Mabel Ruth Collins

Mabel Ruth Collins was born August 4, 1922 in Russell Community, Leon County, Texas to Robert and Mildred Holland. She grew up with the love of her life, Clarence Raymond Collins, and they were married in 1940.She was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas and a charter member of North Creek Baptist Church in Leon County, Texas. In her early years she served as U.S. Postmaster in the Russell, Texas community. She retired from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Dallas, Texas in 1986 at which time she returned to her beloved home in the country to enjoy her family.Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her husband C.R. Collins, her father and mother, Robert and Mildred Holland, her brother Edward Holland, her son-in-law Ed McAvoy, and her grandson Rodney McAvoy.She is survived by her seven children: Ray Collins and wife Maxine of Centerville, Texas; Sheryl Dorman and husband Allen (Knot) of Henderson, Texas; Bobbye McAvoy of Henderson, Texas; Charles Collins and wife Pat of Malakoff, Texas; Cathy Reeves and husband Mike of Huntsville, Texas; Mellie Burmeier of Henderson, Texas; and Mark Collins and wife Debbie of Crockett, Texas. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Bobbie Brewer of Buffalo, Texas. She has 18 grandchildren who she loved: Hal Collins and wife Denise of Fort Worth, Texas; Paul Collins and wife Tisha of Kingwood, Texas; Jill Gloede and husband David of Henderson, Texas; Rex Dorman and wife Donna of Henderson, Texas; Rusty Dorman and wife Amy of Henderson, Texas; Tony Bradbery and wife Susan of Henderson, Texas; Terry Bradbery and wife Amy of Henderson, Texas; Collin McAvoy and wife Amber of Dallas, Texas; Rusty McAvoy and wife Lisa of Winnie, Texas; Jenna Collins of Dallas, Texas; Don Wayne Ellisor of Victoria, Texas; LeaAnn McAdams and husband Shane of Victoria, Texas; Dustin Burmeier and Nichole of Arlington, Texas; Darin Burmeier and Jennifer of Arlington, Texas; Christina Tindell and husband Brian of Centerville, Texas; Mark Collins, Jr. of Texarkana, Texas; Dylan Collins and wife Staci of Centerville, Texas and Casey Axum and husband Corey of Palestine, Texas; and 30 great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. Her ministry on earth was her family. There was never a moment that one of them was not on her mind. Ruth's second family was the numerous residents and employees of Autumn Leaves Nursing Home. She considered them brothers, sisters, and a lot of them her kids. The love and concern they extended to her was beyond simply their work, and she would always convey her gratitude. She called Autumn Leaves her "home" for the last five years and truly meant it. Also, special recognition to Janell Freeney for all her loving acts of generosity.Visitation will be held at the Crawford-A. Crim Chapel on Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Crawford-A. Crim Chapel on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and graveside services will be held at North Creek Cemetery, Leon County at 2:00 p.m. Josh Blizzard, pastor of New Life Church, will officiate the service and Ruth's grandsons will serve as pall bearers. Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mabel Ruth Collins

August 4, 1922 - October 19, 2012