Georgia J. Spain, 81

Georgia Jean Kolessa was born in Valentine January 13, 1940 to Johnny and Eleanor (Hartman) Kolessa. She passed away in North Platte April 30, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

Georgia entered grade school in Valentine and graduated from Valentine High School in 1958. In high school, she was a volleyball starter and cheerleader all four years. She was always kind and had a ready smile for all. Her senior year, she was voted both Homecoming and Coronation Queen. She was excellent at sports, including bowling and golf.

On December 29, 1958, she married the love of her life Sam Spain. Sam was stationed at the Ft. Lewis Army base and they made their first home in Tacoma, WA where she loved both the mountains and the rain. Their daughter, Shannon, was born April 14, 1960 at the Madigan Army Hospital. Shortly after, they moved back to Valentine and Jeff was born November 11, 1961.

Over the years, Georgia worked as secretary/treasurer for all of Sam’s many businesses, the last of which was The Raine Motel. She also enjoyed the time she spent working at Red Front and Young’s Western Wear.

Georgia loved to travel and especially enjoyed the “girl’s trips” and those taken with her son. Her favorite was Disney World. Precious to her was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Sam of Valentine; daughter Shannon and husband Dirk Hansen of Dallas, TX; son Jeff Spain and wife Jorja of Valentine. Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Dana (Hansen) Douthit and husband Jeff and their four children Roxie, Charlotte, Warner and Steele; Natalie (Hansen) Hopper and husband Rob and their children Grayson and Annabelle; Sean Hansen; Heather Spain, MD and fiancé Cliff Janikowki, MD; Matthew Spain and wife Sarah; and Samantha Spain and fiancé Jake Kelley, sister Patty Brown and brother John Kolessa, both of Valentine; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

(memo: George Spain/Girl’s Athletic Program).