Vivian Illene Collins

Vivian Illene Collins (nee Rhoads) was born April 16,1933, in Spring Hollow, Laclede County, Missouri, to Sylvester Edward Rhoads and Edna Evelyn Rhoads (nee Burris). She went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at 11:23 p.m. She was surrounded by people who love her. Her parents, Sylvester and Edna; her husband Arlin; her brothers and sisters, Onie, Cleo, Marion, Garland, Charles, Kenneth, Noble, Lorene, and Judy; her daughter Vickie Jo;

and her granddaughter Deborah preceded her in death. She’s survived by her daughter Linda and her husband Clifford; her son Arlin “Gene”; her son Vernon and his wife MiNan; her son Rick; and her daughter Pamela; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Vivian grew up in West Plains, where she met Arlin Vernon Collins, whom she married in 1950. They raised five children in Kansas City, where they lived together until his death in 1992. Vivian loved spending time with her family, quilting, embroidery, watching movies—especially John Wayne films, reading, and celebrating God with her life. She enjoyed serving as a teacher and a choir member at church. And she proudly hand-made quilts for her family members. She spent some of her later years in El Dorado Springs before returning to the Kansas City area.

We’ll always remember Vivian’s radiant smile, her ornery spirit, her dedication to her faith, and her devotion to the ones she loved. She lived God’s greatest commandments, loving Christ with all her heart, soul, and mind, and others as herself. She opened her arms and home to anyone in need. She gave unconditionally to everyone she met. Vivian was a strong, compassionate mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, and we’re all better for having known her.

Proverbs 31:28, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m., at Park Hill Christian Church, 6601 N.W. 72 St., Kansas City, MO.