Oma Collins

Oma Southwood Collins passed away on June 29, 2015 at the age of 100, after touching many lives with her gracious, positive attitude. Oma was born on Feb. 1, 1915 in Sullivan, Ind., and moved to California in 1940 to marry her former schoolmate, William R. "Bill" Collins. Oma worked for the State of California's Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board until she was in her 70s, retiring in the late 1980s. Bill was the longtime sports editor of the Sacramento Bee until his death in 1971. Together, they had four children: AnaBeth (Michael) Connolly, of Lincoln, CA; Sharon (William) Schaaf of Costa Mesa, CA; Rob (Jolaine) Collins of Fair Oaks, CA; and John (Karie) Collins of South Lake Tahoe, CA. Oma is survived by two sisters, Lois McMickle of Edgewater, MD, and Helen Sappenfield of Houston, TX, sisters-in-law Rosemarie Collins of Folsom and Terry Southwood of Burbank, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was the proud matriarch of 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Oma was predeceased by her husband, Bill, brothers Olan "Gene," Shirel, Isaac and Robert Southwood, and her grandson, Gregory Connolly. She enjoyed gardening, entertaining and sharing her special banana bread. Oma was an active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Sacramento for more than 65 years and a longtime Los Ninos Service League volunteer at Casa Garden Restaurant. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at First Christian Church, 3901 Folsom Blvd. Interment at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park will be private. To honor Oma's memory, the family suggests sharing a kind gesture, or donating to a favorite charity.