Linda M. (DeHarte) Collins

Linda Mae DeHarte Coyle Collins, age 75, of Morehead, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, July 31, 2020, and went home to be with Jesus. 

She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on July 25, 1945, to the late Shelley and Lucille Litton DeHarte. She was raised in Morehead and graduated from Breckinridge Training School “Class of 1963.”

Linda always knew she wanted to be a teacher, so she enrolled at Morehead State University, earning a BA in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at 22 years of age. She continued to build on her education by attending night classes and summer school while continuing to “teach little people.” She eventually earned her MA in K-12 Education, a Certification in Mathematics, Rank 1 in Educational Services and a Reading and Literacy Endorsement. 

Known to much of Rowan County as “Miss Linda,” she was a teacher for 31 years, 26 of which were in Kindergarten. She loved her profession and put her heart and soul into not only teaching basic ABC’s and 123’s - but instilling compassion, building character, extending unending love and praising and adoring each and every child who walked through her classroom door.

A member of Johnson First Church of God, Linda loved as Jesus loved, putting everyone else on this planet before herself. She began a “Chemo Ministry” accepting donations for cancer patients to put a gift basket together during their time of need. She was such an amazing example to all who knew her of selfless love. Her impact extends beyond what we even know or can see. 

In Linda’s eyes, family was her greatest joy. She was an exceptional wife, mother, stepmother, aunt and grandma, aka “Ninny.” She had an infectious spirit and loved with all her heart!

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Bradley H. Collins; her daughter, Kearston Coyle Rudolph, son-in-law, Joseph Rudolph and her three beloved grandchildren, Caden, Maylie and Addison Rudolph, all of Columbus, Ohio; four stepchildren, Bradley Collins, Jr. of Huntington, WV, Shawn (Kimberly) Collins, of Morehead, Kim Collins (Audrey) Staton, of Morehead and Todd Collins of Morehead; and two step-granddaughters, Shyanne Collins of Huntington, WV, and Danielle Staton of San Francisco, CA. 

She is also survived by one brother, John DeHarte and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Barker) DeHarte of Morehead; niece, Laken DeHarte; and nephew, Shelley (Katherine) DeHarte of Lexington. 

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev.  Ben Furman and the Rev. Robert Collins officiating.  (Live streaming of the service will begin at 11 a.m. on Northcutt & Son Facebook page.)  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Johnny Hatfield officiating. 

Pallbearers:  Kathy Thompson Williams, Ron Jones, Tim Bailey, Matt Bailey, Jim Rudolph, Nick Scott, Vaughn Fraley.   Honorary Pallbearers:  Linda’s “Tuesday Prayer Group.”

Visitation for Linda Collins will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. 

COVID-19 regulations as set forth by the state will be observed. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Claire Hospice, 222 Medical Circle, Morehead, KY 40351

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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