Brenda Marie (Love) Collins, 68, of Eureka died Dec. 23, 2024, in St. Louis. Mrs. Collins graduated as valedictorian from Campus High School in Haysville, Kan., in 1974. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Baker University in Baldwin, Kan., in 1978, and she went on to earn a master of public administration degree at the University of Kansas in 1981. She served as a city administrator from 1981 to 1996 in the Missouri communities of Ferguson, Glendale and Chesterfield. She was an active member of Living Word United Methodist Church in Wildwood where she sang in the choir and served as a stephen minister. She also served as treasurer of the Phi Mu alumni chapter in St. Louis. She enjoyed politics, singing, traveling, attending Christmas celebrations, drinking iced tea and spending time with family. She will be remembered for her warmth and generosity. Born Dec. 13, 1956, in Wichita, Kan., she was the daughter of the late Virgil and Corene Love.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 38 years: Stephen Collins, whom she married on Feb. 14, 1987; two children: Paul and Sarah; three grandchildren: Gabriel and Emmett of Belfort, France, and Corrine of Springfield; a brother: Scott Love of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and two nieces: Lauren Love and Mackenzie Love, both of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Living Word United Methodist Church, 17315 Manchester, in Wildwood. Memorials may be made to the Living Word United Methodist Church’s mission or music programs.