Betty Collins

Betty Jane Collins, 91, of Hobbs America passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 27, 2020.

Betty Jane was born on a sunny, Monday morning, May 21, 1928 at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Clarence Homer Alred and Ruby Alleen Thomas Alred. She was preceded in death by her eldest son Michael Travis Collins, her parents Clarence Alred and Ruby Alred Peck, and her sister Mary Katherine Eaton.

Betty attended the public schools of Oklahoma and was part of the 1945 graduating class at Central High School in Tulsa Oklahoma. Upon graduating she went into the US Nurse Corps. She worked as a nurse in training at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa Oklahoma while attending classes at Tulsa University. Although she moved frequently as a child she considered education an absolute necessity and she remained an avid reader until the end of her life.

At the age of 19 Betty Jane was united in holy matrimony to the dashing Travis Rawlin Collins on July 3, 1947 at 1:00 p.m. in Cleveland, Oklahoma. T.R. And Betty were to celebrate 74 incredible years of marriage this July. During their marriage they were blessed with four children who they lovingly raised in Hobbs. Michael Travis Collins, Stephen Louis Collins, Patrick Wayne Collins, and Kathryn Ann Collins. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children.

To know Betty was to love her. She had a zest for life and was active in many hobbies. She bowled in the Tuesday Morning Housewives league on The Alley Cats team. She once bowled a perfect game. She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. When she wasn’t bowling or hanging out with the ladies she could be found on the golf course giving the guys a run for their money. She loved travel, wildflowers, dancing, bird watching, movies, and most of all spending time with her family.

Betty is survived by her husband, T.R. Collins and her children, Steve Collins, Patrick and wife Susan Collins, and Kathy Collins. She will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Donations can be made in Betty’s honor to Light of Lea County. www.lightofleacounty.com. (575)392-6270.