Johanna Anna (Dejong) Collins

Johanna Anna DeJong Collins

Johanna DeJong Collins, 96, of Sweetwater, TX, passed away on April 10, 2013.

Jo was born in Springfield, South Dakota on November 15, 1916.  She graduated from Springfield High School and continued on to receive a teaching degree from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, South Dakota, and a bachelor’s degree in education from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska.

A private family memorial service is planned.  Local arrangements by Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

Jo was married to Raymond Howe on July 4th, 1936, they were married 48 years.  She remarried to Richard Collins of Sun City, California in 1986 and they were married until Dick passed in 1996.

Jo worked as an elementary teacher at Martin Grade School in Martin, South Dakota  for  20 years.  She enjoyed sewing, cooking, trail rides and keeping things well-organized. She was active in local churches.
Jo is survived by brother John DeJong of Bellflower, California, daughter Joan Smola and husband Dr. Jerry Smola of Sweetwater, Texas, son Donald Howe of Carrollton, Texas and John Howe and wife Julie  of Windsor, Colorado., and other family and friends.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Jennie DeJong and sisters, Gertrude Orr and Bernice DeJong and spouses Raymond Howe and Richard Collins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Nolan County-City  Public Library, 206 Elm St., Sweetwater, Texas 79556. The family of Johanna wishes special thanks to Tammy Flores for her kindness and wonderful care.