Thelma Whipple Collins

Thelma M. Whipple Collins, died May 6, 2022. Born August 3rd, 1938 to Harold E. and Alberta (Allen) Whipple, in Bureau County, Near Tampico, IL. Thelma Graduated from Byron High School in 1956 and from Rockford School of Beauty Culture as well. Thelma loved to roller skate where she met the man she loved dearly and married March 2nd, 1958 in Middle Creek Presbyterian Church, north of Byron. Richard (Dick) and Thelma raised daughter Cynthia and 2 sons Michael and Patrick. Thelma held the position of Deacon and was a member at Kishwaukee Community Presbyterian, in Stillman Valley and loved working with her church family. Thelma is survived by daughter Cynthia (Gerald) Erbsen of Pearl City; sons, Michael (Dawn) Collins of Florida and Patrick Collins of Cheyenne, Wyoming; 1 granddaughter, Amy (Jamie) Cantwell and 1 grandson, Richard (Crystal) Dirksen; 2 great grandsons, Skyler and Parker; 3 great granddaughters, Hope, Zoey, and Sophia; 1 sister, Phyllis Jeans. Thelma will join the Lord and family and many friends, her parents, husband Richard, 3 brothers, Earl A., Dann R. and Harry R., brother-in-law, Danny Jeans, and sisters-in-law, Eileen Whipple and Patricia Whipple. Mom loved her family and friends fiercely and will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at Kishwaukee Community Presbyterian Church in Stillman Valley with Pastor Trevor Smith officiating. A private burial will be held at Byron Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials are established in her name