Fern Versluis

Fern (Colson) Versluis of Hillsboro, Texas, formerly of Gunnison, Colorado, passed away Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025, peacefully at her home surrounded by family.

A rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as celebrant. The service will be livestreamed HERE. Burial will follow beside her husband Bob in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Fern was born in Olathe, Colorado, the beloved daughter of Walter and Vivian Colson, and older sister of Loretta. From her earliest years, she carried a quiet strength, a deep faith, and a gentle compassion for others. Fern grew up in Olathe, CO, where she attended school and helped her close-knit family. In her youth, Fern spent summers working in Central City, CO, where she waitressed, danced, and worked in local shops to save money for college. These experiences shaped her remarkable work ethic and her love of people and stories.

She pursued her college education at Western State College in Gunnison, CO where she majored in education. It was there, through a circle of friends, that she met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Versluis. They were married on June 3, 1961, beginning a 60-year journey together that would be marked by devotion, adventure, and family. Fern earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1966, followed by her Master's Degree in 1968, while also raising her growing family. She began her career as an elementary teacher in Gunnison, CO, where she taught with love, discipline, and extraordinary dedication, mostly in 2nd grade, for 25 years. Fern was remembered by generations of students as a teacher who not only guided their minds, but nurtured their hearts. She often said her calling was not just to teach, but to care.

In 1994, Fern published an article in The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin titled "Kristine: Dealing with the Pain of Death", in which she reflected on her experience teaching a young student in her second-grade classroom who was battling terminal cancer. Fern's words revealed her heart as an educator: "If agony must be experienced, there are those who are ready to bear the burden. When there is suffering, the gift of courage is given-courage from without as well as from within. The important moments in life are those shared with others. When hurts are shared, closeness is born. By sharing Kristine's life and the sorrow of her death with school personnel, family and friends, I shall be richer for all my life."

Faith was a cornerstone of Fern's life. In 1974, she and Bob, along with their children, became members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gunnison, where they were baptized and received the sacraments together. Fern served actively in parish life and was a woman of steadfast faith, prayer, and service and was a dedicated member of the Altar and Rosary Society, serving faithfully for many years. She remained deeply connected to her church family in Gunnison. Fern and Bob raised three children: Diedre, Deborah, and John. She was a devoted mother, teaching not only in the classroom but also at home - passing down traditions, stories, and a love of learning. She was also a beloved grandmother to Ashleigh, Emma Grace, Alexander, and Alaina, and a great-grandmother to Deacon, Owen, and Brooke. Nothing gave her more joy than watching her grandchildren grow and thrive. Beyond teaching and family, Fern was active in professional and civic life. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society for key women educators, and supported numerous educational and community causes. She was known for her hospitality, often welcoming others into her home for holidays, meals, and gatherings.

Together, Fern and Bob shared a love of travel. With their children they visited all 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. Later in life they ventured across more than 130 countries and all 7 continents, with special memories in Belgium, the Galapagos, Tahiti, and Antarctica. Fern especially treasured the trips where she could share these adventures with her children and grandchildren. In 2012, she and Bob moved to Hillsboro, Texas, to be close to their son John and his family. Above all, Fern was a woman of quiet dignity, deep love, and resilience. She endured loss with courage, including the passing of her beloved husband Bob in 2021, but she continued to be a source of strength for her family. She was honored as Miss Late Bloomer of 2022 in Hillsboro, a recognition that celebrated her enduring patriotic spirit and her love of the Fourth of July. She was a proud to be a member of the Fort Graham Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Hillsboro, Texas, and supported the mission of the NSDAR and to honor the legacy of her ancestors who American patriots. Fern's life was enriched by many passions and commitments. She loved writing music and playing the piano, finding joy in creating melodies and lyrics that reflected her faith.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert "Bob" Versluis; her parents Walter and Vivian Colson; and many cherished relatives and friends.

She is survived by her children, Diedre Anne Versluis of Aurora, CO; Deborah Anne Knoll and husband Jason of Hendersonville, TN; and John Robert and wife Kate of Hillsboro, TX; her grandchildren, Ashleigh Harris and husband BJ of Pleasant View, TN; Emma Grace Knoll of Buffalo, NY; and Alexander and Alaina Versluis of Hillsboro, TX; and her great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loretta Lutz and husband Mel; niece, Heather Lashmett and husband Darren; and numerous great-nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Fern's life was one of devotion to her family, her students, her faith, and her community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and love.

Pallbearers are Alexander Versluis, B. J. Harris, Jason Knoll, John Versluis and Mel Lutz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leadership Greater Hillsboro Inc. Robert Versluis Memorial Scholarship. Please mail to Kari Martin, Loan Coordinator, AgTexas Farm Credit Services, 1316 Corsicana Hwy Hillsboro, TX 76645.