Georgia Jean Kolessa was born in Valentine, Nebraska on January 13, 1940 to Johnny and Eleanor (Hartman) Kolessa. She passed away in North Platte, Nebraska on 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 excelled at many sports including volleyball, bowling and cheerleading. She was always kind and had a ready smile for all. Her senior year, she was voted both Homecoming and Coronation Queen. Georgia was not a fan of large crowds, however, preferring the silence of nature and the warmth of a good book.
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, Washington 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, Nebraska and son, Jeff was born November 10, 1961. Georgia often said that raising her children and watching them succeed was her best accomplishment. She had always wanted to attend college so from an early age, both Shannon and Jeff were encouraged to seek higher educational opportunities with her full support.
Over the years, Georgia partnered with Sam with their shared business ventures, the last of which was The Raine Motel. Her grandchildren have fond memories of staying at the motel, helping Grandma with the washing and restocking the pop machines. Georgia also enjoyed the time she spent working at Red Front and Young’s Western Wear. Attending market was a highlight of her working career. Later in her life, she helped her sister Patty with her restaurant at the Sale Barn.
Georgia loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips to San Antonio and Branson with the girls and those taken with her son. Their trip to the Dominican Republic was such a fun experience. She loved getting her first passport. Georgia’s favorite trip destination, however, were the Disney parks in California and Florida. She was not a huge fan of roller coasters but loved the creativity and imagination of Disney. Georgia also loved the old movies with Doris Day, Rock Hudson and Elvis Presley as well as musicals such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Oklahoma. Precious to her was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made every minute fun and meaningful with craft projects, dress up clothes, games and the infamous snack trays and kids wine.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband Sam of Valentine, NE; daughter Shannon & husband Dirk Hansen of Richardson, TX; son Jeff Spain and wife Jorja of Valentine, NE; grandchildren & great grandchildren: Dana (Hansen) Douthit & husband Jeff and their four children Roxie, Charlotte, Warner and Steele; Natalie (Hansen) Hopper & husband Rob and their children Grayson & Annabelle; Sean Hansen; Heather Spain, MD & fiancé Cliff Janikowki, MD; Matthew Spain & wife Sarah; and Samantha Spain & fiancé Jake Kelley; sister Patty Brown and brother John Kolessa, both of Valentine, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held at Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Valentine, NE on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 with burial following at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Memorials may be made to VHS (memo: Georgia Spain/Girl’s Athletic Program.) Holmes Funeral Home in Valentine, NE was entrusted with the arrangements.