Freda May (Abplanalp) Collins

Freda May Collins, 91, formerly of Arkansas City, Kansas, received her angel wings on Monday October 12, 2020.

Freda was born on December 13, 1928 in Augusta, Kansas to Frank and Eunice (David) Abplanalp. She was raised with her four siblings in Winfield, Kansas and on August 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to Darrell Collins.  The couple made their home in Arkansas City where they raised their three children, Sandi, Gary and Dara.  Freda’s greatest blessing was her family, who she lovingly cared for in her own way. Freda especially loved babies and helped care for the many that would grow to call her Nana.  She wasn’t big on hugs or endearing words, but you knew she loved you by her faithful prayers, her willingness to help in your time of need and the two year supply of whatever you mentioned you liked -as long as it was on sale.   

Freda was a faithful follower of Jesus. She raised her family in the Foursquare Gospel Church and attended the First Baptist Church in her later years. Many memories are of her and Darrell taking the family to Branson or various other venues to see a biblical rendition of a favorite bible story. Freda loved Billy Graham and you would often find her sitting in her chair watching his program.

Freda was gifted with a heart of service. She spent most of her free time caring for others, whether it be as a volunteer for the Red Cross feeding people during various disasters, on mission trips with Teen Missions where she fed the workers, or as a volunteer at the hospital gift shop. Freda was always taking food to people and was famous for her cinnamon rolls. She also enjoyed sewing and made over 400 pillowcase dresses for girls in foreign countries. Her heart was always in the right place, but sometimes you had to look beyond the relentless pursuit of meeting a need, to see the fruit of her labor. 

Freda worked for many years as a bookkeeper and sales associate for Parman Furniture and was also a care giver for the elderly.  She had an affection for good furniture, often finding worn out pieces and having Darrell refurbish them to gift to her family. Freda made a sport of looking for a good deal, never missing a flea market or rummage sale. Freda loved to travel, visiting 173 countries including several trips to the Holy Land in Israel. Freda’s idea of a good trip was maximizing every hour to see the most a country had to offer, all while taking one suitcase to share with Darrell that was to last a month.

You knew you had tickled Freda when she gave you that half cocked smile, usually with a piece of red licorice in her mouth. Her quirks are what made her Freda and no matter what happened in her life, she always rested in her faith of better tomorrows. Freda’s legacy is her family who she wove a bond through that will live on for generations to come.

She is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Darrell; her children, Sandi Lee Hedinger (Jim) of Ponca City, OK; Gary Wallace Collins (Joyce) of Baldwin City, KS and Dara Diane John (Mike) of Huntsville, MO; her sister, Ruby Moore of Aurora, CO; her sister-in-law Nola Abplanalp of Arkansas City, KS; her 14 grandchildren; Deb and John Chekal of Belle Plaine, IA; Dori and Trent Knobbe of Sylvan Grove, KS; Deron Withers, McPherson, Ks; Hayley and Daron Huyser of Elwood, NE; Hunter and Amanda John of Schertz, TX; Keisha and Austin Rogers of  McKinney, TX; Kaci and Richie Bryant of Merriam, KS and Paden and Maegan John of Bentonville, AR; her 17 great-grandchildren; Kyler and Maggie Knobbe of Wamego, KS;  Jeff Smith of New York City, NY; Rex Chekal of Chicago, IL; Kenzi and Tate Andrews of Lindsborg, KS; Bailey Withers of Wichita, KS, Adam Withers of Augusta, KS; Keeli Knobbe; Brooklyn and Bentley Rogers; Trey and Baby Bryant; Emmett, Cooper and McLane Huyser; Loreley, Gavin and Cora John and her 5 great-great grandchildren, Owen and Ivan Andrews, Ella and Emmie Knobbe and Athena Withers.   She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Bob Abplanalp, sisters, Wilma Williams and Doris Mauldin and an infant granddaughter, Reagan Marie John. 

The family will celebrate her life with graveside funeral services held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Parker Cemetery, east of Arkansas City.    Family and Friends are welcome.   No viewing or visitation services will be held.   Memorials are to the First Baptist Church of Arkansas City.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home or the church.  Please follow all Covid-19 precautions by social distancing and wearing a mask at the service. 

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