Mary Collins passed away Nov. 13, 2015,. in Nampa, Idaho, with her devoted daughter, Darlene, by her side.

Mary was born Oct. 12, 1924, at the family home in The Narrows, the site where the Malheur and Harney lakes meet. Her grandparents settled on what is now the Malhuer National Wildlife Refuge in the late 1800s. Gerlad Griffin Sr. was a lawyer, having graduated from the University of Michigan Law School’s first class. Her grandmother, Mary O’Donnel Griffin, was the first women superintendent of schools in Oregon at the Narrows School.

Mary grew up on the Harney County desert and on the back of the mustang/thoroughbred horses her father was famous for raising.

In September 1946, she married Darwin Collins, and they began their lifelong passion of raising good cattle, fine horses, and their three children. Their life adventures took them from Harney County to LacLaHache, British Columbia, back to Malheur County.

Mary left Ontario and moved to Nampa in 1998.

Mary is survived by her three children, Ross (Paula) Collins of Boise, Darlene Dominguez of Nampa, and Ila Christy of Portland; six grandchildren, Frankie (Jymme) Dominguez of Adel, Will, Roy (Christine), Aaron (Gina) and Jared Collins all of Minneapolis, Minn., Courtney Christy Threewitt (Will) of Portland; and six great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Darwin Collins, in 1997.

Mary will be remembered for her love of the ranching industry, quick wit and delicious fried chicken. But mostly she will be remembered as “Mom” to those who knew and loved her the most. Goodnight Mother…

There will be a private family service Tuesday, May 31, at the Burns Cemetery.