1921 - 2025
Sophia “Maxine” Collins, 103, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Born December 30, 1921, on a farm northwest of Arkansas City, she was one of seven children born to John William and Emma Catherine (Wilhelm) Bradshaw. She was raised and received her education in Arkansas City, receiving her early education at Oak Grove community rural schools, and graduating from Arkansas City High School in 1940. She then attended Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma and received her Ministerial License in 1941. She served as an Ordained minister for Non-denominational Christian Fellowship in 1950.
Maxine married Russell Ward in April of 1952. She worked at Lemert Wholesale and Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Arkansas as well as was a Nurse’s Aide at William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield. She then made a ten-year career as a Licensed Mental Health Technician at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center. Later, she served as the Activity Director for several Winfield nursing homes. She was also a caretaker and caregiver for many for over twenty years. Russell preceded her in death in 1983.
In August of 1993, Maxine married Howard Collins. He preceded her in death in November 1995. She was a member of Fittstown Assembly of God Church in Oklahoma. She enjoyed playing the piano for church, crocheting, crafts, and embroidery. She especially enjoyed being in ministry in her church.
Her family includes her daughter Judy Smith of Burlington Kansas; son Russell Ward and wife, Diane of Warrensburg, MO; her grandchildren, David Fields, James Neu, Arielle Lenihan (Steven), Shara Strawder, Russell Ward III, Rebecca Guy (Jim); and great grandchildren, Marley Fields, Haley Neu, Alexa Neu, Allison Guy, Addison Lenihan, Alexia Strawder, and Leyton Strawder.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Maxine was preceded in death by her daughter Martha Neu, grandson Kenneth Fields, great granddaughter Blakely Fields, four brothers, John Wilhelm Bradshaw, Ralph Bradshaw, Joe Bradshaw, and Claude Bradshaw, and two sisters, Emma Pearl Bradshaw and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Stiles.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Maxine’s name for The American Cancer Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
