Sharon K. Collins

Sharon Collins, 80, died peacefully March 7, 2026 due to complications from a previous stroke and Alzheimer's Dementia. She was born in Walla Walla, Washington on August 14, 1945, to Elvin and Dorothy Potter. Sharon was raised in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, the oldest of three children. While attending McLoughlin Union High School, Sharon was very active on Drill Team, Cheerleading, and participated as Class Representative and Treasurer. Sharon would be crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year with Richard Collins by her side. The two lovebirds would be married shortly after graduation, on December 19, 1964. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary shortly before Richard's passing on January 31, 2022. After graduation Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force, and soon after they were married, he received orders to report to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. They loved their time in Clovis and this is where Sharon began her career in banking. When Richard received his orders to deploy to Vietnam, Sharon moved back to their hometown of Milton-Freewater to be closer to family. While Richard was serving in Vietnam, Sharon gave birth to their first daughter, Sandi, and two years later they welcomed their second daughter, Christy. Ultimately, they decided to move their family further west, and chose to settle in Vancouver, Washington. Sharon continued her banking career and worked for Rainier National Bank for many years. After Sharon retired from banking, she spent the next few years working for Currie & McLain, P.S. as the Officer Manager. Sharon was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother always putting her family first. There's nothing she wouldn't have done for anyone in her family. She never missed a school function or sporting event whether it was her girls or her grandkids. She loved being with family. She was completely devoted to Richard, and in retirement, they were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling together, long drives, Seattle Mariners baseball games, bowling, and family celebrations. Sharon was a fantastic cook, loved to read, and had a talent for sewing. She could sew, repair or alter almost anything, and if you needed help in the kitchen, just call mom/grandma. It's hard to find the words to express how much she will be missed. The only thing that brings us peace is knowing she is in the presence of our Lord, and reunited with her one true love. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her parents Elvin and Dorothy Potter, and son-in-law, Kurt Boxberger. She is survived by her two daughters; Sandi Boxberger and Christy (Greg) Petersen; four grandchildren Amanda, Gage, Rylee and Emma; four great-grandchildren Ryan, Kadyn, Kylee, and Mason; and her brothers Jerry (Rhonda) Potter and Kevin (Jolene) Potter. We would like to thank her amazing care team at A Home With Hope, where she lived the last year of her life. The care they provided, and the love they showed her will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Research Foundation, or The Dementia Society of America.

Sharon K. Collins

August 14, 1945 - March 7, 2026