Frances N. Collins
ONEONTA _ Frances N. Collins, 99, of Oneonta, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. For the past several years she has been a resident at Robynwood Home for Adults.
Mrs. Collins was born in Delanson on Nov. 12, 1912. She was the daughter of Ellsworth and Beulah (Spencer) Castle. She was married Vernon R. Collins on May 26, 1929. Mr. Collins passed away on Dec. 13, 1994.
Mrs. Collins was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She loved sewing and crocheting for them. She was an avid bowler and was a member of the Hit and Miss Traveling Team from 1941 through 1974. She and her husband, Vernon, were active members of the Senior Citizens Bowling League at Holiday Lanes, Oneonta.
Mrs. Collins is survived by two daughters, Joyce E. Benskink of Clymer, and Jo Anne C. (John M.) Murphy of The Villages, Fla.; her son-in-law, Gary A. Shaver of Catonsville, Md.; and her brother, Russell Stilwell of Rutherfordton, N.C.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dayle Liberatore of Sidney, Kathy Wilber of Wells Bridge, Tracy Young of Sidney, Laurie Stewart of Oneonta, James Sloan of Otego, Tanya Smith of South Kingstown, R.I., Lance Bensink of Clymer, Jabin Bensink of Millsboro, Del., Lou Ann Beecher of Crownsville, Md., and Richard Shaver of Castleton; 21 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Collins was predeceased by her husband, Vernon R. Collins; her daughters, Betty Collins-Sloan and Shirley A. Shaver; her son-in-law, Irwin J. Bensink; her brothers, Ellsworth Castle and Randall Castle; and her sisters, Edith Jones and Thelma Dougherty.
In keeping with Mrs. Collins' wishes, there will be no public calling hours or funeral services. Burial will be in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery in the spring, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mrs. Collins' name to the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.
To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit the website www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
