

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed, yet in my body
I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. And I am overwhelmed at the thought!
Job 19:25-27 (NIV)
Obituary
..On Thursday afternoon, September 5, 2024. Billee Ann Collins departed this world, her spirit soaring to join with her Lord and Creator.
Born, April 17, 1928, in Manhattan, Montana, she was the eldest child of James and Thelma Mulder. Her Montana roots went back through her mother whose parents traveled as teenagers with their parents from Kentucky to the Gallatin Valley in the late 19th century.
Billee Ann spent her childhood in Helena. The family moved to California in 1941, settling in the beautiful rural valley of Lemon Grove, east of San Diego. She attended Lemon Grove Elementary School and then Grossmont High School where she met her future husband Charles Warren Collins. Chuck joined the U.S. Navy out of high school, serving during WWII; then he and Billee attended San Diego State College together. They were married on November 26, 1948, their first child, Kathleen Marie was born in September of 1952, followed by their son, Charles Jr. in April of 1954.
When the children entered school, Billee also returned to university and earned her teaching certificate. She then began her life-long career as an elementary classroom teacher.
In 1963, the family moved to Vista in north San Diego County where Billee continued her vocation as a classroom teacher and elementary math specialist. She retired in 1986 but later served in many supportive roles using her skills as an educator and her passion for children.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Chuck and Billee enjoyed traveling around the U.S. in their motorhome. Their travels included Alaska, Maine and the eastern coast, and as far south as Mexico City.
In 1992, they moved to Flathead Lake in Montana, becoming part of the Polson community.
Billee continued to be active in retirement, contributing her time and resources wherever she saw a need. She was a member of the Glacier View Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ronan, where her unwavering faith was mirrored in her willingness to serve. She took on many supportive roles at the SDA school at Glacier View. Her volunteer work at the Mission Valley Animal Shelter led to a position on the Board of Directors where she served from 1992 until 2017 when she was awarded Director Emeritus. During those years she used her skills and training to teach a program at the local schools on responsible pet ownership. Billee was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a service organization for outstanding women educators. She joined the local Upsilon Chapter in the Montana State organization, led several community projects, and served in leadership. In 2017, she received the Catherine Nutterville achievement award for Montana, recognizing her exemplary contributions during her career.
Billee was preceded in death by her husband Chuck (2009), her son Chuck Jr. (February 2024) and her brothers James (1998) and Gerald (2022.) She is survived by her daughter Kathleen, her two grandchildren, Kaitlin Collins and Ezekiel Douma, her great-grandson, Jeremiah Douma, her brother Ronald Mulder, and a loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and grands. She touched the lives of so many during her time. Her memory will be cherished.
Service in Montana
AMemorial Service was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Glacier View Seventh-Day Adventist Church
36334 Mud Creek Lane, Ronan, Montana 59864. If you were unable to attend you may access the live-stream video on YouTube. To access the account, type in "Glacier View SDA Church, Ronan" and page down until you come to "Glacier View SDA Church Billee Collins Memorial". Or access directly by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkOUuVfSvro
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Memory wall
Mrs. Collins and my mother stayed friends until Mrs. Collins moved to Polson, after which, they drifted away. But, they exchanged Christmas cards each year, so we had her address.
When I started my family in the late 1980s, I went through my mothers Christmas card list and picked out a few names and addresses that I added to my list. Mrs. Collins was one of those, and over the years, we continued to exchange Christmas cards and letters every year.
My oldest son was born in 1995. When he was about 7, we decided to go on a family camping trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. I sent Mrs. Collins a letter telling her we would be in the area, and that I'd love her to meet my sons (our 2nd was born in 2000). My older son was the same age as I was when I was in her classroom. That visit was memorable; her and Chuck took us out on Flathead Lake in their boat, and we had two days of wonderful meals and companionship.
We last saw Billee about 3 years ago, during another visit to Montana, this time on our way to see our older son, who was stationed in North Dakota at the time. We went out to dinner together at a great Mexican restaurant in Polson, and the conversation was wonderful. Even at 94, Billee was so sharp and witty. My younger son still talks about that visit, and how fun it was to talk with her, hear her stories, and tell her his stories. Memories we will treasure forever.
This morning, I was about to write my yearly message to Billee, but was wondering why we hadn't gotten a card from her yet. A quick Google search gave me this news. I have a huge hole in my heart knowing that Billee is gone now, but know that she left a huge mark in this troubled world with her presence. Billee, thank you for your kindness, your friendship, and your love. My family and I treasure the visits we had with you, and will remember them forever.
SIncerely,
Keith, Carrie, Damon and Stephen Payne

Service and Interment in California
A small graveside service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego where Billee's ashes will be interred alongside her parents. Afterwards a reception will be held from 4pm to 8pm that will include dinner. If you would like to attend either or both, please contact
Kathleen Collins at: norfolkgirl@usa.net or phone (406)802-0806, or you may leave an RSVP on this site below. Grave site location and directions to the reception will be posted shortly.
4300 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, California 92113 United States
9530 Murray Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
Donate
You may donate in honor of Billee A. Collins, Director Emeritus
Thank you for continuing the legacy of compassion and kindness that Billee embodied throughout her life. Timmy, her little red dachshund and faithful companion to the end is now living with Annie and me.
Thank you,
Kat Collins