Obituary of Flora Coonts

Flora Coonts, 96, of Limon, Colorado passed away peacefully August 5, 2014 at St. Andrew’s Village in Aurora, Colorado. Flora was born in Byers, Colorado on October 28, 1917. She was born the daughter of George and Lillie Linsley, one of four children. Flora and her sister Nellie were both born in Byers with the same midwife in attendance and were named after her daughters. The Linsley’s home was in Limon, Colorado and this is where she lived her entire life. She graduated from Limon High School in 1936. Flora worked for Mountain States Tel & Tel Company which was later Mountain Bell in Limon, Colorado. She started working in the office as an operator starting on December 23, 1936 and just before WWII started, in 1941 she was promoted to chief operator and remained in that position until she retired on February 21, 1974. She saw many changes and did many duties while employed. One minute she would be waiting for an open circuit, handling a customer with a payment on their bill, taking care of a request for new service, and even blowing the town whistle to alert local volunteers of a fire. When Flora started working there were 4 operators employed in the office, at the time of her retirement there were 41. She is a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Flora married Dennis E. Coonts on June 13, 1947 at The Saint John’s Episcopal Chapel in Denver, Colorado. They enjoyed living in a small town where everyone was considered a neighbor. From the time of their marriage Flora lived in the same house for 67 years. She enjoyed family, many friends, sporting events, and traveling. Flora was a member of the Episcopal Chapel of the Resurrection Church in Limon. Her and her family played a very active role in getting Limon’s church built. She also enjoyed creating photo albums, reading, cooking and working in her yard. Flora also enjoyed fishing, camping, and cared for many animals over the years. Flora loved to care for her family and friends that she loved so much. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Duane, June and Nellie Linsley. Flora was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Coonts. Flora is survived by family and many friends.