Susan Stephens Collins
Celebration of Life
E.T. Russell, March 6, 2014 ____ A very special friend, Susie Collins, peacefully slipped away in Palm Springs on Thursday, September 26, with her husband Bob by her side.
Susan was the first-born to Harrison and Doris Stephens in Pomona on March 20, 1941, the first of four children. Young Harrison Stephens, a news reporter had an assignment to interview singer Doris Landrum, who was also a pilot. Himself a guitarist, Harrison took interest in singer Doris. There began the story of the beginning of their own story. Three other siblings were born to the Stephens.
Susie Stephens graduated from at Bonita High School in 1958 and went on to attend U.C.L.A. and Cal Poly. Susie married Steven Reeder of Redlands, and raised two sons in Banning, California where she taught school for a few years. The Reeder marriage ended and the family relocated to the desert where Susie made a career change. Susie became an escrow officer and served many communities throughout Southern California.
In 1984, she met and eventually married Bob Collins, the love of her life. Bob and Susie celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary this year. The Collins made many friends together, as teachers of Western dancing in the desert, as well as being active in the community.
Susie Collins served with Tribal Planning Commission for Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The Collins moved to Big Bear Valley, where they participated as volunteers in the community with many organizations, including: Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering, the Wyatt’s Posse, Big Bear Lions Club, Bear Valley Center for Spiritual Enrichment and various service groups. She took a break from the office-world for a few years, and with her husband Bob, to enjoy an adventurous stint driving big-rigs all over the United States. Upon returning to the escrow and title business world, Susie continued her very busy routine until her retirement just a few months ago.
She is survived by her husband Bob Collins of Palm Springs, her father Harrison Stephens of Claremont, brothers Don Stephens of Moraga and David Hulse-Stephens of Willits, sister Sally Reeder of Oxnard, her sons Stephen Reeder of Morro Bay and Scott Reeder of Banning, their respective spouses and many nieces and nephews and their children; and on Bob's family, two daughters, Terri Preston of South Wales and Laura Collins-Harling of Cathedral City, and son Michael Collins of Cathedral City, as well as their spouses, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Valley family and friends are welcome to attend the ‘Celebration of Susie Collins Life’, Saturday March 22, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. The ceremony will be held at the BBARWA Community Room, located at 122 Palomino Drive in Big Bear City.
Reverend Linda Logan of the Bear Valley Center for Spiritual Enrichment Center, will officiate the service. Guests are invited to the pot-luck reception following the service. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Big Bear Lions Club City of Hope, Post Office Box 3217, Big Bear City, CA 92314.