Viola "Colleen" Tucker passed away October 6, 2024. She was born June 15, 1930, in Versailles, Missouri to Opal Jenkins Brown and Wallace Brown. She married high school sweetheart, Bob Tucker, in 1950 and celebrated 71 years together until his passing in 2021.

Every one of her 94 years was an adventure in doing life uniquely and memorably. She was truly loved.

Colleen graduated from Huff Business College in Kansas City. After working as a legal secretary for the F.B.I. she returned to college as a teacher mastering the art of court reporting, even owning her own stenography business certified in federal court.

"Home" was Kansas City for four decades. A transfer to Springfield created an opportunity to open a casting agency where she provided talent for commercials, print, and the movie industry.

Writing was a passion, becoming published in many anthologies and magazines. She published her first book at 81 entitled, The Legend of the Golden Huaca.

Colleen was instrumental in securing the lands of Ha Ha Tonka at Lake of the Ozarks as a State Park, having had ancestral connections with the original owners.

The lakes area of the Ozarks and Table Rock were special places for Colleen and her family, living many years near Kimberling City on Table Rock. A good day was in the boat, fishing pole in hand.

Colleen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Tucker, her parents, Opal Viola and Jacob Wallace Brown, and a brother, Wallace Wayne.

She is survived by her two children, Steven Tucker (Carol) and Terri Tucker-Wiest (Les). Four grandchildren Jake Tucker (Emma), Katie Tucker, Connor Wiest, and Caden Wiest.