Ethel L. Colbert
Ethel L. Colbert, 88 of Coffeyville, KS. peacefully passed away early Sunday morning, June 15, 2025 at her home.
She was born Ethel Loretta Hardwick on March 11, 1937 to Jeffersonn and Tobitha Hardrick in Disney, Oklahoma in Mayes County on Grand River (now Grand Lake O' the Cherokees). As a toddler, she moved with her family to Alluwe, Oklahoma (Lightning Creek area) and attended Madden School. The family relocated to Nowata, OK. where she matriculated therough Lincoln School under her beloved principal, Floyd Alexander, graduating as Valedictorian in 1955.
Ethel excelled at cooking and worked as a Cook for most of her working life. In addition to working at Don Divines Restaurant, Ted's Grill, Meal on Wheels and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, she was also a sought-after cook for local events.
Ethel was baptized as a young child at Lightning Creek Baptist Church and continued serving at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and First Baptist Church both in Nowata.
After moving with her children to Coffeyville, KS in 1969, she united with St. John Baptist Church and then with First Church of God in Christ (now First Church of God in Christ Family Worship Center) in 1980, where she maintained regular attendance until November 2023 when a fall in her home led to her being bedridden. She led the Kitchen Ministry for many, many years. Ethel had a passion of cooking and feeding people. She helped organize the Lincoln School Reunions and served on the planning committee for several years. Nowata held a special place in her heart; so much so that she insisted that her husband, James Warren (deceased), drive her back to Nowata to give birth to her last child. She wanted all her children to be "Okies".
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jefferson and Tobitha Hardrick, 9 sisters; Mary Scott, Opal Thompson, Jewel Anderson, Talila White, Vernabelle Thompson, Elizabeth Hardrick, Elsie Mae Hardrick, Elva Mae Hardrick and Emma Mae Hardrick, 7 brothers; Calvin Richard Hardrick, Cecil Hardrick, Charles Hardrick, Jeff Hardrick, Jr., Russell Hardrick, William "Bill" Hardrick and Willard Hardrick.
She is also preceded in death by 4 of her children; Marlin Burnett, Carmen Burnett, Willetta Stevenson and William "Billy" Burnett.
Those left to cherish her memory are 7 children, Harriett (Herbert) Martin of Coffeyville, KS., Glenna Hardrick (Plano Texas), Hollis (Rickelle) Burnett (Fremoont, CA), Valorie Clay (Coffeyville, KS), Kimberly Burnett (Coffeyville,KS), Lori Hoffman (Coffeyville, KS) and Tamara Warren (Coffeyville, KS0; 30 grandchildren,60 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews whom she raised in her home. She is also suvived by one sister, Gwendolyn Meigs (Denver, CO), along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, June 20, 2025 at Mission Funeral Services, 502 S. Union from 2 to 6 p.m.
Service will be Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First Church of God in Christ Family Worship Center, 2802 W. 1st Coffeyville, KS.
Final Resting Place Ketchum, OK.
Family, oh how I wish I could come home for Cousin Ethel’s Homegoing. But due to circumstances beyond my control, I’ll have to miss it. Cousin Ethel was a staple in the community. The beautiful thing is she left her family with a RICH legacy that continues to bless the church & community. I’m praying for you all as the transitioning of a parent is never easy. But always know that God will never leave you nor forsake you. Love you all eternally!!!!