Dorothy M. Collins, age 79, born September 28, 1939, in Bristol, Tenn., to Colonel and Roxie, (née Fritz), Snyder, passed away October 18, 2018 at her home in O'Fallon, Ill.

She lost her mother to tuberculosis at age eight and was raised by her grandparents and father. In 1957, she met her future husband, Gene R. Collins. While Gene began a career in the military, the two exchanged letters and eventually married on August 9, 1958. The couple had three daughters.

The family moved frequently throughout Gene's service in the Air Force, but Dorothy always created a warm home for her family that was full of love, support, and sometimes slightly overcooked food.

Dorothy was blessed with two grandchildren whom she spoiled with affection, attention, ice cream, and lots of stories. She taught them to value education, be kind to others, and always keep their fingernails clean.

Dorothy had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to make her family laugh. She was always up for a game of cards or a walk in the park. She kept the Game Show Network on for her pets when she was out. She believed in being kind to one another and she practiced that every day. She had an enduring faith in God and Jesus Christ that led her throughout her life.

Whether by bringing a stray cat out of the cold and adopting it or saying hello to everyone she met on the walking trail, Dorothy radiated kindness. She was generous with everyone who had the fortune to be in her life.

She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gene R. Collins; daughter, Tammy; her mother and father Colonel and Roxie, (née Fritz), Snyder; and step-brother, Wayne "Speedy" Roberts.

Dorothy is survived by her loving daughters, Jeannie VanderKruik of O'Fallon, Ill. and Terry (Gary) Weidemann of Rolla, Mo.; two grandchildren, Gary (Morgan) Weidemann, Jr., and Stacey Weidemann; and sister, Mary Rouse. She is also survived by her step-mother, Bonnie Snyder; and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church or to the CMSgt Gene R. Collins Airman's Attic, named after her beloved husband of 52 years.

Make checks payable to: Faith Lutheran Church , 520 E Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL  62269 (put "Dorothy Collins" on memo line)

OR

Chiefs' Group/Airman's Attic ; Mail to:  Scott AFB Chiefs' Group, PO Box 25137, Scott AFB, IL  62225-5219 (put "Dorothy Collins" on memo line).

Visitation: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the church with Rev. Candice Wassell, officiating. A luncheon will be served at the church following the memorial service.