Gene Hawkins

Gene Downing Tolton Hawkins, Born April 9, 1926 in Bellefountaine, Ohio to Anita Smith Downing and Dwight Lawrence Downing. She passed peacefully surrounded by family and dear friends on October 29, 2014 in Lakewood, CO. After graduation from High School in Bellefountaine, Gene moved to Tucson with her family and attended the University of Arizona studying journalism. She joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority in 1945 and remained active in Kappa for the rest of her life having recently received her 65 year pin. It was while attending the U of A that she met and later married William G. (Bill) Tolton on November 27, 1948 at St. Phillips in the Hills Episcopal Church. In December of 1951, Gene and Bill moved to Helena, MT after being transferred by Mountain Bell. They had three sons, Charles Gardner (Chuck), James Dwight (Jim), and David Smith (Dave), all born in Helena. It was in Helena that Gene joined P.E.O., which she also was involved in for over 60 years. The family moved from Helena to Billings and back to Helena. Gene, Bill, and sons moved to Colorado in 1961, building a house in Applewood. Bill died in 1973 after many years of failing health. It was during this time that Gene went back to school and started her own business as an interior designer. She was a professional member of ASID which she was very proud of. Gene remained active in this field for over 30 years. She was very committed to her clients and to the skilled group of craftsmen, vendors, and suppliers who she worked with through the years. Gene was an accomplished and award winning gardener, something that gave her great satisfaction everywhere she lived. She was also a gourmet cook, an avid knitter whose sweaters were prized possessions by the recipients, and an accomplished pianist. Gene enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several clubs, which were very important to her. Gene was known for her unfailingly positive outlook, her devotion to family, friends, the Episcopal Church, and all creatures great and small. Gene was a charter member of St. John Crysostom Episcopal Church in Golden, CO having held every position available to her except priest. She never could pass by a stray dog or cat along the side of a road, often bringing them home until the owner could be found. Gene was known for her acceptance and nonjudgmental approach in dealing with people which made her a valued friend to many and an especially cherished parent. Gene married Ken Hawkins on February 17th, 1996. They had 14 years together before his passing in November of 2009. They enjoyed attending both of their churches each Sunday, working on the house at 135 Everett St., traveling around the country to see family and friends. They also traveled to China and Central America together. For the last two and a half years, Gene resided at Atria Applewood with her cat Hobie. By all accounts, she was very happy at Atria and made some very good friends there which of course is no surprise, and she also recruited several other friends to live at Atria with her. Gene wasa devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and mentor to countless individuals. She is survived by her sons Chuck (Lucy Kay) of Silverthorne, CO and Moab, UT, Jim (Juli Bowen) of Seattle, WA, and Dave (Jennifer) of Billings, MT. Gene is also survived by four grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was wholly devoted to, Peter Forrester Tolton and Carolyn Downing Tolton of Billings, and Alexander Bowen Tolton and Samuel James Tolton of Seattle. The family is especially grateful to the staff and residents of Atria Applewood for all the love, caring and support provided. And to Suncrest Hospice for all the incredible expertise and compassionate care in Gene’s final days. Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at 1:00 pm, St. John Crysostom Episcopal Church 13151 W. 28th Ave, Golden, CO. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Gene’s name to one of the following; Denver Dumb Friends League, Colorado Talking Books, or St. John Crysostom Episcopal Church.If possible, please consider an RSVP in order to help us best plan for this celebration of Gene’s life. Please respond to [email protected].