Billee Ann Collins, 96

On Thursday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2024, Billee Ann Collins departed this world, her spirit soaring to join with her Lord and Creator.

Born April 17, 1928, in Manhattan, Mont., she was the eldest child of James and Thelma Mulder. Her Montana roots went back through her mother's family on both sides. The group traveled by wagon train from Kentucky, arriving in the Gallatin Valley in the late 19th century.

Billee Ann spent her childhood in Helena. The family moved to California in 1941, settling in the beautiful rural valley of Lemon Grove, east of San Diego. She attended Lemon Grove Elementary and Grossmont High School where she met her future husband, Charles W. Collins.

Chuck joined the U.S. Navy out of high school serving during WWII. He and Billee attended San Diego State College together.

They were married on Nov. 26, 1948, and their first child, Kathleen Marie, was born in September of 1952, followed by their son, Charles Jr., in April of 1954.

When the children entered school, Billee returned to university for her teaching certificate. She then began her life-long career as an elementary teacher.

In 1963, the family moved to Vista in San Diego County, where Billee continued as a classroom teacher and elementary math specialist. She retired in 1986 but later served in many supportive roles using her skills as an educator and her passion for children.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Chuck and Billee enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. Their travels included Alaska, Maine, down the eastern seaboard, and as far south as Mexico City.

In 1992, they moved to Flathead Lake in Montana, becoming part of the Polson community.  Billee was active in retirement, contributing her time and resources wherever she saw a need.  She was a member of the Glacier View Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ronan where she took on many supportive roles in the SDA school.

Her volunteer work at the Mission Valley Animal Shelter led to a position on the board of directors. She served from 1992 until 2017 and was awarded Director Emeritus. During those years she used her skills and training to teach a program at the local schools on responsible pet ownership. 

Billee was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a service organization for outstanding women educators. She joined the local Upsilon Chapter, led several community projects, and served in leadership. In 2017, she received the Catherine Nutterville achievement award for Montana, recognizing her exemplary contributions during her career. 

Billee was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck (2009), son Chuck Jr. (February 2024) and brothers James (1998) and Gerald (2022). She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen, her grandchildren, Kaitlin Collins and Ezekiel Douma, her great-grandson, Jeremiah Douma, her brother, Ronald Mulder, and a loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and grands.

She touched the lives of many during her time. Her memory will be cherished.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Glacier View Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, 3 p.m. A dinner reception will follow. All those who knew Billee are invited to attend.  

Visit online-tribute.com/BilleeAnnCollins.