Wilma Jean Collins

Our loving Mother and Nanna, Wilma Jean Collins, 98 of Perry, left her earthly home on February 23, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long, full, happy life. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28 from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel with the family present from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 1 at 10:00am at St Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. Wilma’s Memorial fund will be sent to the Perry Public Library. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com

Her journey began when she was born on January 8, 1927, on a farm in Dawson, Iowa, to parents, Cecil and Lester Ridnour. She attended schools in Dawson, Washington Township and Perry, graduating from Perry High School in 1945. Upon graduation she started her 65+ year career as a tax consultant and legal secretary at Willis and Sacket Law offices.

On July 24, 1949, she married Eddie Collins at St Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. They raised 4 children, Jim, Nancy, Ann and Bob which she always said was her best accomplishment in life.

Wilma was very active in her community and was a long-time member of PEO, Beta Sigma Phi, Perry Golf and Country Club and Perry Elks Club. She served on the Perry Park and Recreation Board and was a volunteer at the Carnegie Library Museum, the Perry Public Library and the Dallas County Hospital gift shop. She was an avid bicyclist, riding her 7-mile bike route daily until the age of 90, which included the Violet Hill Cemetery circuit, frequently saying she “had lots of friends there.” After retiring her bicycle, she continued to rack up miles on a stationary bike every day for 30 minutes until age 97. Wilma loved playing bridge and cards in general. She was a voracious reader using her library card almost weekly. 

Wilma was a wonderful mother. She set an example of optimism, “everything in moderation”, work hard, have a balanced life. She got up every day and “put her face on”, a stylish outfit and a smile – with lipstick. She was quick to laugh, fun loving and always had a wonderful circle of friends.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Eddie, son Jim, her parents, brother Ward and numerous other family members and a number of amazing friends. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Nancy Collins of Iowa City and Ann Collins-Hattery (Mike) of Cedar Rapids, son Bob Collins of Waukee and daughter-in-law, Patti Collins of Lees Summit, Missouri, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, her sister Maxine Paullin (Ronnie) of Bella Vista, Arkansas and several very special nieces and nephews, and her wonderful circle of friends at Spring Valley.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Spring Valley, her home for the past 6 years, for their loving attention and care.