Grover Paul Collins, born November 22, 1944, in Omak, WA, went home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2009. Grover carried himself with grace, courage and nobility as an ambassador and servant of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his immediate family: parents, Grover and Thelma Collins; sister and brother, Carmen and Reggie Collins (Carole); his wife, Marcy Collins; his three children, Brandon (Amy) and Shad Collins and Amber Birks (Ray); and grandchildren, Haden and Hunter Collins and Elle Ray Birks. He is also survived by a large extended family, all mostly living in the North Central Washington region.

He grew up in Chelan, WA, where his family was involved in the orchard business. He was adventuresome and had a spark for life. At times, he could be found rattlesnake hunting or playing a practical joke on his best friend and sister, Carmen. He loved to swim, so he spent his summers as lifeguard and swimming instructor at the City Park in Chelan. Grover attended Wenatchee Valley Community College and Central Washington College to attain a business degree. He took his first job with J. C. Penney's in 1966, and he and Marcy were married a year later. They raised their three children, Brandon, Amber and Shad in Hillsboro, OR and Yakima and Wenatchee, WA. With his strong work ethic and drive to offer high quality products and service, he and Marcy started a specialty children's clothing store, Kid's Count Too (1980). It later evolved into the present day women's clothing store, Collins' Fashions. Marcy and Grover were committed marriage partners for 41 years and successful business partners for 30 years. Grover Paul had a servant's heart. He served on the Hospital Visitation Team, praying with and encouraging countless people. With their warm and gracious personalities, he and Marcy served on the Welcome Ministry team at Wenatchee Free Methodist Church, where they have been members for many years. They greeted families, making each person feel welcome. We will always remember him as someone who gave generously, not to receive praise, but to bless others and glorify God.

Come Celebrate Grover's Life that called us to excellence and encouraged us to grow in our walks with the Lord. Services will be held at the Wenatchee Free Methodist Church on Sunday, January 10, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., with reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to: Serve Wenatchee, Haven of Hope, or the Haiti Water Filter Project through Wenatchee Free Methodist Church. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.