In Memory Of
Debbie Ann Collins
1953
2019
Debbie Ann Collins
December 16, 1953 — December 7, 2019
Deborah Ann Collins, 65, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019.
She was born December 16, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Harlan Emmett and Patricia Ann (Waterman) Lundry. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1971.
Debbie married Henry Collins on June 22, 1974 in Topeka.
Debbie was employed by the Kansas Optometric Association (KOA) for over 40 years. Her vision was to retire in "20/20" but her plan was cut short due to complications of surgery. In 2018 she received the KOA Vision Service Award. She served on the Board of the Kansas Optometric Foundation, helping to provide scholarships to students so they could attend Optometry School.
She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, Kappa Kappa Chapter, International Sorority and the Kansas Society of Association Executives (KSAE) where she received the 2017 KSAE Professional of the Year award. She joined KSAE in 2003 and was a staple of the organization participating in many education events, scooping innumerable cups of ice cream for the ice cream social at the Capitol and was an invaluable volunteer and resource. She was a lifetime member of First Christian Church where she was baptized, married and served as a Deacon for many years. She also had memberships with the International Association of Optometric Executives and the American Society of Association Executives.
She enjoyed scrapbooking, gardening, canning, and photography. Debbie was a fanatic about her exercise routine, wearing out two NordicTrack treadmills. She was an avid Chiefs and K-State Football fan. She loved shopping and was always dressed impeccably with shoes and handbags that matched every outfit along with a watch that was only correct two times each day. Most of all she loved vacationing with her grand babies. Their favorites destinations were Branson, Disney and cruising the Caribbean.
Survivors include a daughter, Erin Olson, son, Brent Collins, grandchildren, Tyler and Mollie Olson, brother, David (Sherry) Lundry, sister, Connie (Steve) Brown.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Family will greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am., Monday, December 16, 2019 at the First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Optometric Foundation, 1266 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66612.
To share a memory of Debbie or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below
She was born December 16, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Harlan Emmett and Patricia Ann (Waterman) Lundry. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1971.
Debbie married Henry Collins on June 22, 1974 in Topeka.
Debbie was employed by the Kansas Optometric Association (KOA) for over 40 years. Her vision was to retire in "20/20" but her plan was cut short due to complications of surgery. In 2018 she received the KOA Vision Service Award. She served on the Board of the Kansas Optometric Foundation, helping to provide scholarships to students so they could attend Optometry School.
She was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi, Kappa Kappa Chapter, International Sorority and the Kansas Society of Association Executives (KSAE) where she received the 2017 KSAE Professional of the Year award. She joined KSAE in 2003 and was a staple of the organization participating in many education events, scooping innumerable cups of ice cream for the ice cream social at the Capitol and was an invaluable volunteer and resource. She was a lifetime member of First Christian Church where she was baptized, married and served as a Deacon for many years. She also had memberships with the International Association of Optometric Executives and the American Society of Association Executives.
She enjoyed scrapbooking, gardening, canning, and photography. Debbie was a fanatic about her exercise routine, wearing out two NordicTrack treadmills. She was an avid Chiefs and K-State Football fan. She loved shopping and was always dressed impeccably with shoes and handbags that matched every outfit along with a watch that was only correct two times each day. Most of all she loved vacationing with her grand babies. Their favorites destinations were Branson, Disney and cruising the Caribbean.
Survivors include a daughter, Erin Olson, son, Brent Collins, grandchildren, Tyler and Mollie Olson, brother, David (Sherry) Lundry, sister, Connie (Steve) Brown.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Family will greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, December 15, 2019 at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am., Monday, December 16, 2019 at the First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Optometric Foundation, 1266 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66612.
To share a memory of Debbie or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Debbie Ann Collins, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, December 15, 2019
3:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Monday, December 16, 2019
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
First Christian Church 1880 SW
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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