Thelma M. Collins, 80, Parsons, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Elmhaven West Nursing Home in Parsons.

She was born July 31, 1928, at Walnut to Elba W. and Gladys M. Fletcher Ward. She grew up in the Morehead and Thayer area and attended schools there, graduating from Thayer High School in 1947.

She and Charles Winfield Collins were married on June 9, 1947, at Independence. He died on April 25, 1997.

She resided in Thayer, Galesburg, Erie and Parsons. She worked as a commercial sewing operator for the Fred Ronald Co. and the National Garment Co. She retired in 1993.

She enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, camping, and fishing. She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church and its United Methodist Women’s group. She also served as a church trustee.

Survivors include a daughter, Helen Brooks, Parsons; a grandson, James D. Hazen, Parsons; four brothers, George Ward, Lee’s Summit, Mo., Robert Ward, Fredonia, Kenny Dale Ward, Golden Valley, Ariz., and Carl Ward, Iola; and a sister, Mary Cochran, Thayer.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Jess Ward.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. Monday at Faith United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery near Erie under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions to Faith United Methodist Church may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.