Naomi Collins

Mrs. Collins was born in Brooksville on October 10, 1916, the daughter of late John Christian and Matilda Bush Kalb. She graduated from Brooksville High School. She attended Capital University in Columbus, OH, for one year and graduated magna cum laude from Eastern Kentucky University in 1937. When at Eastern she was president of the Limestone Club, member of the marching band, the glee club and was in Kappa Delta Pi.

Mrs. Collins began her teaching career in Louisville where she resided before coming to Maysville. On June 22, 1940, she married the late, W.B. ‘Bert’ Collins, Mason County Farm Extension Agent and Farm Loan Advisor at the Bank of Maysville.

Mrs. Collins is survived by her son, John William Collins, and daughter-in-law, Charlotte of Tequesta, FL, daughter, Susan Margaret Schell, and son-in-law Jerry Schell of Lexington, daughter, Carol Jane Collins of Englewood, and brother, Wilbur A. Kalb of Brooksville.

Mrs. Collins is survived by her five grandchildren, Maria Watne of Watertown, MN, William Collins, Jupiter, FL, Karen Schell Bonilla, Lexington, Amy Schell Donegan, White River Junction, VT, and Sarah Schell, New York City, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by special friends, Kathy and Mike Newdigate and their family.

Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by sisters, Mary K. Eichner, of Ft. Thomas, and Ruth Leathers, of Frankfort, and brothers, John V. Kalb of Bonita Springs, FL, and Vernon Kalb of Farmington, CT.

Mrs. Collins was a dedicated teacher in the Maysville Public Schools retiring in 1982 after 27 years. During her tenure she taught various grade levels before finishing her career as a sixth grade teacher.

Mrs. Collins was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Maysville where study of the Bible inspired her to lead an adult women’s class for nearly 50 years. She sang in the choir, served as an Elder, and was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Association. In the community Mrs. Collins was a member of the Maysville Younger Women’s Club, the Washington Study Club, and the Retired Teachers of Mason County. She was active in P.T.A., served in many capacities in the AAUW, sang in the Maysville Community Choir and was a Kentucky Colonel.

Mrs. Collins was devoted to home, church and school. She found pleasure in travel, music, bridge and ‘grandmothering’.

A celebration service for the life of Naomi Collins will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 19, 2012 with Reverend Laurie McKnight officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11 AM until the hour of the service. Immediately following the service, a reception will began in the church fellowship hall for family and friends with the interment to follow in the May’s Lick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 21 West Third Street, Maysville, KY 41056. Arrangements under the direction of Knox and Brothers Funeral Home.