IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Kathryn
Collins
October 3, 1918 – October 13, 2010
Obituary
Kathryn Collins, 92 of Spearfish died on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at her daughter's home in Spearfish.
Kathryn May Mechaley was born October 3, 1918, in Winner, SD, to William H. and Anna May (McElhaney) Mechaley . She grew up in Hamil, SD, and attended school and graduated from White River in 1936.
Kathryn worked as postal clerk in White River until 1942 when she married the love of her life, Glen Collins. She joined him as partner in ranching near Belvidere in 1945, where their family of 11 children grew and thrived. In 1963, Glen & Kathryn moved to Spearfish and operated Kamp Kool Motel until 1978.
It was then their life of adventure truly began. They criss-crossed the United States visiting children and grandchildren, seeking every possible adventure along the way. Traveling in the Minnie Winnie, River Boat, or Delta first class, they racked up the miles.
Mother worked quietly and diligently raising children and grandchildren. While running a business, she was active with Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, Business and Professional Women and volunteer at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Kathryn is survived by her eleven children, Glen (Ruthie) Collins, Acworth, GA; Mary (Dann) Vore, Beulah, WY; Joanne Collins (Jack Simpson), Wasilla, AK; John Collins, Spearfish; Susan (Mike) Johnson, Billings, MT; Rebecca Myren (Harlan French), Anchorage, AK; Tom (Lynda) Collins, Laramie, WY; Jeanne (Bruce) Hanson, Spearfish; Dave (Thirza) Collins, Sahuarita, AZ; Christine (Tom) Bullard, Sterling, AK; Steve (Trudy) Collins, Valley City, ND,; sisters Helen Bobrick, Houston, TX; MaryEllen VanMaren, Broken Arrow, OK; sisters-in-law, Elaine Mechaley, Rapid City, SD; Ferne Lindskov, Redfield, SD; Leila Dithmer, Spearfish, SD; twenty four grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, three brothers, daughter-in-law Carlene Collins and her dear husband Glen.
Visitation for Kathryn will be on Sunday, October 17. 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Vigil service will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials may be made in her name to Hospice of the Northern Hills.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.
Kathryn May Mechaley was born October 3, 1918, in Winner, SD, to William H. and Anna May (McElhaney) Mechaley . She grew up in Hamil, SD, and attended school and graduated from White River in 1936.
Kathryn worked as postal clerk in White River until 1942 when she married the love of her life, Glen Collins. She joined him as partner in ranching near Belvidere in 1945, where their family of 11 children grew and thrived. In 1963, Glen & Kathryn moved to Spearfish and operated Kamp Kool Motel until 1978.
It was then their life of adventure truly began. They criss-crossed the United States visiting children and grandchildren, seeking every possible adventure along the way. Traveling in the Minnie Winnie, River Boat, or Delta first class, they racked up the miles.
Mother worked quietly and diligently raising children and grandchildren. While running a business, she was active with Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, Business and Professional Women and volunteer at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Kathryn is survived by her eleven children, Glen (Ruthie) Collins, Acworth, GA; Mary (Dann) Vore, Beulah, WY; Joanne Collins (Jack Simpson), Wasilla, AK; John Collins, Spearfish; Susan (Mike) Johnson, Billings, MT; Rebecca Myren (Harlan French), Anchorage, AK; Tom (Lynda) Collins, Laramie, WY; Jeanne (Bruce) Hanson, Spearfish; Dave (Thirza) Collins, Sahuarita, AZ; Christine (Tom) Bullard, Sterling, AK; Steve (Trudy) Collins, Valley City, ND,; sisters Helen Bobrick, Houston, TX; MaryEllen VanMaren, Broken Arrow, OK; sisters-in-law, Elaine Mechaley, Rapid City, SD; Ferne Lindskov, Redfield, SD; Leila Dithmer, Spearfish, SD; twenty four grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, three brothers, daughter-in-law Carlene Collins and her dear husband Glen.
Visitation for Kathryn will be on Sunday, October 17. 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Vigil service will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials may be made in her name to Hospice of the Northern Hills.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.
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