Arline Lu Collins

Arline Lu Collins, 97, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Forest Hills Care and Rehab Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was born on April 16, 1925 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Isabelle and Ewald Schulz. She spent her early years growing up surrounded by her parents, siblings, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She always said she had a wonderful childhood in West Burlington before the family moved to the Chicago area her senior year in high school. Arline graduated from Downer’s Grove high school and then attended business school in Chicago. She married Russell J. Collins in 1947 and soon after they made their home in Oswego, Illinois and had three daughters. They were married for 23 years and during that time they owned Collins Sinclair Gas Station and then Collins Oil Company. She later worked as business manager for WMRO/WAUR radio in Aurora until she retired from Stevens Broadcasting at age 67. In 1996 Arline moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where she enjoyed her retirement years. Arline was a woman of faith who loved the Lord, Jesus Christ. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow where she attended Bible Study Fellowship, participated in the Joy Choir, and was in the Lydia Sunday School Class. She also helped decorate for countless church banquets, helped with many other church activities, and volunteered at Arms Around Broken Arrow. Arline loved her family, and always did her best to stay active and have a positive attitude. She loved traveling and vacationing and spent many hours boating, floating in lakes, and water skiing (until age 67) with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of her favorite hobbies were reading, playing Bridge, sewing and quilting, and most of all having fun! Dining out, hosting holiday dinners, and setting a pretty table were also important to her. She was well loved and will be deeply missed by all her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Margery Welch, brother James Schulz, and son in law William Benditz. She is survived by her three daughters: Diane (Bob) Ash of Aurora, IL, Carolyn (Mike) Shipman of Broken Arrow, OK, and Patti (Paul) Oldberg of Missouri Valley, IA. Seven grandchildren: Jenny (RJ) Lasek, Phillip (Elizabeth) Ash, David (Rachel) Benditz, Michael (Tracy) Benditz, Amy (Casey) Cone, Katie (Brett) Nikkel, Emily Oldberg, 3 step grandchildren, Brad Shipman, Mary Hines and David Shipman. 19 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hayhurst Funeral Home, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Memorial gifts may be given to the Pangasinan Bible Mission of the Philippines, a charitable organization that has been supported by Arline and many of her family members. Please make your check payable to: Commission Ministers Network P.O.Box 291002 Kerrville, TX 787029

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Arline Lu Collins

April 16, 1925 - April 9, 2023