Obituary of Bonnie Gay Collins

Bonnie Gay Jones Collins who loved to be called “Grams” by her grandchildren, passed away in Meridian Idaho on June 25, 2022, with her three daughters by her side.

Bonnie was born in Pocatello Idaho in 1936, to Walter (Ed) and Elizabeth (Libby) Jones. She grew up on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, the daughter of a champion bronc rider and the eldest of six children. Bonnie’s family was close, and her Idaho roots were extremely important to her.

At an early age, Bonnie knew she wanted to become a nurse so she could “always take care of me and mine.”  In 1954 she left home to attend the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane Washington. She graduated in 1957 and was an excellent nurse who rose through the ranks at Holy Family Hospital. She became the head nurse and supervisor of the operating room with a staff of thirty. That same year she also married her first husband and together they had three girls.

In 1975 Bonnie wed her second husband, Dr. William L. Collins (Bill) in Spokane. They eventually built their dream home in Sequim Washington and retired there. Bonnie would say their roles were reversed. He would be cooking dinner while she was out mowing the lawn. It seemed natural. Besides, have you “ever seen a Cowboy’s kid whipping up a Bouillabaisse?”

Bonnie led an active life and had boundless energy. She loved the outdoors and spent her retirement years hiking and backpacking across the Olympic Peninsula with the “Goat Girls.”  She was still hiking well into her mid seventy’s.

Whether as a family member, friend, church deacon or volunteer in her community, Bonnie never stopped giving of herself. Most importantly, she had a heart to serve God. We believe she has traded in her cross for a glorious crown.

Bonnie is survived by her daughters Kendra, Robin and Samantha, three stepchildren, twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and her five siblings. She is preceded in death by her husband who passed away nearly four months prior, two grandchildren and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both Bonnie and Bill Collins in Salmon Idaho on September 10, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at https://alzfdn.org.  Remembrances may be left on Bonnie’s webpage at www.AccentFuneral.