Barbara June Collins, age 75 of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was born on January 4, 1950, in Imboden, Arkansas. She passed from this world on Sunday, November 23, in Ardmore, after a short battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Kenneth & Ruby Deal and one of five children; brothers Jim Deal, Wayne Deal and Danny Deal, along with sister, Johnnie Rolen and twin sister, Elizabeth Deal who passed away after 20 short days of life.

Barbara graduated as valedictorian from Lindsay, Oklahoma High School in 1968. Afterwards, she attended both East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In 1972 she joined Troop E (Durant) of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol- a traditionally male-dominated field- as the first ever troop secretary in the state.

In 1977, she gave birth to her only child, Andrea Rogers Mersiovsky (Andi). Again, being one of the only women that worked for OHP, she would take Andi to the office with her and the troopers would rotate 'holdings and feedings." After Durant, she transferred to Troop C (Muskogee) and then Troop F in Ardmore. After 29 years of service, she retired in 2001 as a Driver's License Examiner.

On January 20, 2000, she married the love of her life, Pat Collins. They were wed by an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas. After both retiring from the OHP, they owned and operated Collins Upholstery through 2025.

Barbara was a beautiful person – inside and out. She loved all things shiny. Whether it be gold lame or diamonds, she cherished all of her "pretty things" and her family was the most cherished of them all.

In 2017, Barbara's only biological grandchild was born – Ella Jayne. Life as we all knew it changed because Barbara and Ella Jayne immediately became the best of friends. It's all Barbara talked about and Ella Jayne was, and remains, "Nanny's Best Friend." Barbara also loved her step-grandchildren: Dillon, Christopher, Kelsi, Hailey and Alice.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Johnnie Rolen and brother, Wayne Deal and her twin sister.

She is survived by her husband, Pat of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea & Justin Mersiovsky; grandchildren: Dillon Davis, Christopher, Kelsi, Hailey, Alice Collins; step great-granddaughter, Leola; stepson Jon & Brenda Collins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Margie Deal, Danny and Linda Deal; sister-in-law's, Cecil Ras, Judy Gross & Shirlene & Gary Mitchell; brothers-in-law, Mike Rolen, Elmer Rogers and Randy Chapman, along with a large, extended family of former co-workers, friends, family members and a whole host of nieces and nephews.

Pat & Andrea wish to extend a special thank you to Cross Timbers Hospice nurses, Heather, Brandy, Lea Ann and Sarah. You all deserve a special place in heaven.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1 at Craddock Memorial Chapel, 525 South Commerce Street, Ardmore, OK.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Barbara's memory to Cross Timbers Hospice, 207 C Street NW, Ardmore, OK 73401. Cross Timbers is a non-profit that provided exemplary care to Barbara during her short, but courageous battle.