Obituary of Gerald Rains

Gerald Raymond Rains was born in a sod house on a homestead near Akron Colorado on May 3, 1913, to Nova and Mabel Carlson Rains and passed away on September 11, 2005, in Hugo, Colorado, at the Lincoln Community Hospital, after being a resident of the Lincoln Community Nursing Home for 41/2 years. As soon as he was able to handle a rope, Gerald had his heart set on being a cowboy. He went to school in Otis and Akron, Colorado, until the 9th grade. During his earlier years, he helped build Highway 36 with the use of his draft horse team, which he had trained. He also enjoyed hunting coyotes with his greyhounds. Gerald worked on ranches and farms in northern Colorado and Wyoming until 1954 when he moved his family to the Cohen Ranch located south of Hugo. The family later moved in to Hugo and after retirement, Gerald continued cowboying, helping at area brandings and working part time at the sale barn in Limon, and also working at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. He was a member of the Hugo Calf Roping club where he won several belt buckles and was active in 4-H programs enjoying taking his children to 4-H activities. Gerald cared deeply for his family and will be missed by them and his many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother Charles Rains of La Salle, Colorado. Gerald is survived by his brothers Bill Rains of Walsenburg, Colorado and Don (Maryann) Rains of Parker, Colorado, sister-in-law Edna Rains of Greeley, Colorado, wife Edith Rains of Hugo, Children Karen Mellott of Hillrose, Colorado, Dick Rains of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Dean Rains (Bev) Of Punkin Center, Colorado, and Debbie Rains of Strasburg, Colorado. Grandchildren include, Gary Mellott of Glendale, AZ, Scott Mellott of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Julie Keirnes (Scott) of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Thad Mellott (Cheri) of Hillrose, Colorado, Morgan Therrien (Brian) of Arriba, Colorado, Weston Rains of Arthur, Nebraska, and Karla Yoder (Kenny) of Karval, Colorado. Great grandchildren include Kimber, Kolten and Kodee Keirnes, Kileigh and Kaitlyn Mellott, Tanner & Joleen Eikenberry, Danielle Therrien and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Hugo, Colorado, Reverend Olga Hard Officiating. Memorials may be sent to Lincoln Community Hospital Auxiliary 111 6th Street Hugo, Colorado, 80821 or Donors Choice.