Barbara J. Collins

She is in the arms of her beloved husband again dancing in the heavens…

Late in the morning of July 28th, 2021, Barbara Collins (84) took her last breaths here on earth, surrounded by her children, and joined her husband in heaven.

Barbara was born on June 12th, 1937, in Boulder, Colorado, to Robert and Violet Little. They lived in a small mining town- Jamestown- in the mountains above Boulder. It was a small tightknit community with a one room schoolhouse and she loved telling us stories about the people, her pets, at one point she had 2 dogs, 7cats, a duck and a turtle! When she was 9 years old she was finally blessed with a sister- Carol, She dearly loved having her sister, her entire life, perhaps less when she was a tag along on her dates in high school! Before starting high school, the Little family moved down the mountain into Boulder. Following graduation she had the honor of standing as Maid of Honor for her cousin’s wedding. While carrying out this duty she met the handsome Best Man, Herb. Within the year they too were married!

Following the wedding, the young couple lived in Socorro, NM, where Herb was in college. After college they settled into a small encampment in Lindrith, NM, with El Paso Natural Gas. A few years later they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kathy. 2 years later a son, Robert, joined them. Family complete, they moved around some with the company eventually settling in Aztec, NM, Herb’s home town. During her life she worked as a dispatcher for the local Sheriff’s Office, as a typesetter for the local newspaper, and eventually, finding her passion, working with the elderly, as a director for our local Senior Citizens Center, where she worked until her retirement. Through their life they enjoyed being with family, and traveling, especially enjoying her trips to Hawaii. Barbara was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church singing with the choir for decades. She was also a member of Rebekah’s Lodge for over 50 years. Barbara had a heart of gold, never met a stranger and went out of her way to acknowledge anyone she saw sitting alone, with a touch, a smile, and some kind words. To her soul, she was kind.

Barbara was preceded in death less than a year ago, by her husband of 64 years, Herbert Collins. Her parents, Robert and Violet Little, and in laws Cliff and Maggie Etta Collins.

Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law; Kathy and Rick Moore of Flora Vista, NM; and son Robert of Aztec. Grandchildren; Amanda (Gaylon) Taylor of Kendleton, TX and Lenny (Ali) Moore of Flora Vista. Great Grandchildren; Gabrielle Taylor of Rosenberg, TX, Allyson (Jerrod) Coates of Clovis, NM, Kinsey Johnson of Kendleton, TX, Connor, Garrick and Maudie Moore of Flora Vista with a new great grandchild due in October. Great-great Grandchildren; Kameron and Brooklynn Morales of Rosenberg, TX. Sister; Carol (Rich) Parr of Meeker, CO, sister-in-law; Karen (Roy) Lynch of Aztec  and brother-in-law; Dr. Robert (Pamela) Collins of Starkville, MS. She was also survived by several dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara has been entrusted to the care of Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec. A Graveside service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM at  Aztec Cemetery, she and Herb will be buried together.

A very special thank you to Basin Hospice, Bernadette was a Godsend, Yvonne brightened each day she was here, and LeAndrea, and Megan made their visits a pleasure- and made her feel so cared about.