Dear Gaub and Garza Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. We dearly loved Coleen and enjoyed her when we lived in Fallon and Miles City. May the Lord watch over you all during this time.
Sincerely,
Rev. James and Chris Mavis
Linda Koehler says
Dear Garza and Gaub families… Words convey so little when hearts feel so much… May all the precious memories help you through this difficult time…
Roxie Schwartz says
Jim and family, so sorry for your less. May God comfort you all in this very difficult time.
Ken & Lisa Ridenour says
Jim and Family. It truly saddens me to hear about Coleen. She was such a beautiful and caring person.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cherrie Beyer says
Jim and Family, So sorry to hear of Coleen’s passing. When I worked at HRH – I enjoyed the times I worked on the computers and we chatted, she was a wonderful lady, and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and friends!
Cathy Pyle says
Dear Jim and family, I am so very sorry!! Coleen will be missed by so many, she was an inspiration and friend!
Love And prayers, Cathy Pyle
Bernadette Miller says
I enjoyed getting to know Coleen while working at HRH – we would often have lunch together and try to solve the worlds problems. I truly enjoyed her advice and enjoyed our friendship.
Daniel Boone says
This is sad news for me and all that knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Delores Cameron says
Coleen was way too young to leave us. She was such a delight at the clinic. Our sympathy to her family.
Kim Anderson says
Dear Coleen’s family, since hearing of a few months ago of Coleen’s illness she and you all have been greatly on my mind and in my prayers. What a precious, sweet soul Coleen was. I have not gotten to see her since high school so I sure enjoyed reading the loving tribute to her and getting a glimpse into her life and her beloved family. I am sad that I will not be able to come to her service. I would have loved to see each of you. I am praying for comfort and the sweet presence of Jesus to bring you peace.
Kim Haidle Anderson
Stella McNaney Dietrich says
Jim & family,
I am so sorry to hear about Coleen. I have so many fond childhood memories with her. We were the first & last ones on the Fallon bus route so we shared many secrets, laughs & studied for tests going to & from school. We carpooled together for drill team, music, & other events. I will cherish these memories of Coleen forever. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time & days to come. With love, Stella Mcnaney Dietrich
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So very sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. She was a wonderful caregiver. My sincerest sympathy to all of her loved ones.
April Thompson says
To Coleen’s Family,
My deepest condolences on Coleen’s passing. I was honored to work with her at HRH. My prayers are for peace and comfort during this time.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Coleen was such a wonderful person we always enjoyed visiting with her.
Cindy & Dale Berg says
JIm and family,
So sorry to hear about Coleen’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
A wonderful lady taken way to soon. God Bless you all.
Tom and Darlene Hess says
Jim and family
So sorry for your loss, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Dale Barta says
Jim and family – I am so sorry for your loss. God bless your family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray and Cathy Roesler says
Jim and family
Hugs and prayers for strength for you at this time also for the
Ken n Karen Strobel says
Jim and family
So sorry to hear this news, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a great person she was.
Helen Gookin says
I am so sorry to hear of Coleen’s passing. I worked with her and she was so helpful to me in the lab at
Garberson Clinic. With sincere sympathy, Helen Gookin
Ern and Esther Nelson says
We come to send our prayers and sympathy to the family
of a very special lady, she was always friendly and caring
when we meet at church or hospital. Now God be with you who loved her and will miss that smile . God Bless and comfort this family .Amen
Jodi Wootan says
Thoughts and prayers to everyone during this difficult time.
Carla Bichler says
Jim and family, I so appreciated Colleen’s honesty and insight when working with her on committees at church. She was a bright witness at Trinity.
Russell bender says
Jim, Sorry about Colleen. Prayers to.you and family.
Don and Margot Wolff says
Dear Jim and family,
We are deeply saddened by this news. Coleen was will be missed by many, she was always so kind and giving and a true caregiver. She has left us all way to soon but is free of pain and is able to rest in peace. We did not know she was ill so this news has been a shock. We’re sending hugs and prayers for your family.
Lynn Anderson says
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the passing of your beloved wife. May you always treasure the wonderful times you shared with her. My prayers are with you and your whole family during this difficult time. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Peter 5:7
Jane Huber says
Jim, my deepest sympathy on the loss of Colleen. Colleen was such a beautiful woman inside and out.
Roy Roesler says
Jim, my sympathy for your loss of Coleen. You two are great people.
John and Lana Smith says
Jim, Kody, Daniel, Uncle Harold, Ty, Noel, Sarita and families,
We are so terribly sorry. Colleen was such a sweet, gentle soul and we know how devastating her loss is to you. May God’s peace be with you all.
Margo White says
Heaven has a brand new Angel, that will be watching over her family. I will miss that smile of hers, you have my deepest sympathy.
Pete and June Minow says
JIm and family and the Gaub family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Coleen was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was always friendly and fun to visit with. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dee ANN McLellan-Sams says
10 North 9th Street
Ruth and Don Lekse says
Jim and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of Coleen. Please know that God is there for each of you through these difficult days. Sincerely, Ruth & Don Lekse & Keith & Dennis
Julianne & Donn Randall says
Jim & Family and Uncle Harold, Ty, Sarita, Noelle and families,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Colleen. May God give you strength and comfort during this time.
Sharon Volkman says
I am sorry for your loss, Jim, of a very beautiful lady.
Patricia Mott and family says
Dear Garza family
I was so sadded by your loss and how I had neglcted to visit Coleen. She was such a remarkable and kind woman. May she rest in peace.
Rick and Rene Ottoy says
Jim and family Rick and Rene Ottoy would like to say how sorry we are for your loss.We know how hard this is for you and your family.you have our deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace with Jesus and know that you will see her again in heaven.We pray that God will give you and your family all the comfort and strength that you need.
Barbara Henderson says
This last year hasn’t seemed fair at all. It’s good that all the pain is gone, but just know that you have been and will be missed for a very long time.
elizabeth gruba says
i miss you auntie