Diana Lynn Collins

Diana Lynn Collins, 69, of Roswell, NM, received her ultimate healing when she went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. While Covid restrictions kept us from being at her side, we take great comfort in knowing that she wasn’t alone - Jesus was always with her and carried her into her Heavenly Father’s arms!

Diane’s life began on March 18, 1951, in Roswell. She was born to Rev. Paul & Dreta Hutsell, and was the oldest of 5 remarkable children. As the oldest, she was often a second “mom” to her siblings, especially after her family moved to South America to serve as foreign missionaries with the Assemblies of God. Diane grew up in the jungles of Costa Rica and Paraguay. She was beautiful, smart, and talented! She played 5 instruments (piano, organ, guitar, accordion, and harp), was fluent in two languages (English and Spanish), was a gifted cook and creative decorator.

After returning to the States, Diane caught the eye of a young plumber, Ron Collins. They were married on May 30, 1969, in Roswell and spent 51 years together raising 2 daughters, working together at Collins Plumbing & Heating, building life-long friendships, and serving at church. Diane spent many years playing the organ at First Assembly of God, while her sister, Beverly Moss, played the piano.

Diane was known for her ability to make and be a true friend! She was often called upon to pray for and share wise counsel with her family and friends. While the list would be too long to name every friend that Diane loved, her friendship with her closest and dearest friend, Linda Monk, spanned more than 50 years and included much love and laughter as well as many antics! Diane’s name changed to “Yaya” when she became a grandmother and she was very proud of her 3 granddaughters. Yaya had a very active social life and was often seen around town shopping, her favorite hobby, or eating lunch with her vast network of friends. She loved anything pink, especially roses, and wished everyone still dressed as they did on Downton Abbey.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Ron Collins, of Roswell, NM; two daughters, Tricia Surratt and husband, Dwight of Cave Creek, AZ, and Lisa Seaton and husband, Chris of Plains, TX; a sister, Beverly Moss and husband, Mike of El Reno, OK; 3 brothers, Phil Hutsell and wife, Devonna of Paraguay, SA, Steve Hutsell of Seattle, WA, and Loren Hutsell and wife, Heather of San Antonio, TX; 3 beautiful granddaughters, Daphnee, Darci, and Dakota Surratt of Cave Creek, AZ, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Gateway Church in Roswell, NM. Arrangements are under the direction of BrownfieldFuneral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gateway Christian School, 1900 N. Sycamore Ave, Roswell, NM, 88201.