Thelma L. Collins

In loving memory of Thelma L. Collins, age 89, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2018, following a brief illness.  Thelma Glessner was born February 6, 1929, in Waterville.  As a young girl (identical twin sister Velma) they were raised on the farm in Mansfield, Wash.  Thelma was married to Grover Collins the "love of her life," on July 4, 1944 at the age of 15!  They were happily married for 66 years and lovingly raised three children, Grover Paul, Carmen and Reggie.  Thelma was a giver, she never asked for anything, everyone else always came first especially her children, and their families.  Thelma went to work at an early age helping the family.

During her life the only job other than mothering was working at Beebe Orchard Company as an apple packer, which by the way she was one of the "Best".  Paid by the box, each apple was wrapped by hand with the label facing up!  Thelma's love other than her family was baseball!  Whether watching the family sporting games or traveling to several World Series games with her twin sister she was all about baseball and the New York Yankees was her favorite team and Mickey Mantle, Pete Rose, Reggie Jackson and Steve Kline were her favorite players.  Other activities Thelma enjoyed included traveling to Reno playing the machines, gardening with a special art of growing roses and of course her fried chicken dinners.  But by far were the holiday gatherings with all the families at her home, playing card games as long as the family could stay awake!  

Thelma was proceeded in death by her husband Grover L. on June 27, 2011.

She is survived by her daughter Carmen and husband, Jim Finch of Chelan; son, Reggie and wife, Carole of Chelan; and Marcy Collins, widow of Grover Paul of Wenatchee; seven grandchildren, Paeton, Brooke, Brandon and wife, Amy, Amber and husband, Ray Birks, Shad, Heather and husband, Bill King, and Casey and wife, Kristi; eight great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hunter and wife Miranda, Gianna, Hudson, Elle, Ryder, Chase and Kennedy; one great great- granddaughter Lyla; and brother Loren Glessner.  Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Gladys Glessner; sisters Hazel Hansen and Velma Tanneberg.

A graveside service at Riverview cemetery for family and close friends will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 31, followed by a Celebration of Thelma's Life beginning at 1 p.m. at Shadow Mountain Event Center, 84 Shadow Lane, located on Howard Flat, with lunch provided, for all those that would like to attend, tell a few stories and enjoy each other's company.

Precht Rose Chapel is entrusted with the service.  Please feel free to leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com.