Barbara LaVerne Collins of Umatilla passed away in Umatilla on May 2, 2025 at the age of 78.
She was born on Dec. 27, 1946 in Kalispell, Mont. to James and Doris Pound James.
Barbara grew up in Montana, where she graduated from Plains High School in Plains, Mont. She married Patrick Collins on July 31, 1967 in Plains. The couple moved to Sitka, Alaska where they resided for several years. They moved to Eastern Oregon in the early 1970s, and she had lived in the Hermiston and Umatilla communities since that time.
Barbara worked for Lamb Weston for 10 years during the 1980s. She also had worked for local schools teaching English to Spanish-speaking migrant children.
Barbara enjoyed stamping, making cards and jewelry and crafting. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and attended the Cowboy Church, where she enjoyed going to church socials.
She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Gregory Peters) Collins; son, Steven (Jeanna) Collins; grandchildren, Jaylee, Austin, Karly, Chase, Paris, Hannah and Hunter; four great-grandchildren; sister, Leah Steele; brother, Kenny James; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and two brothers, Jimmy and Gary.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Family suggests memorial contributions be made to support Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
