Velma Mae Collins

Velma Mae Parsons Collins, age 89, died Friday, March 1, 2013 and was born February 14, 1924 in rural Wilson County to Steve and Nellie Parsons. She attended schools in Wilson County and graduated from Benedict High prior to her marriage to Carl Collins. Velma and Carl set up housekeeping on their farm in the Farmdale community near Coyville. They farmed and continued to live in their home there for their entire married life. Carl died in 1996 and Velma continued to live at their farm until she moved to Vintage Park in Fredonia following hip and knee surgeries and the flood. Velma resided there until her death. She Loved and appreciated all her “angels” at Vintage Park and others who cared for her. When her nieces and nephews were children, they frequently stayed with Aunt Velma as she did “fun stuff” like fishing, hunting, and crawdad hunting with them. Velma was well known for her beautiful handwork. Her crocheted items became treasured gifts for friends and family. While living on the farm, she dutifully and happily completed tasks necessary to care for animals, work the fields, grow bountiful gardens and preserve food for winters. She took delight in later years when she could contribute her beautiful handmade doilies and table covers to raise money for the Coyville Community Center. Velma was a tough, hard working lady, who loved to laugh and could always see a good side to every hardship. At the age of 82 Velma spotted a pesky coyote about a quarter mile from her house, stepped out on the front porch and downed him with one shot. (Just for good measure, she shot him two more times before declaring him dead) She never complained, even following surgeries and during painful times. Until she gave up driving, she never missed a Sunday visit with her friends who were confined to home or in the nursing home. What a legacy of kindness she leaves us! And what a challenge to carry on her kindnesses! Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her brothers Dave, Harry, Rex, Earl, and Jim. She is survived by her sister, Lillie Fern Ivie of Wichita, her brother, Ray Parsons of Camas, WA, brother-in-law, Rex Collins and wife, Genevieve of Topeka, KS, sister-in-laws Rena Clinesmith and Linda John-Collins, along with numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by those for love her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, with Mike Myers officiating, burial to follow at the Fredonia City Cemetery. Visitation will precede the service, starting at 9:00 a.m. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to either the Fredonia Educational Fund or the First Christian Church in Fredonia and may be left with or sent to the funeral home. Services entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736

Velma Mae Collins

February 14, 1924 - March 1, 2013