Doreen Wilks (Newman)

Feb. 5, 1926 – June 20, 2008

MONTROSE — Doreen was born in Goondiwindi, Australia to Charles Newman and Netta May McGregor.  She and five siblings were raised on a large sheep ranch where her father was the foreman and her mother stayed busy raising six children: two boys and four girls. She attended 12 years of school and graduated.

As a young woman she worked at various jobs. Doreen met John Howard Wilks while he was serving in the United States Army. They were married after six months of dating. John was shipped out to the Philippine Islands, and Doreen, who was pregnant, gave birth to twin sons, one of whom was stillborn. When her son was 10 months old, the Red Cross put them on a huge ocean liner along with many other war brides, and sent them to their husbands in the United States. Doreen’s first home in the United States was Montrose, Colo. She worked along with her husband through the years, had three more children and moved around the states, always ending up in Montrose. Doreen worked at Russell Stover Candies for seven years; also as a CNA at Valley Manor Care Center off and on for many years. Her children were first and foremost in her life. She loved fishing, arrowhead hunting and lotto scratch off tickets. She also loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her mother and father, two sisters and two brothers, all of Australia; two sons, both of Montrose, Steven and Larry, and two husbands, both of Montrose.

Surviving family members in Brisbane, Australia are Flora Rodgers (Doug) and many nieces and nephews. Other surviving family members include a son, John C. Wilks; daughter, Valerie Childers, both of Montrose; granddaughter, Angela Cameron (Curtis) and three great-grandchildren, Chad, Amber, Cody Cameron all of Medford, Ore.; granddaughter, Tamara Stackhouse and great-grandson, Shane C. Stackhouse, both of Montrose; Shane M. Stackhouse (Mandy) and two great-grandchildren, Damian and Samantha, all of Montrose; and granddaughter, Melissa Childers and two great- grandchildren, Laura and Elisa, all of Grand Junction, Colo.; also one very special near and dear close sister-in-law, Ms. Leo Anderson, of Montrose, and numerous nieces and nephews. Doreen was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by everyone.  

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Memory of Doreen Wilks to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2008, at 3 p.m., at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. The service will conclude at the chapel.

Arrangements are being handled by Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.