Colleen Salazar, 94, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 with her loving family by her side. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at McLaren's Funeral Home. A Funeral Ceremony will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10 A.M. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church with a burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery.
Colleen Marie Salazar was born in Des Moines, IA on February 19, 1930 to Ray and Lillian Laughlin and was raised by her great-grandmother Ada Wood. She met the love of her life William Campero Salazar Sr. on his birthday in 1946 and they were married on March 15, 1947. She was an usherette at the Des Moines Paramount Theater helping people to their seats. She was also an elevator operator at Younkers Department store.
William and Colleen’s heartfelt prayer was to have children, but doctors sadly informed them that they would never be able to have children. Not taking no for an answer, Colleen fervently prayed to GOD asking that HE bless them with children. Not only did GOD hear her prayer but HE abundantly blessed them with 10 beautiful children. Colleen loved her GOD with all her heart and she and William raised their children to honor the Lord.
After raising her children, she spent time as a prayer counselor for the 700 club and Trinity Broadcasting Network. She made prayer shawls for cancer patience and received an award from Iowa’s Governor Branstad.
William and Colleen loved to travel and go camping with their grandkids. A lifetime of memories have been created and are cherished by multiple generations because of the love and time spent. Anytime someone visited the house, Colleen would always make sure they were fed. She was constantly purchasing and giving away bibles for decades because her heart was to share the goodness of her Lord. She witnessed of GOD’s lavish love and mercy to everyone and forever touched and changed the lives of so many.
William and Colleen celebrated 71 years of covenant love together and from a couple that doctors said would be barren, there is an overflow of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren up to five generations including countless treasured friends.
The Salazar legacy includes William Salazar (Marilyn), Helen (Dennis) Green, Ricardo (Bonnie) Salazar, Anita (Matthew) Spivie, Timothy (Margie) Salazar, Robert (Carol) Salazar, Christopher (Nicky) Salazar, Mary (Bob) Churchill, Joseph (Cindy) Salazar and Mario (Melody) Salazar; sister-in-love Tina (Tony) Encina, a fur baby Ponchito, many nieces and nephews and over 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and still counting!!! To GOD be ALL the Glory... for the GREAT things HE has done!
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
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