Mildred Collins

Mildred Collins, 100, joined her Savior and Lord on March 18, 2013, at Mesa Manor. She was born in Woodward County, Oklahoma, on July 24, 1912, to Charles and Esther Peach. The family moved to Grand Junction in 1918, where Mildred survived both smallpox and the flu epidemic of 1918.

As a high school student at Fruitvale, she excelled academically, winning county and state awards in spelling, Latin, and Algebra, and sang lead parts in several operettas. She also experienced adventures like climbing to the top of Independence Rock with her brother John Peach and some classmates. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1930, and attended Mesa Junior College for a year before marrying her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Collins. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Her work experience included working as a fruit packer in Palisade, as a clerk at Woolworth’s in the 1930’s, as an Avon representative in the 1940’s and 1950’s, and as a bookkeeper for the Grand Junction City Credit Union. She also worked from home as part of Collins Candy Company, making wedding cakes for many brides in this area. She was a founding member of the Fruitvale Mothers’ Club, helping to begin the hot lunch program in the Grand Valley. Her membership at First Christian Church began at age 16 and continued all her life, as she served in many positions, including deaconess and elder. She was also the church librarian. Her active involvement in the Rebekah lodge spanned several decades.

Mildred has enjoyed several special trips: to Hawaii, to Europe with four of her grandchildren, and to Disney World where she had her picture taken with Mickey Mouse. She went on a hot air balloon ride when she was 86. She loved to watch the Broncos and the Rockies. She taught herself to knit and crochet, producing many sweaters and other items for her family. Mildred also loved singing, and was a part of the church choir for most of her life. She and her sister Fanny sang duets for programs through the church as well. She wrote poetry and helped her children through English classes with her knowledge of grammar and writing. She had learned Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in the original old English and could recite it even in her 90s.

She is survived by a son, Melvin (Nadine) and a daughter (Phyllis Buckley), eight grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter and four siblings.

Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service of remembrance will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 23, 2013 at The First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 N.12th Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.martinmortuary.com