Floy Marie Collins

Floy Marie Collins quietly reached the end of a long and fulfilling life on Aug. 9 at her home in Butte. She was 92. She had been in home hospice care for months with declining health, but remained in happy anticipation of Heaven and reuniting with her husband and other family and friends. Floy was born Feb. 14, 1932, the "valentine" child of William J. and Elsie Field in Hamilton, Montana. She attended local schools and worked as a waitress for a while before following her brothers and mother to Anaconda. After a stint working at Galen hospital, she helped her mother in a seamstress business. That's where she met Floyd Collins, a railroad employee and musician. Everyone said Floy and Floyd must be destined to be together because of their names. It was true—they fell in love and married July 17, 1955. About 10 years later, the family moved to Butte—by now with three sons, Dana, Todd and Jory—and took over the Touraine Apartments, later renamed the Collins Apartments, at Silver and Idaho streets. That pretty much became her occupation and where her generosity and kindness became legendary—she was always willing to provide a place to sleep, a good meal, or a helping hand. Easily recognized with her blond hair (later a wig) and welcoming smile, she truly liked people that others called disadvantaged, and they loved her, often staying in contact years after moving from the building. She maintained a furniture bank in the basement and loved decorating her own home and others, including rearranging rentals when she and Floyd spent time in Arizona. A lot of her decor, and her elegant wardrobe, came from her keen eye at yard sales and her love of a bargain. After nearly 30 years, son Jory took over the apartment building and Floy and Floyd moved to a house near the Butte Country Club, where the guest rooms were often full of relatives or friends, and they threw holiday parties for dozens of people. She loved all children (and most pets) and was thrilled to spend time with grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. Very active in local churches, including Journey Church, her Caesar salad was a staple at every christening, picnic or funeral reception. She sent prayers along with tangible help for uncounted parishioners and others in need. Floyd passed away in 2019, after 64 years with Floy. She also was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Dave and Bill Field. Survivors include sons, Dana Collins of Idaho Falls, Todd and Norma Collins and Jory Collins of Butte, and former daughters-in-law Cheryl Collins and Barb Collins. Also, grandchildren and spouses: Sara and Jason Anderson, Jake Collins, Amber and Layne Denning, Nick and Roxan Collins, Tayler and Jared Murphy, MacKenzie Collins, Allison and Chris Johnson. Great-grandchildren include Hailee Anderson, Liam Collins, Kinzley Collins, Tucker Denning, Piper Denning and Atlee Denning. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Memorials may be made to Journey Church, 2255 Florence, or to Senior Solutions Hospice, 1554 Harrison Ave., Butte. Express condolences or share a memory at www.wayrynen-richards.com. Private family burial for Floy's and Floyd's ashes will be at Sunnyside Cemetery in Stevensville at a later date. A public celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. at Journey Church with Pastor Randy Lindgren officiating. A reception will follow. Who will bring the Caesar salad?

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Floy Marie Collins

February 14, 1932 - August 9, 2024