Roll Call Tribute

Kathie Elaine Ryan Collins 
February 26, 1948 - March 16, 2023

Kathie Collins, 75, passed away March 16, 2023, at home in Hot Springs, SD.

Kathie was born on February 26, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama to Claude and Marie Ryan. She spent her childhood years mostly in the South along the Gulf Coast in Alabama and Mississippi, with a few years in Miami, Florida. She graduated from John Carroll High School in Birmingham, AL and Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL.

Continuing her education, she enrolled in graduate school at Texas A&M University to study economics. There she met Stephen Collins. They were married on January 8, 1972, in Birmingham, AL.

They raised one daughter, Julie, who also raised one daughter, Lily. Their careers took them from Texas, to South Dakota, to Washington State and, after retirement, back to South Dakota, settling in the Black Hills in 2009 in Hot Springs.

Kathie was an artist of many mediums. She had a unique ability to design and make fantastic gifts from everyday objects. She could make almost anything at the sewing machine, and spent many an hour sewing items for the home, as well as costumes and clothing for her daughter. Kathie was also a writer. She wrote beautiful children’s stories to help her young daughter understand how to navigate the world. Kathie had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. She grew amazing vegetables and beautiful roses. Kathie was an accomplished cook, and among many other delicacies, she made the most delicious apple butter that her daughter will always long for.

Most of all, Kathie loved her family and friends. She always had time to listen, care for and nurture the ones she loved.

Kathie is survived by her husband, Stephen, her daughter, Julie, her granddaughter Lily, and her brothers Michael Ryan and Pat Ryan.

Services will be held in the near future.