Virginia Ruth Collins

Virginia Ruth Collins was born in Seattle on January 21, 1934. She was the second daughter of Erhard and Ina Larson. She grew up in north Seattle and attended Lincoln High School and Central Washington University. She recently attended the 65th reunion at Lincoln. In 1953, Virginia met the love of her life – William F. Collins. Originally from Rhode Island, Bill was in the merchant marines and temporarily was stationed in the northwest. The following year, they married. That marriage lasted for over 63 years until Bill passed away in 2016.

Virginia was special in many ways. She was a very loving mother, grandmother and friend. During holidays, she would take delight in preparing wonderful little ‘care packages’ full of prizes, cookies and candies. Because of Virginia, her grandson, Max learned to drive at the ripe age of 5 years old. She would take him to the local school parking lot and have him sit in her lap and drive the car. Max is still a good driver, 27 years later. Over the years, she taught her granddaughter, Maggie to cook. She knew full well that the culinary skill would not have been passed down by her daughter. Later in life, she greatly enjoyed getting together with her friends, especially Shirley (whom she had been friends with since the first grade.) They would share a laugh as they maneuvered around the grocery store using their walkers.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister & brother-in-law.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Catherine (Mike) De La Vergne and grandchildren, Max and Maggie. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews including Christina (Robert) Braxton, Doug (Michele) James, Trina (Tony) Maus, Steve James, Patricia (Lenny) Hart and life-long friend, Shirley Wood. Virginia will be greatly missed by all who loved her.