Darlene Lillian Collins, (89) passed peacefully away on May 6, 2012, at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart , KS .

She was born November 1, 1922 at Goodrich , KS , the daughter of Iven M. and Sara Veda (Murrow) Wright. She graduated in 1940 from Parker Rural High School in Parker, KS. After high school, she attended Brown Mackie Secretarial School in Kansas City .

On August 11, 1941, she married Paul Laverne Collins in Paola , KS . He died December 20, 1994.

Darlene and her husband lived in Junction City for a short time as he served in the Army during WWII. It was shortly after the war, that Paul attended the Gemological Institute of America and became a member of the American Gem Society. Darlene was the bookkeeper for Collins Diamond Jewelry Store, the family business. In addition to, raising their family and assisting with the family jewelry store, she loved to cook and garden. They operated Collins Diamond Jewelry store in Liberal, KS from June 16, 1957 to July of 1981.

Together, they often traveled internationally for business and enjoyed fishing, playing golf and Bridge. She will be remembered by many for her homemade peach pies and her home grown tomatoes that she loved to share. Darlene was loved by all and lived by the Golden Rule.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Liberal.

She is survived by

2 Daughters – Cynthia Ann Bertrand and husband Scott of Plano, TX;

Barbara Lynn Baden and husband Al of Garden City, KS

1 Brother – Verle Iven Wright and wife Axun of San Clemente, CA

1 Sister – Mildred Jeanne Berkenbile of Myrtle Beach , SC

6 Grandchildren – Nicholas Collins, Brandon Collins, Conor Bertrand, Mitchell Bertrand, Danny Cole and wife Ericka, and Donna Downie and husband Shaun.

6 Great-Grandchildren – Alyssa, Mercedes and Cameron Downie; Payton Lathrop, Olivia and Ashlynn Cole.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and son – Larry Paul Collins who died April 4, 2011.

Graveside service will be Thursday morning May 10, at 10:00 am at Restlawn Cemetery , Liberal, KS with Pastor Stephen Saville presiding. A tribute to Darlene and Larry will be sung by Debbie Payne; a special friend of the family.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening, May 9 at Brenneman Funeral Home. Family will be present to greet friends from 6-8.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com