Ruth S. Collins

Two days before mom's 96th birthday she danced her way up and into the arms of her beloved soulmate Fred W. Collins, our dad. He died when my brother Tracy and I were 10 and 8 years old so mom became our mother and father all in one. She taught us to love life as much as she did, and boy did she! Laughter and compassion was her secret. She was a loving advisor, mentor and best friend to us our whole lives. She felt honored to be the Aunt, Great Aunt and Grandmother to our many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, sons and daughters. She traveled the world many times with her best friend of 75 years, Sophie but always loved to come home to where so many spectacular memories were made. She would say to me "Jim, you have to love to laugh! Life tastes much better that way!" We'll miss you mom, but man you had a great run!