Barbara Jean (Suttner) Collins

Barbara was born on January 13, 1942, in Fisk, Missouri. (Butler County). Her parents were Joseph Bernard Suttner and Faye Elizabeth McKuin-Suttner-Wilson. She graduated from Poplar Bluff High School, Class of 1959, and attended Southeast. Missouri State College, in Cape Girardeau. During her time in college, she met and married Richard J. Collins on January 5, 1960, from Poplar Bluff, who was serving in the US Air Force. They enjoyed 57 years of holy matrimony. After Richard retired from the service, he and Barbara continued to live in Austin, Texas for almost 30 years.

In November 2000 they decided to return home to Poplar Bluff to care for her mother Faye until she passed. Barbara was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she also served as a volunteer. She enjoyed quilting, painting, and gardening and loved her bingo crowd. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Diana, and her son Daniel; her grandchildren Ray Jr., Heather, Kimberly, Andrea, and Jacqueline; her great grandchildren Max, Isabella, Constantine, Genesis, Ezra, Elena, Jubilee, and Cassian; and her brothers David and Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Donna and her beloved husband Richard, as well as her elder sister JoAnn. 

The visitation will begin at 8 AM Monday May 1, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 123 North 8th St., in Poplar Bluff. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9 AM with burial immediately following at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A brunch celebrating Barbara will follow at the Sacred Heart St. Anne’s dining hall. 

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Jean Collins.

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