Barbara Marie Collins

Barb was born to Marie Thomsen and Al Machamer on March 20, 1935, in Davenport, Iowa.

Everyone who met Barb knew of her love of horses which she passed on to her daughters Debby and Sandy. She spent her teen years riding at the local stables where she first met Wayne (Cap) Urban Collins. She and Cap were married on August 6, 1955 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale. The years with Cap were focused on raising a family, acquiring the acreage and horses and enjoying trail riding with family and friends.

Barb was employed with Principal Life Insurance Co. until transferring to Northwestern Bell Telephone (NWB) as a repair clerk. She and Cap worked at NWB until retirement on February 28, 1986. Early retirement allowed them to travel in their 5th Wheel RV throughout the U.S. visiting family and friends. Together they lived in Colorado for a few years.

Cap suddenly passed on October 17, 1989. Barb remained in West Des Moines and occupied her time with her daughters and working a job she loved at the Hallmark store in Valley West Mall for several years. She later married her dear friend Ian (Scotty) Reid on June 6, 1995. They resided in Bella Vista, Arkansas for 16 years before returning to Iowa to be near family. Scotty was able to take her to Scotland to visit his family and learn of his heritage before his passing on November 22, 2013. Mom maintained her love of family and friends and remained in the home she and Scotty shared in Urbandale until her passing.

Left to cherish her life and memory are her daughters Sandy Collins, Debby (Don) Sonner, grandson Cory (Toni) Sonner, and great-grandchildren Brynnlee and Chayton.