Clara "Isabel" Collins

Isabel was born to Violet and Ben Whitmire June 7, 1924. She was one of four children who, along with their mom and dad, travelled from the Midwest by covered wagon to the hilltop in San Isabel National forest, Colorado. That is where her Dad built their homestead and she lived until she was 18 years old and married Henry B. Smith in Fort Hood, Texas. Her and her sister, Susie, traveled from Florence, Colorado by Trailways bus to Fort Hood, Texas where Henry was stationed at the beginning of World War II.  Isabel and Henry settled close to Pueblo, CO after the war was over. They had 2 daughters, Carol Lee Smith and Violet Joyce Smith.  Henry passed away in 1963.  Isabel met her second husband, Frank D. Collins at Faith Baptist Church and was married in May, 1965.  Frank passed away in 1980.

Isabel was a baker in the Pueblo School District for at least 35 years.  She loved baking and kids so it was a good fit.  At 93, she moved to Loveland, Colorado where Joyce is living and was part of the Good Samaritan Loveland Village at the time of her passing.

She has 3 grand children, Candace Avis, Brian Firestone and Aaron Douglas, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren plus many, many grands and greats by marriage. Isabel will live on through her many friends and family left on this earth.  A bright, beaming, joyous star will shine when you look to the sky.  That is Clara Isabel Collins meeting with her family, husbands and multitude of friends who paved the path before her.

Graveside service, 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026 in Mountain View Cemetery