Lois Jean Collins, a 61-year resident of Laramie, passed away peacefully February 5, 2018 at Hospice of Laramie with family at her side.
Lois was born in Sisseton, South Dakota to Ted Fossum and Celesia Devine Fossum in January of 1941. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Bethel Lutheran, a country church. She was raised on the family farm and remained there until she transferred to the University of Wyoming’s Campus High School her junior year, graduating in 1959.
It was in Laramie that she met and married the love of her life, local resident Larry Collins, in 1959. To this union two children were born, Randy Collins and Tami Swinford. The family eventually included 3 grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters. Lois was a loving, caring, and doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family came first in her life.
Lois was employed by the University of Wyoming for 24 years. She was the buyer for the gift department at the bookstore and later was secretary to the band director, traveling with the band on many occasions. Her last stint, before she retired in 1995 to pursue other activities, was in the athletic ticket office.
Lois had a great sense of humor and was the family’s recreation director; a game player, a card shark excelling in bridge and cribbage, a jigsaw puzzle whiz (always had one on the table), and forever organizing athletic game pools—she liked to win! She was also a creative cook and a knitter extraordinaire, knitting beautiful sweaters, scarves, caps, and baby blankets for family and friends.
Lois is survived by her husband Larry Collins; her children: Tami (Scott) Swinford and Randy (Nellore) Collins; grandchildren, Dalton Collins, Dillon (Kayla) Collins, and Dustin Swinford; great-grandchildren: Alicia Swinford, Lucy Grace Swinford and Aurora Collins; sisters: Pamela (Dennis) Cornelius, Patricia (Ron) McGurk and Marlene Peter; several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home, 2133 Rainbow Ave., Friday, February 16, 2018 at 11 am with the reception following at the Elks Lodge, 103 2nd St., in Laramie. In lieu of flowers the family suggest a memorial be made to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Dr., Laramie, WY 82070 or a charity of your choice.
Dear family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Lois. May the God of all comfort give you peace to help you cope during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing our dead loved ones again in the righteous paradise here on earth very soon. Acts 24:15; Psalm 37:29 https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&pub=we&srcid=share
WE are so sad for your loss. It seems so sudden but then this is always sudden and sadness. We continue to hold you all in our prayers. We are just across the street and we can help if you need us. I guess in these months we just don't get to see each other, and stay inside. Sorry we couldn't help or just hug. Bless you all. Wish there was more we could say.
Dear Larry and family, We are so sad to hear of Lois's death. Our thoughts are with you. Cookie and Gary
Larry and family, I'm so sorry to hear you have lost Lois. What a lovely lady. May your many wonderful memories of her help you through this difficult time. Donna Thompson
Tami and family - My heart is broken for you all. Love, hugs, and prayers for you all during this time of loss.
Tami and family - My heart is broken for you all. Love, hugs, and prayers for you all during this time of loss.
Opps, my e-mail is [email protected] Thank you.
To Larry and your wonderful family I was so deeply sorry of a dear lady's passing. When one finds a beautiful friend and such a beatutiful friend...they bedome a part of your heart (despite the distance,,Illinoiz) That's why loosig a most precious friend is like loosing a part of yourself. Her partind was so sudden that those who loved her deaerly weather family or friends are the ones that (as I will) ever forget the joy you brought to so many. My love and heartfelth synpathay to to all of you. Judy Redinger February 14th.
Tami & family so sorry to hear about Lois. She was an amazing woman. I'm glad I got to know her and work with her at buy back at the University. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time.
Larry and family, we are so sorry to learn of your loss. Lois will always remain a very special lady in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Evelyn and Larry Bonger
I was so sorry to hear about Lois. My deepest condolences to her family. Many precious memories have been left behind. They will forever be a pleasant reminder of good times shared as they fill your heart with love, comfort and joy as the years pass by. May God grant you peace during this difficult and grievous time. 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Isaiah 41:10. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry, Randy and Tami, I truly feel deeply in my heart for your loss. Lois will always be a great and wonderful lady in my thoughts. Sorrowfully, Glenn Martin