Betty Jane Collins

Betty Jane Collins, 80, beloved music teacher and devoted mother, passed away on April 22, 2024 in Ames, Iowa.  She was born on October 5, 1943, in Storm Lake, Iowa to her loving parents Warren and Arleen Fulton Hanson.  She grew up on a farm west of Odebolt, Iowa and graduated from Odebolt High School.  She married the love of her life, Terry Collins on July 3, 1965.  Terry passed away July 20, 2010.  Betty’s life was marked by a deep love for music and teaching, as well as an unwavering devotion to her family and friends.  

Betty grew up on the family dairy farm, helping with chores and loved spending time with the animals.  She was especially fond of the barn cats and was always excited to find and play with new kittens in the hay loft. She and her brother Bob spent hours cultivating corn, sitting on the Allis Chalmers C, singing as they went. Betty was a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons at the pool in Odebolt.  That’s where she caught the eye of a young man from California and they shared many great years together. 

In high school she excelled in vocal music and trombone and was on the basketball team.   A trombone solo prepared for music contest received a standing ovation at a concert in the OHS gymnasium. 

Betty pursued her passion for music by earning a Music Education Degree from Drake University in 1965.  She began her career as a music teacher and later transitioned to being a dedicated, stay-at-home Mom, which included the many activities of her children like driving a truck towing a horse trailer for Lesley to enter horse shows around the country.  She was a member of the church choir and directed the bell choir at the Eldora Methodist Church for many years.  Betty was also a member of Cecilians and PEO.  She returned to teaching, accepting a position at Eldora-New Providence High School.  The music department grew and Flourished under her leadership.  Her choirs consistently received the highest honors at contests and All-state.  Her students have gone on to successful careers in music performance, composing, and teaching.  She directed the mixed chorus, girls and boys glee, many small groups, musicals, the Swing Choir Cabaret, and took students to Broadway Theater Productions in the Twin Cities.  She loved her students and they loved her.  

Known for her kindness, bright smile, and warm eyes, Betty was a treasured member of the community in Eldora.  Her proudest accomplishments stemmed not only from her professional achievements but also from the love and care she shared with those around her.  Betty found joy in singing, teaching music, gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.  

Betty and Terry really enjoyed hiking in the Colorado mountains with David, Lesley and Cooper and her brother Bob and sister-in-law, Zava while at their time-share condo in Breckenridge.  Betty loved to look out the windows of their home in the oak trees near the Iowa River.  She counted the wild turkeys and deer and fed the many birds in her back yard.  On her desk you would find photos of her beloved dogs and cats.  For years she walked with friends along the shores of Pine Lake.  

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Lesley and son-in-law  David Briggs, her son Jeff Collins and daughter-in-law Katy Diel Collins, as well as her grandson Cooper Hanson Collin Briggs.  She is survived by her sister, Jean and husband, Ron Lee, Manhattan, Ks and brothers Richard and wife, Suan Hanson, Bloomington, IL and Robert and wife, Zava Hanson, Silverton, OR, and six nieces and nephews. Betty’s legacy of love, compassion and musical spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Terry and her parents.

In honoring Betty Jane Collins’ life and the impact she had on those around her, we remember a remarkable woman whose light touched many lives.  May she rest in peace, knowing that her melody will continue to resonate through the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

A Celebration of Life Service for Betty will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 12 at the Christian Fellowship Church, 1309 Fourth Street, Eldora, Iowa.  

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Betty’s memory to the South Hardin Performing Arts Fund at South Hardin High School, 1800 24th Street, Eldora, IA 50627 or to charity of your choice.