Virginia Collins

Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Virginia A. Collins will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Orleans Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating.  A private family interment will be held prior to the service at the Carter Cemetery, rural Orleans, Nebraska.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Collins family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Virginia's services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. If you have any symptoms, please remain home.  The Collins family would appreciate the use of face coverings at the service.

Virginia Annette Collins, 88 years of age, of rural Orleans, died Sunday, August 16, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska. Virginia was born on June 12, 1932, on the Ruben family homestead in Harlan County, Nebraska.  She was proud to be of the fourth generation to live on the homestead. Virginia was the younger of two daughters born to Albert and Eleanor (Bloom) Ibsen, known to her grandkids as Grandma Snazzy. Virginia graduated from Orleans High School and then pursued higher education and attended Kearney State College, to earn her teaching degree.

Virginia was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Neil Collins, on June 10, 1951, and the couple was blessed with three children: David, Debra, and Doug. The family continued to live on the family homestead, where Virginia became a teacher for 32 years and Neil continued to diligently farm until their retirements.  Virginia found her calling, when helping students with special needs and only spent one semester in a regular classroom.  Her love for education has influenced her daughter and granddaughter to become teachers, as well.

Aside from teaching, she had a passion for music.  From very early in life, Virginia started playing for services at church and for Sunday school.  She continued to be a dedicated member and musician of the Orleans Presbyterian Church until a few years ago. She had a love of flower gardening. Roses were her passion. She loved making and giving quilts and spending time with her family.

Virginia was preceded in death by; her parents; and sister, Helen Pyell, who passed on May 26, 2013; and brother-in-law, Harold Pyell, who passed on December 19, 1994.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her husband of 69 years, Neil Collins of rural Orleans; her three children: David Collins and his wife, Susan of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Debra Vorderstrasse and her husband, Duane of Hebron, Nebraska; and Doug Collins and his wife, Barbara of Bellevue, Iowa; she was "Grandma Ginny" to seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; and is also survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Orleans Presbyterian Church in Orleans.

Memorials are suggested to the Gideons International.  Undedicated memorials will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.