Helen Coreen Melonas, 89, entered in to rest on Dec. 24, 2024. She passed peacefully in the presence of her children. She is survived by five children; Scott (Nancy) Neff of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jerry Bouse of Augusta, Maine; George (Denise) Melonas of Yorkville, WI; William (Roberta) Melonas of Union Grove, WI; and Cynthia Melonas of Racine, WI. She was blessed to have 24 grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and one Great (Great) Grandchild to survive her. She is also survived by her husband's brother Bill (Barbara) Melonas of Pueblo, CO.

Coreen was preceded in death by her husband Jim Melonas, three sons: Richard Neff, James Overman, and Anthony (Tony) Melonas. She was also preceded in death by her mother Grace Lillian Davis; brothers Vernon (Rose) Davis and Lorne (Jean) Davis; sisters Eileen (Dick) Huston and Janet (Wendell) Mauth. Coreen was the last of her immediate family.

Throughout her life, she worked in the Alamosa School District (Central School Cafeteria); a waitress at the old Ace Inn (currently Nino's Del Sol) and the old Sands Restaurant (the SLV Savings & Loans downtown parking lot). An Alamosa native, she owned and operated several small businesses including Top Liquor (formerly Terry's Liquor) and Mack's Place (currently the Ruby Slipper). She retired as a Manager for the Alamosa American Legion at the age of 78 years old.

In 1962 she met Jim Melonas while at the Ace Inn. They were married in December of that year. It lasted for 32 years until Jim passed away in 1994. They owned two residences on Diamond Drive, built a business apartment at Terry's Liquor, bought a house on Alamosa Avenue, and finally resided in Alamosa Senior Housing. They raised eight children, countless family pets, and hosted "Up With People" (when they toured in the 1970's). They helped many families & friends establish lives of their own.

Coreen enjoyed spending time with friends and family and had a strong relationship with her surviving cousin Zandra Gammon of Denver, CO, and her preceded cousin Betty (Davis) Jackson of Douglas, WY. Her hobbies include sewing, bowling, the Alamosa Women's Sorority, treasure hunting, and visiting different Casinos throughout Colorado and the U.S. Coreen's legacy spans as part of the history of the San Luis Valley. She has relatives from the Davis, Johnson, and Hansen Families.

She was rich with joy while listening to Patsy Cline and old Westerns. She was a brilliant scrapbook artist and saved every thank you card and greeting card that was sent to her. Many (many) photos and words were cataloged from life.

Her life services will be held at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa, CO, on January 2nd, 2025, and will open to the public at 1:30 p.m. to start services at 2:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served to compliment the services for those who attend. The Melonas Family looks forward to your participation in honoring Coreen's memory.

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