HALSTEAD—Helen A. Collins, 87, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at Halstead Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born April 16, 1936, at Newton, to George and Marie E. (Tipton) Boese.
She retired from Collins Industries, where she worked as a fiberglass fabricator.
She also worked as a cook at Freddie’s Bar and Halstead Sundries, and aside from being a wife and mother, she was most proud of being a Harvey Girl in Newton. Helen gave many presentations on the history of and being a Harvey Girl.
After her retirement, she was still very active as a member of First United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and activities. She was known for bringing her cookies to church functions.
She was also a member of the Halstead Historical Society and Halstead Senior Citizens. She was also a life member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary and Red Hatters, and was a Girl Scout leader. She always was ready to drive friends and neighbors to their doctors and other appointments.
On April 4, 1953, she married Tom Collins at Newton. In 1954, they made their home in Halstead to begin their family. Tom preceded her in death in 2005.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret (Jack) Argo, Hutchinson, and Tommie (Jake) Taylor, Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Georgia Keesling, Tucson, Ariz., and Ann Moore, Graham, Texas; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by her brothers, George and Milton Boese.
Visitation was from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, at Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.
Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at First United Methodist Church, Halstead, with Pastor Jeff Graber officiating.
Interment will follow at Halstead Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Church or Halstead Historical Society in care of Kaufman Funeral Home, Halstead.
