BENTON – Donna Ruth Collins, 78, of Benton, (formerly of West Gardiner) went home to join the love of her life of 45 years and dance before her Lord and Savior, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta.

She was born in Gardiner on Sept. 13, 1945, the daughter of Donald and Marjorie (Johnson) Grant.

After graduating from Richmond High School, she was employed by Eaton Shoe and Goodwill Industries, to include working 16 years with the Maine State Department of Education. She loved reading, traveling, and being surrounded by friends and family. Her favorite time of year/holiday was Christmas (where she enjoyed putting on her annual Christmas Party where she ensured everyone had a gift).

Donna will be remembered for her kind soul and open-door policy that provided for anyone that needed it. She loved her family well and served the Lord faithfully. Anyone that knew Donna knew that they had found a loyal friend, a woman so caring that she would become a mother/Grammy to anyone who needed extra love.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Wendell Collins; son, Sean; and grandson, Trevor Collins; four siblings, Percy Johnson, Richard Grant, Charlotte Glidden, and Robert Grant.

Donna is survived by Donald Austin and wife Lisa of Pittston, David and Kathleen Collins of Roy, Utah, Tim and Shannon (2) Collins of Farmingdale, Debbie and Steve Cornish of Lewiston, Wendell Jr. and Mary Collins of West Gardiner, Mike and Shannon (1) Collins of West Gardiner, Steven and Jennifer Danskin of Nashua N.H., Wanda and Dan Phillips of Benton, and a bonus daughter, Jennie Meyers of West Gardiner; 32 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Donna’s visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 4 to 7 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A spring burial will take place Friday, May 31 at 2 p.m. beside her husband in Cherry Hill Cemetery, West Gardiner. Pallbearers will be Sean, Marcus, Scott, James, John Collins, and Jared Arnold. A Celebration of Life will follow, Place to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to the

Donna Collins Funeral Fund

c/o Staples Funeral Home,

53 Brunswick Ave.,

Gardiner, ME 04345

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