BENTON – Donna Ruth Collins, 78 of Benton, (formerly of West Gardiner) went home to join the love of her life of 45 years and dance before her Lord and Savior. Saturday, January 27th, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. She was born in Gardiner, Maine on September 13th, 1945, the daughter of Donald and Marjorie (Johnson) Grant. After graduating from Richmond High School, she was employed by Eaton Shoe and Goodwill Industries, to include working 16 years with the Maine State Department of Education. She loved reading, traveling, and being surrounded by friends and family. Her favorite time of year/holiday was Christmas (where she enjoyed putting on her annual Christmas Party where she ensured everyone had a gift). Donna will be remembered for her kind soul and open-door policy that provided for anyone that needed it. She loved her family well and served the Lord faithfully. Anyone that knew Donna knew that they had found a loyal friend, a woman so caring that she would become a mother/Grammy to anyone who needed extra love. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Wendell Collins, son Sean, and grandson Trevor Collins; four siblings: Percy Johnson, Richard Grant, Charlotte Glidden, and Robert Grant Donna is survived by Donald Austin and wife Lisa of Pittston, Maine. David and Kathleen Collins of Roy, Utah. Tim and Shannon (2) Collins of Farmingdale, Debbie and Steve Cornish of Lewiston, Wendell Jr. and Mary Collins of West Gardiner, Mike and Shannon (1) Collins of West Gardiner, Steven and Jennifer Danskin of Nashua NH., Wanda and Dan Phillips of Benton Maine, and a bonus daughter Jennie Meyers of West Gardiner; 32 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren. Donna's visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 3rd from 4-7 pm, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A spring burial will take place Friday, May 31st at 2pm beside her husband in Cherry Hill Cemetery, West Gardiner. Pallbearers will be Sean, Marcus, Scott, James, John Collins, and Jared Arnold. A Celebration of Life will follow, Place TBD. In Lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to the Donna Collins Funeral Fund. c/o Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345 Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: www.staplesfuneralhome.com