Josephine Louise "Duganne" Colwell

Josephine Louise "Duganne" Colwell obituary

Josephine Louise "Duganne" Colwell

Josephine Colwell Obituary

Published by Legacy on Mar. 30, 2026.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Josephine Louise Colwell, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home. Josephine was born on September 9, 1936.

After several years of courting, Josephine wed John Russell Colwell on June 19, 1962. Together they built a life centered on family and faith. While John worked long hours as a career truck driver hauling steel, gasoline, and freight to provide for their family, Josephine devoted herself to being a loving and dedicated stay-at-home mother. She took great pride in caring for her home and raising their four children, John Russell Jr., Scott Allen, Douglass Miles, and Susan Elizabeth.

Josephine was a woman of strong faith whose life was centered on Christ. Her faith guided the way she lived and the way she loved her family. Through her quiet strength, devotion, and steady presence, she created a home filled with warmth, care, and stability while her husband spent long hours on the road. Her greatest joy was her family, and she faithfully supported and nurtured them throughout the years.

Josephine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Russell Colwell.

She is survived by her children: John Russell Colwell Jr. and his wife Diane Leslie (Peloza) and their children Ryan Thomas Colwell, Bradley Garrison Colwell, and Allison Marie Winkler and her husband Michael Scott Winkler; Scott Allen Colwell and his wife Amy Jo (Ehrenberg) and their sons Joshua Allen Colwell and his wife Jacqueline Marie (Bogatek), and Nicholas Allen Colwell; Douglass Miles Colwell and his wife Pauline Colwell (Quinlan) and their son Douglass Miles Colwell Jr.; and Susan Elizabeth Nicopolis and her daughters Tiana Christine Nicopolis and Sabra Alexandria Nicopolis.

Josephine will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to her family, and the faith that guided her life. Those who knew her take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

As you think of Josephine, the family asks that you smile and cherish those you love…as she did.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine Louise (Duganne) Colwell, please visit our floral store.

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