Alice Ione Colton, 96, of Colwich, died August 8, 2025, at Colwich Gardens. She was born May 29, 1929, in Wells, Kansas, to Fred and Ada (Matson) Harder.
On December 27, 1953, she married Max Colton in Wells, Kansas. They shared 51 years of marriage before his death on April 3, 2005.
Alice obtained her teaching degree from Kansas State University and was lovingly named “Grandma K-State.” She was a proud homemaker who was an ever-present force in her eight children’s lives. Alice opened her home to others when she started babysitting for children with special needs. She was an animal lover with a big heart for horses and dogs. Alice enjoyed music and often played the piano for her family. She was a very competitive person who loved to play and win at Rummy, Chinese Checkers, Scrabble, King on the Corner, and many other games. Alice was a proud member of the Pretty Prairie Saddle Club.
Alice is survived by: children, Tanya Graber (Mike Schlatter) of Hutchinson, Tim (Debbie) Colton of Coatsville, MO, Terry (Tammy) Colton of Walton, KY; Tamra Colton (Kyle Newton) of South Hutchinson, and Tina Colton-McMillian (Max McMillian) of Mount Hope; brothers, Asel (Joanne) Harder of Garden City and Stan (Marlene) Harder of Topeka; daughter-in-law, Luetta Colton of Yoder; many beloved grandchildren; many great and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Max Colton; children, Todd Colton, Tricia Peissig, and Tyrel Colton; and brother, Warren (Illa) Harder.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Darlow, KS.
The service will be livestreamed and the link below will be active beginning at 12:50 p.m. the day of the sevice.
Click here to view the livestream
Friends may sign her book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary until service time.
Alice had a big love for Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. To celebrate her, feel free to wear Kansas City Chiefs, K-State, and Royals attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pretty Prairie Saddle Club or Reins of Hope, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.