*** WEATHERFORD DEMOCRAT *** Jan. 16, 2012
Obituary: Viola "Kay" Collins

Viola Katherine "Kay" (Hamer) Collins went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012.

She passed away at the age of 86, at her house in New Braunfels, where she had just recently enjoyed celebrating the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Born June 22, 1925, she was the second youngest of 10 children raised by Hiram and Daisy Hamer, at their farm in Weatherford, Texas. Her mother had been born in Hamilton, and her father came from England as a child. In addition to the family farm, he operated a furniture store in Weatherford, and played piano in the movie house.

Viola was nicknamed "Viney" by her family. She attended the Church of Christ, and graduated from Weatherford High School, where she played basketball.

After World War II, she met and married a soldier from Georgia named Adam Collins. His long career in the Army led them to be stationed in many places, including Japan, where they made many fond memories with their first child, Harriet Kay. In their 38 years together, they also had three other children: Judy Elizabeth, Joseph Alan, and Daniel Kevin.

The family settled in McQueeney, Texas, where Viola enjoyed living by the river. She loved to fish, and took pride in being able to "out fish" all her loved ones. Her other interests included flower gardening, going to garage sales and antique auctions. Most of all she enjoyed the time she spent with her family, making wonderful memories that will remain forever in the hearts of those who love her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Adam Collins, and seven of her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by and will be sadly missed by her children Kay Friese, Judy Ermis, Joe Collins, and Dan Collins (and wife Amanda); grandchildren Amanda and Sam Friese, Kimberly Ermis, Keegan Collins, and Shelby, Kaley, Trent, and Gavin Collins; great-grandchildren Kolin Springs, Kobe Garcia, Mykala and Caleb Friese. She is also survived by sister Myrtle Lucille "Lucy" Wiggins of Weatherford, and brother Bill "Mac" Hamer of Gainesville, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church in New Braunfels, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or Hope Hospice of New Braunfels.