Barbara Collins

Barbara Collins ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Anderson Funeral Home - Marshalltown Chapel on Mar. 7, 2026.Barbara Collins, 91 passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on May 9, 2026, at Hope United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA. Visitation will be held for an hour prior to service starting at 1:00 p.m. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.Barbara was born on August 12, 1934, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Jess and Argo Menter. During the Great Depression, when Barbara was a young girl, her family moved to Dora Lake, Minnesota, where her father, Jess, found work as a logger. He later built the family cabin there, a place that became deeply special to Barbara and the entire family. The cabin remained a cherished gathering place for family visits through the years, and Barbara loved it dearly, as her family continues to do today.She married John Thomas Collins, who preceded her in death in 1989. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and creativity.Barbara worked as a seamstress at Marshalltown Hospital and also spent time working at Marshalltown Manufacturing. She was known for her strong work ethic and the pride she took in everything she created with her hands.She had many hobbies and talents, including gardening, sewing, cross-stitching, making flower arrangements, crafting handmade cards, and many other creative pursuits. Barbara was active in her church community, helping with Bible school and participating in the craft club for many years.More than anything, Barbara loved her family. She made sure each and every one of them knew how much they meant to her through the thoughtful things she created-homemade cards, strawberry rhubarb jam, quilts, and countless handmade treasures that will continue to be cherished.Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Collins; daughter, Sherry VanZee; her son-in-law, Buddy VanZee; her son, Thomas Collins; her great-grandson, Simon Dewey; her brother, Larry Menter; her sister-in-law, Jane Menter; her brother-in-law, Dave Collins; brother-in-law Frank Rivas.She is survived by her daughter, Jillouise (Michael) Dewey; and her sister, Sharon Menter-Rivas.She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Michael (Alisa) Quick, Andrew Quick (Missy Babowitch), Brandon (Jessie) Dewey, Quintin (Samantha) Dewey, Autumn Fraker, Alexis (Joseph) Love, Dylan Van Zee, and Kinze Van Zee.Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Drew Quick, Jobe Dewey, Ariaus (Rachel) Fraker, Tristen Traylor (Bobbi Amendt), Caitlin Traylor (Armonniey Thomas), Trey (Eve) Nettesheim-Quick, Chloe Quick, Trinity Quick, Emma (Zachary) Innis, Mavery Fraker, Claire Dewey, Belle Dewey, Addaline Love, and Willow Love.She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Wren Nettesheim-Quick, Aspen Nettesheim-Quick, Kamari Thomas, and Bay Traylor.Barbara's love, creativity, and devotion to her family will live on through the many memories she helped create. Her thoughtful handmade gifts will forever be treasured reminders of the love she shared so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with loved ones who passed before her and is now at peace.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.