In Memoriam : Lola Collins

Lola Collins Lola May Collins - age: 87
(August 11, 1937 to August 23, 2024 )
Resident of Surprise, Arizona

Visitation Information:
A graveside service will be held at Exeter District Cemetery on Monday, September 16 at 10 AM.

Obituary:
Lola May Collins, 87, of Exeter, CA passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024 in her residence in Surprise, Arizona with her husband, James, by her side. She was born August 11, 1937, the daughter of William and Ruby (Lasseter) Todd. She married James William Collins in 1960 and they spent 64 wonderful years together. He survives in Arizona. She is survived by one sister, Loretta Armstrong; two children, Christy Collins and Aaron Collins; one grandchild, Hayley Tashjian (Gregory Simmons); three great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Bradley and Beau and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Alice.
Lola spent most of her childhood in Exeter and San Jacinto where her father worked as a farm manager in both locations, as well as head custodian for the Exeter school district and her mother a homemaker. She enjoyed the country life, playing with her sisters and letting her pet chicken ride on her shoulders. She graduated from Exeter High School and went on to pursue some upper education at College of the Sequoias in Visalia. When she married Jim, they quickly started a family with their daughter Christy who was born in 1961 and their son Aaron born 14 months later. She spent her young adult years raising children, as well as working in her sister’s jewelry store. When she was in her 40’s she discovered that her artistic talent was extraordinary. At one point she opened her own art studio in downtown Exeter. She spent the next 40 years painting murals in homes and places of business. When she wasn’t creating art for others, she spent her time in her personal art studio painting, drawing, sewing and doing bead work. She very much enjoyed spending her older years with her granddaughter, Hayley, and enjoying those same activities together. She also enjoyed traveling. Her and her husband would spend every summer at Wishon Reservoir with a group of lifelong friends. She was part of a ladies’ canasta group that spanned over 50 years and is still going on today. She very much loved her friends and the time she spent entertaining over the years as well.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to any of your choice of charity in memory of Lola.