Lonna Collins

Lonna L. Collins, 79, of St. Joseph, passed away at her home on Thursday, December 6, 2018. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018, at 11 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph with Pastor Steve Hartten officiating. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, December 10, 2018, from 10 A.M. until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lonna was born on May 27, 1939, to Leighton & Lucille (Sievert) LaVanway in St. Joseph. She attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1957. Lonna worked as a Case Worker at the Department of Social Services before she retired in June 2002. She also worked for Appliance Buyers Credit Corporation, Signal Delivery, Michigan Bell and as a Real Estate Agent. On September 4, 2004, Lonna married Leslie “Les” Collins in St. Joseph. Lonna was always proud of her heritage. She grew up as a “sand rabbit” but enjoyed her retirement as a “snow bird” with her husband. Lonna was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed traveling, dancing, music and her cat “Bob.” Most of all she loved to spend her time with her family. Lonna is survived by her husband Les Collins of St. Joseph; sons, David (Theresa) Genovese of Baroda and Brett Genovese of Benton Harbor; stepsons, Steve (Amy) Collins of Hastings, MI and Doug (Janelle) Collins of Jupiter, FL; grandchildren, Ava & Boden Genovese, Andrew Ronald, Kayleigh, Allison, Ellie & Robbie Collins; great-grandson Grayson Dean; and bother Lynn LaVanway of Portage. Lonna was preceded in death by her father & stepmother Leighton and Jean LaVanway and mother & stepfather Lucille and Harold Zuhl.