Colene Dawson

Madrona Colene (Ruen) Vogel Dawson, age 74, passed away at her home Monday July 8, 2019.  She was born September 21, 1944.  Colene was preceded in death by her parents Vernon Ruen, Leitoi Pratt and brother Warren Ruen. 

Colene grew up on the family farm in Clark Fork, Idaho.  She graduated as Valedictorian from Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School.  Colene was very involved in several extracurricular activities; editor of the yearbook and school newspaper, cheerleading, band, the drama program and high school prom.  She attended the University of Idaho majoring in Library Science and World History.  

Colene married Daniel James Vogel in 1966 and from that union had a daughter Jadea Parnel Nelson, and two sons Dexter James Vogel and Conrad Jason Vogel.  As a military officer’s wife during these years, she was able to live in various states across the country, participate in many wives clubs and attend formal military dress events which she greatly enjoyed. 

 In 1975, Colene married Allan Russell Dawson Jr.  From that union a daughter Shari Colene Knoche was born.  During this time, she was very involved in preserving the Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School, along with donating countless hours of her time to help local kids have a varied and complete educational experience in Clark Fork. She enjoyed her travels to Nashville Tennessee, High School District Basketball games, Vinson Ranch & Plains Rodeos, and Lake Koocanusa, Montana in the motorhome with Russ and the kids.  

Colene truly had the ability to recognize the very diverse talents and interests of her children and grandchildren.  It was important to her to show the real education that came from reading books, playing board games, and dancing in the kitchen on rainy days. She provided opportunities for each to be independent.  She gave them the freedom to learn on their own and stand on their own two feet, as life is not always easy.

She was an impeccable seamstress who designed and made her own clothes from a very young age.  She received a course degree in Interior Design from Enterprise State Junior College in Alabama.  She was able to share this skill as a 4H Leader.  She also enjoyed crochet work, which she was known for the small green Christmas wreaths with the little red bow that she made for so many.    Her talents and interest in creative arts always brought out the very best in any project she was involved with.   

She had four grandchildren; Trevor Masterson, Tessa Vogel, Brandon Hausladen and Conorey Vogel.

Colene is survived by her brother, Lowell Ruen, her children, grandchildren and husband, Russ Dawson.

She will be greatly missed.  The family would like to thank the many friends who came to visit or called to always check on Colene. 

At Colene’s request, there will not be a service. Memorial donations may be made in Colene’s honor to research at Huntington’s Disease Society of America.