Hazel was born on the family farm southeast of McCook in Red Willow County, to William Glenn and Nellie Maxine (Phillips) Shields. She graduated from McCook High School in 1945.
On June 27, 1948, she was united in marriage to Ronald William "Bill" Collins. They made their home on a farm southeast of McCook where they raised their four children, Donna, Dennis, Duane and Dorene. Hazel was a busy homemaker and mother as well as working for the Chief and West Sale Barn restaurants as a preparation cook. She moved to McCook in 1985 and retired in 1990.
Hazel was a member of the First Christian Church. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and flower and vegetable gardening. She also enjoyed collecting coins and owls.
Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Nellie Shields; her husband, Bill Collins in 1980; one brother, Marvin Shields; one sister, Dorothy Shields; and one step-grandson, Randy Matheny.
Survivors include her children, Donna Bush of Lakewood, Colorado, Dennis Collins and wife, Vicki of Hastings, Nebraska, Duane Collins and wife, Jan of McCook, and Dorene and husband, Rod Gordine of McCook; two brothers, Robert Harley Shields and wife, Elda, and Rolland Shields and wife, Rosemary, all of McCook; two sisters, Marjorie and husband, Richard McMurtry of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Nellie "Maxine" and husband, Robert Patterson of Lawrence, Kansas; brother-in-law, Willis "Rusty" Collins of Fredericksburg, Texas; 12 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; special friend, Cheryl Collins; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com
Funeral services were today at Evangelical Free Church in McCook with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements