Juanita Lee Collins, 92, of Kansas City, MO, passed away at the Kansas City Hospice House on March 8, 2013. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m.

Juanita was born in Wellington, Missouri on April 22, 1920 to Wiley J. and Mary Ann (Curtner) Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Collins; brothers Wiley, Ray, William and Richard Reed; and sisters Cecil Ballou, Leona Truelove, Nadine Reed and Virginia Reed.

She is survived by her sons, Steve (Dorothy) Collins of Basehor, KS, and Robert (Peggy) Collins of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Roscoe Reed, James (Patsy) Reed; and sister Charlene (Paul) Niewald; grandchildren, Jamie (Derek) Walker, Michael (Molly) Collins, Christine (Zeb) Sanders and Joseph Collins and David Collins; great-grandchildren, Damien and Ryan Walker and Katelyn Sanders; and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

Juanita and Charles raised their family in the Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City MO. She began her career at Hall Brothers (Hallmark Cards), was active in PTA, owned Northeast Toy and Hobby and The Collins Company. Juanita frequently appeared on the "Betty Hayes" television program during the 1960's promoting craft and bead work. Juanita taught bead working at UMKC's "Communiversity". She was a constant source of enthusiasm, optimism and support for her family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Interim Health Care, St. Joseph Medical Center and Kansas City Hospice House for their care and kindness.

Mourners are asked to pass along encouragement to friends and family just as Juanita encouraged the development of all she met. In lieu of flowers consider donations to Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114. Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.