Connie Collins was born in Malabon Rizul, Philippines, Sept. 2, 1925. Connie met and married William Collins of Kentucky in 1945 while he was serving our country in the army and stationed in the Philippines, during World War II. Connie went home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2006.

Connie was the first born of eight children. Two of her brothers have preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by William, her husband of 52 years, who went to be with the Lord in March 1997.

She is survived by nine of her 12 children, 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren living in Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Missouri, Hawaii and Germany; her sons, Will Collins, of Washington, Leonard, Gourley, Efren, Wallace Lee, and Sam Collins of California; her daughters, Marie Nunez and Jasmine Schmidt of California, and Drucilla Bjorn of Hawaii; her grandchildren, Duke, Katrina, Kyle, Mosa, Andy, Veronica, Natalie, Nicholas, Kenya, Kahlia, Yahreen, Jenna, Dana, Nathan, Andrew, Vhasti, Matthias, Andreas, Whitney, Carlson, Ryan, Janell and Alanca; and her great-grandchildren, Maya and Jason.

Connie visited Whidbey Island many summers where she lived with her son Will during her visits. She loved shopping at Good Cheer and visiting with the ladies at Brookhaven and at the Soup Kitchen. She attended Langley United Methodist Church during her summer visits to the Island. She also loved to walk around Langley with her friend Marjorie and pick blackberries. She made friends easily and loved to share her love of the Holy Scriptures and her love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all she met.

She loved to read, write and talk to people. She has touched many lives in her 80 years and we will miss her, but she will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts. Please support Good Cheer, the Senior Center, the Soup Kitchen and the Methodist Church and remember Connie when you do. Good-bye for now. With love, your son, Will.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, in Riverside, Calif.