In the company of her children, Colleen Rose Higbee Porter, 85, of West Richland, Washington, passed peacefully from one life into another this last Thursday afternoon, March 3rd, 2016.

Though born October 3rd, 1930 in Lima, Montana, to Vernon and Thelma Higbee, Colleen eventually arrived in Bremerton, Washington, where she enjoyed her teenage years.  After serving a full-time mission in Mexico City, Mexico, she returned to Bremerton, followed shortly thereafter by a young man she'd met while serving, Newell S. Porter, who eventually won her heart.  They were sealed in the Mesa, Arizona Temple in 1957, and set off on a hopscotch journey across the country.  In 1962 they settled in Richland, Washington, where Colleen took the challenge of raising six strong-willed children to heart.  She flourished as a mother and homemaker and served in various church assignments across a half century spent here in the area.  Once her own kids as well as a few adoptees were grown and on their own, Colleen's heart remained open and she and her sweetheart served two more full-time missions, in both New Jersey and London, England.

Proceeded in death by her parents and her devoted husband of 43 years, Colleen is survived by her brothers Floyd, Vaughn Bay, WA, and Tom, St. George, UT.
Her children and their spouses:  Marcy Ross (Brad) of Santa Barbara, CA, Vernon Porter (Cory) of Boise, ID, Jim Porter (Katherine) of Paulsbo, WA, Daniel Porter (Naomi) of West Richland, WA, Tom Porter (Jade) of Pacifica, CA, and Jeannie Gosney (Kurt) of Richland, WA all consider themselves richly blessed, having been raised, cared for and loved by an amazing mother.  Colleen also shared her love with 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A viewing for friends has been arranged for Thursday evening at the Einan's Events Center from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  The funeral service is scheduled for 11:00, Friday morning at the LDS Richland Stake Center, 1720 Thayer Drive.  A graveside service will follow Saturday at the Cloverdale Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, where her husband is also interred.