Funeral services for Stella Mae Collins, 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mrs. Collins passed away surrounded by her family on January 6, 2026, at 12:54 a.m. at NHC Healthcare in West Plains.
Stella was born on July 30, 1941, in Bakersfield, Missouri, to Willard Joice and Etta Hardcastle Joice. She was raised in the Bakersfield area and later graduated from Bakersfield High School. On October 25, 1980, Stella was united in marriage to Loren “Kenny” Collins in West Plains, Missouri. He preceded her in death in July of 2000, after more than 30 years together. Stella was known as a hard-working woman who spent many years employed as a tester at Eaton, where she worked for over 30 years. After retirement, she moved to Branson, where she worked in various jobs in the entertainment industry. She took pride in all she did and always stayed busy. She dearly loved her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved having Sunday dinners, sleepovers, and storytelling. Stella enjoyed traveling with friends and family. She was known for her spunk, sass and all things shiny. She was known to click her rings together. She would stay connected with the people she loved. She had a strong faith and was known as a God-fearing woman. Stella also cherished her friendships, including her lifelong friend Beverly Johnston, whom she met in Kansas City, Missouri, after graduating high school.
She is survived by her two children, Melinda Collins and husband, Bruce of Pomona, Missouri and Kevin Joice of West Plains, Missouri; her grandchildren, Heather Allen and husband, Michael of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and Stephanie Henderson of West Plains; her great-grandchildren, Brailyn Hambelton, Haiden Henderson, and Brynna Allen; her brother, Earl Joice of Caulfield; her sister-in-law, Emma Joice of Caulfield; and many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; three brothers, Donald Joice, Ernest Joice and Charles Joice; and three sisters, Helen Long, Dorothy Pointer, and Mabel Batson.
Stella will be remembered for her love of family, her strong work ethic, and the care she showed to those around her.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Fu neral Home. Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Free Union Cemetery, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.
