Ruth Collins
February 11, 2010
About Our Mom
Mom was born on December 4, 1927, in Berlin, Germany. All of her life, she had a strong attachment to her German heritage.
After raising her children in Des Moines, Mom remarried in 1978. She and her husband, Tom Collins, moved to the Chicago area, and then onto Tennessee. Mom loved and felt a strong attachment to Tennessee and her neighbors and friends there. During the summers, her grandsons, David and Mike, spent time traveling to historical site with their “Oma and Tom”. Mike describes his Oma as “a great grandmother”.
Following Tom’s passing in 2004, Mom moved back to Des Moines to be close to Larry and Laura. She was always active, caring for her home and walking the Greenbelt. She loved attending the theater – especially musicals with Laura and daughter-in-law Patty. She was a traveler and made regular trips to Austin to spend time with her grandsons, Kurt and Jonathan. Saturday mornings spent with Larry – her “Mr. Fixit” who she believed could do anything – perfectly.
During her last years, Mom became involved in the Senior Citizens Center. She made friends there who brought her much enjoyment.
We are sending Mom off with two of her basic necessities a Kleenex and a toothpick. She will be wearing her favorite necklace, which she called “Tom.” And she will have her wedding ring from her marriage to our father. We know this will make her smile. We love her and will miss her.
Susan, Larry and Laura
tina rettig & kids, chelsea and cameron
02/20/2010
My heart and soul goes out to you and your family. I know what it's like too lose a momma,but now this a new lease on life for her to help prepare a place to spend with her in heaven one day down the line.
its going take a while to adjust knowing that you cannot get on the phone and call her for anything but,, believe me,, she is listening and she is with you.
take a lot of deep breaths and stay positive,,
love and hugs to you and your family,,
tina rettig
Martha Perry
02/18/2010
So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. I was in a group of four that walked daily around Windsong. She was fun to walk with and she liked to talk politics.
Also, I purchased a lot of her collections when she moved as I ran a booth at a antique mall in Elizabethton.
Your family will be in our prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Martha,Jim, Jamie, Amie, and Anna Perry
Steve, Melanie, & Stephanie Drushel
02/17/2010
We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Ruth Collins. A beloved neighbor and friend here on Woodside Court, we missed her dearly when she moved to Iowa. We'll always remember her kindness when our daughter was born, all of us trying to stay ahead of the leaves during the Fall, the many garage sales she and Dixie planned for the neighborhood, her steadfast spirit, and all the times we just sat and talked about things. Much love always.
Mariam Todd
02/15/2010
I am one of the three Musketeers. ( that is what she called us)
I love her very much and miss her dearly.
David and Iris Hall
02/13/2010
Our deepest condolences.
We will miss our chats together and your visits.
Susan Elsner
02/12/2010
Larry and Patty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so glad you have had the last few years with her living in Des Moines and were able to spend so much time with her. My heart goes out to you and your family as you mourn such a great loss.
All my best,
Susan
Anne Coffman
02/12/2010
Larry,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know how close you were to your mother and how much you loved and respected her. Ruth was always so pleasant and happy whenever I was around her, and her smile was contagious. I know she will be deeply missed by family and friends.
I am holding all of you close in thought and prayer as you go through this difficult time.
Anne