Sandra Marie Collins
February 25, 1940 ~ September 23,
2019 (age 79)
On September 23, 2019, with her
loving husband at her side, Sandra Marie Collins, 79, received a first-class
one-way ticket to heaven into the arms of her loving Savior. Mom passed away in
the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics.
Sandra Marie was born in
Crawfordsville, IN on February 25, 1940. She was the middle daughter of three
girls, born to Frank and Dorothy Weliver. One of Mom’s fondest memories
was being her Grandpa’s “candy taster” at his general store; she had quite the
sweet tooth. As a young girl, Mom looked forward to overnight stays with her
Grandma Harris and summertime visits with her cousins. Many of her lifetime
memories were centered around caring for others, family, faith, food and
fellowship.
The love of Sandra’s life is a story
of fate. She attended the National School of Aeronautics, in Kansas City, MO to
become an airline employee. Her soon-to-be husband Ron, also attended this
school. As fate would have it (and later they realized), they were both
assigned the same dorm, same room and same bed during different training
sessions. They officially met at Ozark Airlines on Michigan Avenue,
downtown Chicago through mutual friends, which began their journey of their
lifelong love. Ron worked as a reservations officer and Mom was an airline
stewardess. They were united in marriage on October 7, 1961. Together
they built a beautiful life. They spent time living in Abilene, TX as Ron
served in United States Army during the Vietnam War. Together they were blessed
with two children; Connie Sue and Ronald “Pete” Benjamin. They then resided in
LaPorte, IN where they owned two travel agencies and had opportunities to
explore the world together. In 1975, they moved to Russell, IA and purchased
the family farm. Throughout the years, they owned multiple businesses. Mom especially
loved her job as the secretary for the Russell School. She so loved her job and
took a special interest in each and every student that would come to her for
advice or a piece of candy.
Mom cherished her time with her
three beautiful grandchildren: Devon, Tori, and Brody. She developed a very
special bond and adored each of them. She loved to tell stories of her
childhood to them. Mom also earned the title of “Camp Cook” from the Bader
Mountain Annual Deer Hunting Club. Her legacy is the kindness she showed
towards all, and her giving heart of gold. She will be greatly missed and
remembered by all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband Ronald
Benjamin Collins, Sr., her children; daughter Connie Sue Dunsmoor (Ross), son
Dr. Ronald “Pete” Collins (Jen), grandchildren Devon Dunsmoor, Victoria
Collins, and Brody Collins, sister Wanda Renfroe (Ken) and numerous nieces and
nephews.
There will be a private family
celebration of Sandra’s life, as she wished. To send cards, flowers, or
memorials to the family of Sandra Marie Collins: 42587 280th Ave. Russell, IA
50238.
