Hedy Carol Collins, age 78, of Pontoon Beach, IL, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at her home. Hedy was born on July 25, 1946, in San Antoinio, TX, a daughter of the late Norman Carter and Hazel (Harris) Hardman.
Hedy was a United States Air Force veteran who proudly served her country with honor. On May 21, 1966, Hedy Carter married Douglas Monroe Collins in San Antonio, TX., and Douglas passed away on October 26, 2005. Hedy retired from Scott Air Force Base as a registered nurse with the civil service after 20 years of dedicated service. After retiring, Hedy worked ten years at BJC Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was also a lifetime auxiliary member of D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans). Hedy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She cherished every moment spent with her family, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Carolyn (Curt) Kruckeberg of Edwardsville, IL and Annette (Michael Drennan) Barnes of Pontoon Beach, IL, dear sisters, Danya Galloway of FL, Brenda (Monty) Pate of CA and Darla Meier of CA, proud grandmother to Nicholas (Bayleigh) Kruckeberg of Edwardsville, IL, proud great-grandmother to Luciana Gihring, Rayne Gihring, Kynleigh Gihring and Willow Kruckeberg, bonus grandchildren, Olivia Drennan, Emma Drennan, Brooke Drennan and Alexandra Drennan; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, a memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Hedy will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO., with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025. The funeral procession will leave Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL, at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to American Cancer Society or St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
