Judy Rae Collins

On October 10, 2026, Judith “Judy” Rae Collins passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, after courageously battling cancer.

Judy was born on July 21, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the second child of Clarence and Elizabeth Benigar. When she was around five years old, her family moved to Idaho, where she attended school in Wilder.

On October 26, 1963, Judy married the love of her life, her soulmate, Floyd “Punk” Collins, in Wilder, Idaho. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless adventures. Their union brought three children into the world: Brenda, Deborah, and Rodney. Punk worked hard so Judy could stay home and raise their children, a role she embraced with all her heart.

Judy had a special gift for sewing, and it was truly her passion. She lovingly made matching dresses for her girls, created prom dresses, and sewed dresses for friends and family members to wear at weddings. Later in life, she turned her talents to quilting, creating beautiful pieces that reflected the love and care she put into everything she did.

Throughout their 50 years of marriage, Judy and Punk shared a lifetime of adventures. They enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, traveling to Alaska, riding UTVs, bowling, playing cards, and, of course, putting up with Punk’s many car projects. They lived life to the fullest and made memories that would last a lifetime. When retirement came, they purchased a motorhome and continued their camping adventures until Punk was no longer physically able to go. Their life together was a testament to love, partnership, and the joy of simply being together. We lost dad February 21, 2014.

As their family grew, Judy found even more joy in becoming a grandmother. Whether caring for grandchildren who were too sick to attend school, making the traditional holiday cookies, or simply spending time with them, she loved her grandchildren fiercely. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she made sure those she loved knew just how much they meant to her.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who lived with strength, conviction, and a heart full of love. Judy was a proud and fearless Cherokee woman who carried her Cherokee ancestry with deep pride. Her strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family were defining parts of who she was. She was never afraid to speak her mind or tell you exactly how she felt about anything. Those who knew Judy knew that behind her outspoken spirit was a heart full of love, compassion, and devotion. She made sure the people in her life knew how much they mattered to her. Her pride in her Cherokee heritage, her fierce love for her family, her faith, and her resilience will remain an enduring part of the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, her quick wit, and her wonderful sense of humor, which remained with her even through the hardest times. Judy had a way of making people feel loved and important, and her absence will leave a space that can never truly be filled.

Judy’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, the love she gave so freely, and the countless memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

Judy is survived by her three children: Brenda Collins, Deborah (Steve) Morton, and Rod (Robin) Collins; ten grandchildren and their spouses; three great-grandchildren, with another little one on the way; her sister, Barbara Scrivner; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her ever-faithful dog, Maya.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elizabeth Benigar; her sister, JoAnn Stuart; her in-laws, Floyd and Cora Collins; her brother-in-law, Christopher Collins; her nephews, Brian and Eric Luna and Jason Collins; and, most heartbreakingly, her beloved husband, Floyd “Punk” Collins.

We find comfort in imagining Punk waiting to welcome his girl home, ready to greet her with a big yellow bag of peanut M&Ms and take her along on their next adventure.

Until we meet again, Mom. You were loved beyond measure, and you will be missed more than words can ever say.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5-8:00 pm at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd. in Caldwell. A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, with graveside services to follow at Wilder Cemetery. Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833