Wanda Janelle Blake Collins was born September 22, 1956, in San Angelo, Texas, to James “Jim” and Paulyne (Johnson) Blake. Wanda was carried home by the angels to be with the Lord on March 7, 2026, in Willow Springs, Missouri. She was 69 years old.
Wanda worked at Rawlings until they closed. She then pursued a successful career at Willow Care Nursing Home. As a small child into her teen years, Wanda moved around with her father and mother, James and Marty Blake, during her father’s military career. As an adult, she settled in Missouri where she met and married Tim Collins on April 5, 1975. To this union, five daughters were born. Wanda and Tim were further blessed with 30 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Of course, there are so many she loved and claimed as her own. Her pride and joy, the apples of her eye. Wanda spent her time doing puzzles, crocheting, sewing, playing cards, and fishing. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family the most. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Wanda was preceded in death by her father, James Blake; brother, Bobby Blake; and grandson, Austin Lee Shaul.
She is survived by her children: Wendy Collins and partner, Chad Coble of Willow Springs, Tracy and her husband, Eric Velarde of Pomona, Melissa and her husband, Jason Boyer of Willow Springs, Marsha and her husband, Chris Dickerson of Bozeman, Montana, and Laura and her husband, Cody Harrington of Willow Springs. She is further survived by her brothers and sisters: Danny and Billy, Vanessa, Glenda, Marsha, Jymi, and her mother, Marty Blake as well as 30 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Wanda will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Willow Funeral Home. Services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Westside Family Life Center with Pastor David Lovan officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Willow Springs, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
