Ruth W. Collins

February 23, 1916 - November 25, 2018

Ruth W. Collins, age 102, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 8:06 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois. She was born February 23, 1916, in Cairo, Illinois, the daughter of the late Edward & Mary (Galligan) Walder. Ruth married Dr. Jerre C. Collins, Jr. on September 26, 1942, in Cairo. He preceded her in death on June 7, 1985. Before her marriage Ruth worked as a school teacher, she then went on to become the office manager for Dr. Collins medical practice. She is survived by six children, Jerre C. Collins III & wife Catherine of Whitewater, WI, Dr. Edward J. Collins & wife Sue of Topeka, KS, Kay Collins Sebastian of St. Cloud, MN, Ann Collins Baker of Rockford, IL, Hon. Rosemary Collins & husband Paul E. Gaziano of Rockford, Michael J. Collins of Edwardsville; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and one sister Helen Walder of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL. She was preceded in death by three brothers & three sisters. Ruth was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Daughters of Isabella, ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, Church Women United, Planned Parenthood & the Madison County Medical Auxiliary. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother & Girl Scout Leader. She will be cremated according to her wishes. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A memorial mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018, at St. Boniface with the Very Rev. Jeffrey H. Goeckner officiating. Interment will be at St. Boniface Cemetery in Edwardsville. The family request memorials to Misericordia Home or Masses