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Barbara Ruth Collins
November 7, 1926 (Louisville, Kentucky) - November 7, 2006 (Springfield, Illinois)

Parents: Dr. Arnold and Vera Thomasson
Spouse: R. Dean Collins
Children: Susan Poludniak, Greg Collins, Jeff Collins
High School Attended: Urbana High School
College Attended: University of Illinois
Occupation: Teacher, Homemaker


Obituary:
Barbara Ruth Collins died on November 7, 2007, at St. Joseph's Home. She was born exactly 81 years earlier on November 7, 1926 in Owensboro, KY to Dr. Arnold Lee and Vera Delia Thomasson. She attended Junior and Senior High School in Champaign, Illinois. In 1948 Barbara graduated from the University of Illinois with high honors and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Her social sorority was Chi Omega.

Her husband of 57 years, Dean Collins, and their three children survive her: Susan Lee Poludniak (husband, Tom), Gregory Dean Collins (wife, Barb), and Jeffery Craig Collins (wife, Karen). There are six grandchildren: Danielle Geula (husband, Foead), Karen Poludniak (fiancé, John Gregory), Brent Collins, Hayley Collins, Kate Poludniak, and Allison Collins. She is also survived by a brother, Gene Thomasson (wife, Alice) of Chesterland, Ohio.

Before and after raising her family, Barbara was an elementary school teacher. She also worked at Sangamon State University, first in university relations and later as an administrative assistant in the President's Office. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Illinois State Museum Society, Springfield Civic Garden Club, A. Lincoln Memorial Garden, Panhellenic Society and Island Bay Yacht Club.

Barbara enjoyed being out of doors, flower gardening and in particular was a wild flower enthusiast. She also enjoyed music, reading and playing bridge, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be remembered by her loved ones as a beautiful, tender and loving mother, grandmother and devoted wife.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 Sunday, November 11, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 11 on Monday, November 12, 2007.

Memorial contributions may be made to A. Lincoln Memorial Garden or the Central Illinois Alzheimer's Association.


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Westminster Presbyterian Church
533 S. Walnut Street
Springfield, Illinois 62704
 217-522-4415