Linda Marie Collins

Linda Collins, 79, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on April 4th, 2026 in Merced, California.
Linda was born on October 26th, 1946 in Merced, California to Freda and William. She spent her entire life in Merced and the surrounding community she loved so deeply. With a heart devoted to caring for others, she followed a path of service throughout her life, working with children, then seniors and ultimately spending the last 15 years working with special needs adults at Challenged Family Resource Center. She also generously gave her time through years of volunteer work.
Linda loved with her whole heart, and nothing brought her more joy than her family. She took immense pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Linda had a gift for connecting with others, she never met a stranger, and she cherished simple pleasures like weekly breakfast outings and car shows with friends. She also treasured every adventure with Glenn. Traveling to Michigan on the back of his Harley was one of the highlights of her life and she often spoke about how much fun she had.
She is lovingly remembered by her soul mate Glenn Root, her sisters Deborah Johnson and Jody Ordahl, her son William (Cindy) McMurry, daughter Karri Skarke McMurry, son Daniel (Christie Stone) McMurry, son Andrew (Samantha) McMurry, daughter Myle (Edward) Diehl, son Hunter (Rosalyn) Collins, her grandchildren, Kaitlin (Dallas), Steven (Casandra), Dustin, Cortlin, Katie (Willie), Haleigh (Brandon), Riley, Maeson, Lindzie, Anika, Finley, Nolan, Sydnee, Hannah, Clayton, Gunneur, Faith, Gibson, Harper and Harlow, her great-grandchildren Thomas, Kenlee, Ariella, Alaric, Ava, Andrew and Azriel, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Freda and William Hewlett, her husbands Steven McMurry (1976) and Richard Collins (2007) and her nephew Jeffrey Johnson.
A celebration of life will be held on April 24th at 10:30 A.M. at the clubhouse at Henderson Park 2641 Merced Falls Road, Snelling, California, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Challenged Family Resource Center of Merced in her name.