Colvin
D. Charleen (Baillie) Colvin
September 24, 1928
January 31, 2024

Charleen Colvin passed away January 31st, 2024 at the age of 95. She is survived by her sister Mary Lou Baillie, her son and daughter-in-law Mark and Barbara Colvin, and by her two grandchildren Kat and Sean Colvin.
Charleen was raised in Casper, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelors degree in Education. She led a very active life which included skiing, horseback riding, swimming and lifeguarding throughout her high school and college years. She started teaching in Wyoming where she met her husband of 49 years, James D Colvin. They shared a love of adventure, including sports car racing and piloting their private plane. Travel with family and friends, sometimes by motorcycle, always thrilled her. Charleen never missed an opportunity to be with her grandkids and "adopted grandkids" as they grew.
Service to others was always foremost in her mind. The word "no" was not in her vocabulary. Charleen taught P.E. and coached swimming, first at Wasson HS and then at Mitchell HS. After retiring from public schools, she volunteered teaching baby swim and water aerobics, continuing a lifelong career of service in which she taught countless people to swim for 70 years. She also found time to aid on rafting and dog sledding trips for the disabled well into her eighties.
Charleen was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was active in the choir, bible study and receptions. She lived a loving, compassionate, selfless life. Momma C will be truly missed by all that knew her.
A celebration of Charleen's life is planned for 1pm, May 25th at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Charleen's name to an organization of your choice that serves either people or animals.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Feb. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for D. Colvin

11 Entries

Ann Harrell

April 22, 2024

Mrs Colvin was my swim coach at Mitchell High School @ 1969 - 1971. As others have mentioned, she was a diminutive woman, but a superb coach. She knew how to manage teenage girls who often wanted to talk more than practice. She knew when to call for those wicked "wind sprints," and when to show mercy by stopping them. My best friend, Lynne Horkowitz, and I joined the team together and graduated together - and we both gained a great deal from having Coach Colvin in our lives.

Ann Harrell

Linda Gail (Tidwell) Clark-Larsen

March 28, 2024

She was my swimming teacher.
I learned to swim in her class and I was crazy enough to think I could get on the swimming team! Lesson learned I wasn´t strong enough to do such a thing. She let me try though and was a gracious person to let me be the one to acknowledge I wasn´t fit to be there.

John Delaney

March 2, 2024

Mrs. Calvin (as I remembered her) was one of the best swimming teachers I ever had. She was one of my P.R. teachers at Mitchell H.S. (1978)

Michele Koleto

February 28, 2024

You were so much fun to visit with and I enjoyed your stories.

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Ed Strack

February 26, 2024

I knew Mrs. Colvin from my time at Mitchell HS 1967-1970, especially around the swimming pool. Always soft spoken and kind and enjoyed seeing her on various occasions usually related to Mitchell HS. I witnessed her being instrumental in saving the life of student John Martino who had an accident while practicing diving before the 1969 state meet. Despite her diminutive size, She pulled John from the bottom of the pool and expertly administered CPR to bring him back from severe hypoxia from having been at the bottom of the pool for 1-2 minutes. No doubt in my mind she was John's angel that day. Rest in Peace Mrs. Colvin after a life so well lived!

Doug Winter

February 26, 2024

Mrs. Colvin pulled me out of the Wasson Pool at summer open swim, ~1963, after I jumped off the edge backwards, hitting my chin and knocking myself out. Still have the scar and a lifetime memory of her, thank you again Mrs. Colvin. Love forever

Theresa Putnam

February 26, 2024

I enjoyed talking to Charleen at N.O.A.H. breakfast and lunches. Her stories of traveling on a motorcycle, teaching and her family were always filled with joy. I loved going to her 90th birthday party. Rest in peace.

carl krug

February 25, 2024

Charleen was one of the most caring, humble and warmest person I have known. I want to thank her for hiring me at Mitchell High School that allowed me to pursue my goals in the education world. She always had a soft spoken way to lend me advice on when I needed it the most. Such great memories of her and may she rest in peace. Thank you for all you meant to me and fellow co- workers.

Montene wright

February 25, 2024

Charlene and Bill taught together at Mitchell for many years. She was such a kind person. Bill and I thought the world of her. Condolences to her family.

Linda Troyer

February 25, 2024

My condolences to Mrs. Clovins family!
She was my very favorite teacher EVER! She always had time to listen to me and always offered sound advice. May she rest in peace.
Linda Pettigrew Troyer

Karen Ruyle

February 24, 2024

Charleen was in the FUMC prayer shawl with me. She was so very kind. During COVID our group stopped meeting. I will miss her smile and her warmth. Karen Ruyle

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