Mrs. Colleen Gross, 73, of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 4:52 AM Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, IA.

She was born May 6, 1939 in Newtown, MO, the daughter of Loren and Mary Bell Collins Holt. On September 26, 1964 she married Jerry Gross in Knotts Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA.

Colleen lived and worked in Colorado for many years, she retired from Apex Company in 2001 where she was a manager/supervisor . In 2007 she moved to Lomax to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She loved her family, painting, and helping with Toys For Tots in Burlington.

Surviving are her husband, 2 daughters, Sherry Thomatos of Gladstone, IL and Brenda (Terry) Bielser of Stronghurst, IL, 4 grandchildren, Justin Pylican, Adam Thomatos, Samantha Millard and Randy Thomatos, 3 great-grandchildren, Audry Bell Thomatos, Hunter Lee Millard, Bentley Aiden Thomatos and soon to be 4, Bryson Alan Millard and one sister Wilma Wigle of Denver, CO. She was proceeded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Lomax Senior Center, 91 East Main Street, Lomax, IL. A memorial has been established for the Great River Hospice House. Banks & Beals Funeral Home LaHarpe is assisting with arrangements.