In Loving Memory of Helen Ruth Collins (Mema)

Our beloved grandmother, Helen Ruth Collins, 92, peacefully passed away on the morning of May 19th, 2017.  We will forever celebrate her long beautiful life and lasting legacy.

Helen was born April 21, 1925 in Johnson City, Texas to father, Louis Gourley and mother, Rowene Dildine Gourley. Her childhood was spent working on their Miller Creek farm with her brothers and sisters. Helen was the third of 8 children.

In 1940, Helen met Boyd Collins at a Texas dance hall and they were married a year later. She had two children, Ronald "Butch" Collins and Judith Shields. Mrs. Collins raised her children in Dripping Springs and later settled in Driftwood, Texas. Helen was a devoted mother who loved to cook from scratch recipes, sew for her family, and grow fresh vegetables from her garden. She was also a dedicated and hard worker who loved serving others. Her passion for cooking translated into her career as the Lead Manager for Austex Factory's Cafeteria. She worked magic in several kitchens for many years before retiring.

Helen was cherished by her family and friends for countless reasons. They couldn't get enough of her homemade rolls, apple pie and fried catfish. She put lots of love in all her delicious home cooked meals. All who sat on her front porch and sipped a cup of coffee with Helen knew her to be full of wit, charming stories and lots of spunk! She was very intelligent, self-taught and most would describe her as "one tough woman".

In her later years, Helen found happiness and love, again, with Albert McMillan, known by all as Buddy. Helen and Buddy spent their retirement days lucky in love. Afternoons were spent fishing on Lake Buchanan, gardening, cooking homemade casseroles, working on Buddy's farm, and sipping coffee together on their back porch. Buddy was by Helen's side for every moment, and he was truly her best friend. The McMillan family also adored Helen and welcomed her into their home.

Helen Ruth Collins is survived by her daughter Judith Shields of Burleson; daughter-in-law Ida Mae Collins of Austin; sister Bobby Kennedy and her husband Bill of Pasadena; four granddaughters Mitzi Smith and her husband David of Burleson, Ronda Gray and her husband Kelly of Austin, Amy Mills and her husband Johnny of Austin, and Amber Montero and her husband Duncan of Miami; five great grandchildren: Erich Dahlke, Stacy Eddins, Ellary Dahlke, Cody Smith, and Dahlton Mills; one great great grandson Jack Eddins. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Ronald "Butch" Collins.

Family and friends will gather for a Graveside Service on Saturday May 27th, 2017 at Miller Creek Cemetery at 10:00am. There will be a reception to follow in Johnson City.

Thank you to all who loved and cared for our Mema. The family would like to extend our appreciation to Elm Croft Assisted Living Home and Assisting Hands of West Austin for their care and compassion.