Marjorie Ray Collins

Marjorie Ray “Montie” Smalley Collins

April 6, 1923 – November 11, 2016

In the early morning hours of Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2016 and the 13th birthday of her namesake, granddaughter Taylor Ray, Montie became one of the more than half-million Americans who die annually from Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. For the past 10 years she battled with great courage and strength the disease that today affects more than 5.4 million Americans.

Montie was born on April 6, 1923 in the Ringling, OK home of Mrs. J.P. Dillinger. She was raised on the V-8 Ranch along with her sisters, Emma Lee Smalley McCrummen and Jurhee Katherine Smalley Foote who both preceded her in death as did their parents, Margaret and John Finis Smalley. Also being raised on the family ranch was her very loved and respected brother, Clem Edward Smalley who survives her at his home in Ardmore, OK.

Montie began teaching school in rural Oklahoma at the age of 18. She would travel each summer for the next 9 years to Durant, OK until she completed her Degree in Education at Southeastern State College.

On January 27, 1946, at the Smalley V-8 Ranch, Montie married Don Paul Collins, her love and partner in life for the next 50 years. Don Paul preceded her in death on May 10, 1996. From that marriage two daughters were born. Paulette “Polly” Collins who preceded her Mother in death on October 27, 2007 and Margaret Carolyn Cates, Montie’s oldest daughter who lives in San Antonio, TX with her husband, David Cates.

Without doubt the proudest, most tender and loving moments of her life were spent with her beloved Grandchildren and their families.

Her Grandson, Robert Daniel Alcorn, III lives in Port Aransas, TX with his wife, Danna Marie, and their two wonderful children, R.D. Alcorn, IV and Taylor Ray Alcorn.

Montie’s Grandaughter, Tara Bren Cortese lives in Amarillo, TX with her husband, James Ralph Cortese, and their three amazing children, Brady James Cortese, Kyla Paige Cortese and Joshua Paul Cortese.

There are many others who have been touched by Montie’s life as a teacher, an aunt or a friend. Her wishes would always be that you enjoy the best of days and give thanks each day for the blessings we all enjoy.

A celebration of Montie’s life will be held at the Ringling Cemetery on Monday, November 28 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to The First Baptist Church of Ringling, OK.