Sally L. Collins

Sarah (Sally) Louise Collins was born to John and Faye Russell in Hayden, CO on July 3, 1940. She was the oldest of three siblings: Sally, Jake and Susan. She grew up in Craig but was partial to the majority of western Colorado through the Russell family’s extensive outdoor adventures. Sally loved camping, fishing and her mother’s baking. She participated in the Bluebirds and Girl Scouts growing up and was a member of Future Homemakers of America and pep club. She graduated from Moffat County High School in 1958 and got a job at the 101 Ranch (Rio Blanco Ranch) for the summer. This is where she first met Dick Collins.

Sally left for beauty school in Grand Junction in the fall of ‘58, but Dick pursued her and they married on May 10, 1959. The South Fork above Meeker was their first of many ranch homes before a stent in Aqua Caliente, AZ where Dick worked caring for cattle. Meeker and specifically Piceance Creek was always home though, and they left Arizona for Piceance Creek in December of 1959. Dick and Sally’s fiery and ornery personalities meshed well and apart from ranch work, they loved dancing and of course, raising their five children. Sally had an un-matched work ethic, deep appreciation for Native American artifacts and more than anything loved spending time with her family, especially outdoors. Her ability to complete the most difficult puzzle, win a card game or blackout at bingo were a few of her many talents. Her laugh was infectious and humor pristine. Sally’s witty and feisty personality always kept you on your toes and will be deeply missed. Sally passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving children on August 12, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Faye Russell;her brother, Jake Russell; her husband, Dick Collins and grandsons, Rowdy Hall and Billy Hammer. She is survived by her sister, Susan Winder; her children Angie Collins (Hank Davis), Dale (Rod) Hall, Dallas (Susan) Collins, Candy (Jim) Baxter and Fayanna (Mike) Seely; 22 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. At Sally’s request a private, family celebration will be held. Memorial donations may be made to The Walbridge Wing Activity Fund in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, Colorado 81625.