Funeral services for Jennie Collins, age 81, of Faith, SD, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD with Pastor Mark Richardson officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

Jennie Lois Dutton was born on May 31, 1934, in Strool, SD to Marvin and Mabel (Ehlringer) Dutton. She was raised on the family ranch south of Strool and attended Vandenburg School. Jennie attended Lemmon High School and graduated in 1952. Following her graduation she attended Black Hills State and received a teaching certificate. She then taught at Beck School for two years. While at a school dance at Imogene Hall she met a young hired man who was working for her uncle.

Jennie was united in marriage to Robert Collins on August 14, 1954 at the Lutheran church in Prairie City, SD. Following their marriage, Bob and Jennie moved to the Collins Ranch south of Faith where Jennie taught a year at the Zeal School. Following the birth of their first child Jennie chose to stay at the ranch and raise her family and enjoy the ranch life. Six children were born to this union, Gordon, Ross, Todd, Brad, Lisa, and Tracy.

Bob and Jennie bought the Christians Ranch in 1972 and continued to ranch and raise their family. Jennie worked alongside Bob raising kids, cattle and sheep and for many years bum lambs. She would milk cows twice a day and when Bob was gone trucking she, along with the children, would do all the chores which included feeding cows and chopping ice 11 miles from the place.

Jennie loved to go to church and her favorite pastime was work. She was a hard worker and helped out wherever she could. She enjoyed embroidery and making denim quilts for her grandchildren. Jennie also ran a catering business. She also loved her chickens, cats and riding horses especially her all time favorite, Ginger.

The day before Thanksgiving, 2014 Jennie was diagnosed with ALS in Denver CO. She courageously fought her disease being lovingly cared for by Bob and her family. She continued her battle until her death. Jennie passed away Monday, October 19, 2015 at her home south of Faith, SD. Jennie's wishes were to spend her last days at home which Bob made possible.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bob Collins, Faith SD; four sons, Gordon (Kathy) Collins , Faith, SD, Todd (Nancy) Collins , Sturgis, SD, Brad (Niki) Collins, Bowman, ND and Tracy (Heidi) Collins, Prairie City, SD; One daughter, Lisa (George) Till, Dupree, SD; 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one brother Howard Dutton, Remer, MN; one sister, Florence Kolb, Virginia; one brother in law, Loren Bridges, Corvalis, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Ross Collins in 1975 ; one grandson Jeff Collins; and one granddaughter, Kendi Till; one sister, Donna Bridges; one sister in law, Barb Dutton; and one brother in law, Arnold Kolb.

A memorial has been established by the family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Faith Area Memorial Chapel in Faith, SD.