Shari Lyn Collins was born Aug. 25, 1966 in Larned to David Collins and Helen (Norris) Collins.
She passed away Jan. 28, 2020, with family present at the home of her mother after a long battle with cancer.
Shari’s life had many varied chapters.
Shari accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at an early age.
She attended Larned schools, graduating with the class of 1984. She studied Early Childhood Development at Barton County Community College and was also awarded certifications as a nurse aide, medication aide, and rehabilitation aide.
Shari worked in various health care facilities in direct care in the Larned area. Her most rewarding position was at Sunrise in Larned, prior to its closing. She taught classes and served as mentor and sponsor for those recovering from addictions. She was quick to share her life experiences and the miracle of her transformation through Christ.
One chapter of her life included a struggle with addictions; she traveled a dark path for some time. However, in 2007, God, in His infinite mercy, caught her falling soul and in His love made something beautiful of her life. She was kindhearted, non-judgmental and quick to forgive! In 2007, Shari made a renewal of her commitment to Christ and he, too, was quick to forgiver her. She became a living testimony of God’s Love!
The first diagnosis of (cervical) cancer came in 2009 and was given six months to live. Shari became a warrior in this fight! She reached remission. However, in 2016 the cancer returned, (just days short of being in remission again). Her battle was to continue. In August 2018 Shari received the diagnosis of AML – a highly resistant form of leukemia and given three weeks survival. The “Warrior” in her was again ready. We can say that Shari lost her Battle with cancer, but we must remember that she won the War that Satan raged against her soul!
A member of the First Christian Church, Larned, she enjoyed working with the Children’s Education Department and considered the little ones her “grandchildren."
Shari was a talented artist and enjoyed sharing times of drawing and sketching with her grandson, Cortez – who shares her artistic interests. She loved the out of doors and she and Cortez also spent a lot of the summertime going to the river to collect rocks-she was a “rockhound”!
Her children, Trae and Autumn, were the love of her life and her grandchildren the light of her life! Time spent with them was cherished. They were her pride and joy as they became successful in life!
Left behind to remember the good times are her children, Trae Seth Cortlyn Collins, Wichita; Autumn Lyn Shepherd and grandson, Cortez Maliesha Eugene Shepherd, Great Bend; a bonus daughter and grandson Angelica Gonzalez and Adrian Gonzales, Great Bend. Her brother Brad (Michele) and children, Brandon Collins, Tyler, Chase, and Brianne Smith (Wichita); as well as her parents, Helen Collins and David Collins (Lisa Pinnick, all of Larned.
Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends will cherish memories with her.
A celebration of life for Shari will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at First Christian Church, Larned with Pastor Damon Bradley and Minister Bo Rouse presiding.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 with family present from 6 to 7 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.
Memorials may be given to the Shari Lyn Collins Memorial Fund, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.