Virginia Diane Turpen

Virginia Diane was born June 15, 1947, in Pittsburg, KS to Virginia Lee Collins and Virgil J. Collins of Midenmines, MO

One of two children, Virginia married the love of her life, Richard Lee Turpen, July 25, 1970 at the Emanuel Baptist Church in Overland Park, KS.

It was love at first sight, when Richard and Virginia met at Commerce Trust Bank in Kansas City, MO. On their first date in Richard’s shiny new convertible, Virginia spilled her bottle of water in the front seat. She knew, “it was over”. But, with that sweet smile and twinkle in those beautiful blue eyes; caught him, Hook, Line and Sinker!!!

Their love would last on this earth for 45 years, and will continue in heaven when they meet again.

Virginia and Richard had an inseparable life together and he cared for her through years of illness.

They have two incredible children together, a son, Richard “Shane” Turpen, age 37, of College Station, TX and Marita Ann Turpen, age 33 of College Station, TX. They also have two grandsons, Dylan Michael Turpen, age 13, and Mitchell Lee Berberick, age 9. Diane was affectionately known as “Mama” by the grandchildren.

Virginia is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James H. and Susan Y. Collins, nephew, James H. Collins II and wife Anne, niece, Christy Phillips and husband Virgil, nephew, Stanley G. Collins and wife Heather, great-niece Stephanie Phillips.

After living in many cities throughout the U.S. and being a corporate secretary with Commerce Trust and Bank and later IBM corporate, Diane and Richard moved to College Station, Texas in 2001. At that time Diane became a full-time homemaker. In her spare time Diane used her talents to cross-stitch, crochet and sewing to bring happiness to everyone. She loved to attend her Sunday School class and church at Wellborn Baptist. The family would especially like to thank the women of Wellborn Baptist Church (especially the women in Diane’s Sunday School Class) for their kindness and love. The family also appreciates the help and care from the College Station Medical Team, EMS professionals and hospital staff.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 21, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and a memorial service on Monday, February 22, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Both will be at the Wellborn Baptist Church.