Collins, Wilma Maxine Belden - 1909-2012

BELDEN, COLLINS, LAKE, RUTH, THOMPSON

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 8/13/2024 at 10:52:29

Wilma Maxine Belden Collins was born on the family farm near Minburn on March 19, 1909 to Lillie Mae (Thompson) and Dwight Moody Belden, the third of their children. She died at the age of 103 ½ at her Polk City Nursing and Rehabilitation residence on September 27, 2012. Wilma attended Sugar Grove country school through the 7th grade and graduated from Minburn High School in 1927. She later did classwork at Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College.
She married Dean Donald Collins in 1927. Twin daughters died shortly after birth, but a daughter Virginia Lynn and son Donald Christie were born later to their family.
Wilma was an active and accomplished woman. She and Dean worked together to establish a successful trucking company. Wilma began her journalistic career as a newspaper correspondent for Thorpe Publications Weekly from 1946 to 1947, and was the editor and columnist for "Grimes News" supplement of the Dallas Center Times from 1947 to 1952. From 1952 until 1954 she was a staff writer on the "Iowan" magazine which premiered in 1952. She won numerous awards for her writings, many of which are archived at the University of Iowa.
A successful second career as a realtor for Iowa Realty in the Des Moines area brought much additional recognition and awards for Wilma. She was president of the Iowa Association of Women Realtors and in1970 organized the Women's Council of Greater Des Moines Board of Realtors, serving as president from 1972 to 1973. She was appointed by then Governor Robert D. Ray to the Terrace Hill Commission in 1972 and served as director until 1980. She continued to work as a realtor for many years.
Wilma was also prominent in many activities of her more personal life. She was recognized for her work with the Red Cross and the Soroptomist club in Grimes and Des Moines. As an avid member of the Republican Party she directly supported many of its causes and candidates. Wilma greatly treasured the many friendships she was able to nurture throughout her varied life. She also offered personal help and support for several nieces and nephews who needed her attention.
Wilma, an excellent seamstress, loved to sew. She not only hand-tailored many of her clothes but modified commercially made clothing to suit her fashion needs.
Wilma was very proud of her daughter Ginny (Virginia Collins Ruth), the artist, and her son Don (Donald C. Collins), the professor. She was equally proud and pleased by her own inclusion in various editions of "Who's Who", the "International Register of Profiles", and many other profiling volumes.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Dean; her children Virginia and Donald; her parents; and her siblings Evelyn, Henry, Hildreth, and Lawrence (Pete). She is survived by her granddaughters Cristi (Ronald) Lake, Julia Collins, and Susan Collins, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her ashes have been interred with those of her husband and Donald at the Brethren Cemetery of Dallas Center.
No services are planned.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Wednesday, October 31, 2012, page 5B