Adeltha Collyer

Adeltha Collyer, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, peacefully transitioned from this world to the next on January 3, 2025 at the age of 85. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family and love for others. Adeltha was born in Farmington, New Mexico on November 9, 1939 to Edward Wheeler and Emma Julia Nelson. She was a self proclaimed tomboy from a very young age, and loved sports of just about any kind. She played softball from age 9 to age 60, and also played volleyball, bowled, and coached many different sports for many years. She was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and developed a deep sense of faith and was very generous in helping those around her. 

Adeltha met Betram Walter Collyer at a square dance, and that began their courtship. They were married on June 11, 1957 in Mesa, Arizona. Shortly after marriage they settled in Waterflow, New Mexico. For many years, Bertram and Adeltha continued to compete in square dance competitions. Bertram and Adeltha were also known for Collyer Produce. Adeltha was the manager as the small garden grew into a thriving business and source of income for many in the community. Collyer Produce helped to fund the college educations and missions for their church for their 6 children, but Adeltha was also willing to share both food and opportunities with those around. It was common knowledge that Adeltha would leave food on the doorstep of those in need or simply invite them to gather what they needed at the Collyer Produce stand.

 Adeltha also loved watching sports, maybe even more than her husband. Her favorites were KCHS and BYU football and basketball. She also enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they took part in sports, drama, musical, and or other activities. She also loved playing games with his family and friends, and even as her life was drawing to a close she made many memories playing Rook and Skyjo with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Adeltha was active in church and enjoyed serving many. She held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Bertram served a mission in Oakland, CA and Dennehotso, AZ. One of Adeltha’s greatest characteristics was her ability to connect with others. She made friends everywhere she went and was well known for talking with anyone, including being the last person to leave the church because she wanted to touch base with everyone. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Julie Wheeler, her brother, Ralph Wheeler, along with her granddaughter Annette Byers. She is survived by her children Glen (Lori), Craig, Curtis (Micheal), Eileen (Darick) Lewis, Percy (Kamela) and Cyril (Jessica), 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Brewer Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington, New Mexico. Her memorial service will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm, January 10, 2025 at Kirtland LDS Stake Center 10 Road 6523, Kirtland NM and buried in the Kirtland Cemetery.