Pearl G. Colby

Pearl G. Colby, 84, of Topeka, passed away Thursday April 6, 2023 surrounded by family.

She was born February 2, 1939, in Starkville Colorado the daughter of Horace and Nellie (Arnold) Colby. She graduated a year early from Hoehne High School in Honie Colorado and attended College at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad Colorado.

Pearl Married Morris J Britton in their hometown Trinidad Colorado in 1959 They later divorced She also married R.W Hafner in Topeka, KS in 1991 They later divorced.

Pearl was the office manager at Kmart West from the time the store first opened for business working 27 years there until retiring in 1998 she enjoyed 25 years of retirement traveling, sewing and bowling in the senior leagues.

Pearl was an excellent seamstress making her own business attire clothes when she was working. She also designed and made many beautiful quilts over the years she took great pride in them and they were enjoyed by everyone that had the good fortune to receive one as a gift of love. Christmas was a special time at her house and those of us that spent them with her knew how much effort and attention to detail was put into every aspect of the family holiday celebration. Every year the family played bingo for gifts with the grand prize of a homemade quilt for the final round, it was a down to the wire thriller with the winner receiving their quilt and were featured in the annual picture with Pearl to show for it, it was really a lot of fun for all, with middle child Glenn always making the unfounded, untrue claim the game was rigged if he didn't win.

Pearl was an excellent cook with many recipes being handed down as family heirlooms for generations to come, her most talked about, famous fried chicken would always bring everyone to her home for an eagerly awaited delicious home cooked supper.

Pearl was a hardworking lady that juggled many things raising her kids as a single mother in the nineteen seventies. She figured out how to provide for everyone and teach the values of always being humble and kind to others. She had a strong work ethic and set a standard of excellence in the things she did large or small.

Pearl took very good care of herself walking several miles most every day. If you went with her to walk you better be ready to roll or to be left in the dust if you couldn't keep up.

Pearl was a competitive spirit and bowling was her passion. She bowled on the leagues around town and always carried a good average and strived to be the best. If she had a good day bowling you were sure to get a rundown on the scores if you talked to her that day.

She passed the love of the game to her grandkids taking them to the alley teaching the finer skills and enjoying watching them improve their game. The family bowl offs were a tradition she enjoyed seeing everyone have a good time and get the competitive juices flowing.

Mom was a dignified, strong, wonderful lady that will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children Cheryl Babcock and Kendall Britton: siblings, Peggy Price, George Colby, and John Colby: Grandchildren Brian Bach (Wendy) Dylon Babcock, and Adrianne Babcock: and great grandchildren Jesyka Garcia. Kage Hennessee, Aiden Babcock, Vada Babcock, Kora Isabell, and Hunter Babcock.

She was preceded in death by her parents: son, Glenn Britton; granddaughter Mandy Britton; and siblings, Robert Colby, Charles Colby, and Emma Nicholson.

Visitation will begin at 10am Friday, April 14th, 2023 followed by funeral service at 11am all at Mount Hope Cemetery and Funeral Chapel.4700 SW 17th St. Topeka Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.

To leave a message for Pearl's family, please visit the guestbook below.

Pearl's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.