LOLA PICKENS, 85, was gathered into God's loving arms on Sunday, September 12th surrounded by her family. Lola left her life here on earth leaving nine children, Wallace Jr. (Bonnie) of Ft. Morgan, Linda Palmer of Denver, Cynthia (Max) Cleffman of Ft. Morgan, John (Belinda) of Fleming, Gail (Roy) Meza of Ft. Morgan, Becky (Jon) Golley of Ft. Morgan, Patti Rousselle of Ft. Morgan, Richard (Mary) of Aurora and Mark (Cheri) of Longmont, 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, and her lifelong and dear friend, Shirley (Gene) Peterson of Ft. Morgan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Pickens, Sr., a Beloved son, J.D. Pickens, her parents, John and Mainie Barton, and a sister, Alberta Baldwin. Lola was born June 18, 1925 in Shaffers Crossing, Colorado to John and Mainie Barton and lived most of her life in Colorado. She loved nothing more than when her family was all together. And as a true Coloradan, she was a die hard Broncos fan and kept up on all the latest Bronco headlines. Lola loved to travel and she enjoyed several trips with her family - Spain, Marocco, Alaska and Hawaii were only a few of her destinations. Her greatest source of pride was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lola left a legacy of caring for others being employed for over 30 years at Noresco Sheltered Workshop. She loved the "kids" and she supervised them like they were her own. Lola taught her family to love and serve others and that everyone is the same in God's eyes. In 1978, Lola was honored when Gov. Lamb proclaimed February 10th as LOLA PICKENS DAY for her work with the mentally handicapped. Gov. Lamb called her "The Sweetheart of the Handicapped" and she was truly that...a genuine sweetheart. She will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched. A celebration of Lola's life will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 at the downtown Sanctuary Church with viewing at 9 am and services at 10 am. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens in Fort Morgan. Those who wish can make a donation in her memory to Noresco Workshop or Hospice Palliative Care of Northeast Colorado.