Elinor Fay Collins, 94

Elinor Fay (Cass) Collins, 94, was born Feb. 12, 1932, in Polson to Frances and Merritt Cass. She graduated from Polson High School in 1950, and subsequently attended Northern Montana College in Havre, where she met her future husband, George Collins, at her first college dance. 

After receiving her teaching certificate in 1952, she began her education career as a schoolteacher in Libby. In 1953, she married her life partner, George, and they settled in Havre, where she taught second grade at Sunnyside School. During the next five years, four children, Mike, Patti, Debbie, and Lori, were born to them. When Lori was in second grade, Elinor returned to Northern Montana College and was awarded a bachelor's degree in education. This allowed her to teach at several schools in the Havre School District, serving as a Title I remedial reading and math teacher for elementary, junior high, and high schools.

In 1974, Elinor was elected Hill County Superintendent of Schools. During her three terms in office, she served on several state education committees, including the Accreditation and Certification Committee of the School Administrators of Montana and on their Editorial Board.

Elinor supervised four schools in Hill County, including the large school at the Radar Base north of Havre. She greatly enjoyed her time as the county Superintendent of schools, presiding over key hearings for school openings, closings, and unifying school districts. She found preparing budgets and reports for all the schools in Hill County to be challenging and rewarding. In 1981, she received her master's degree in education from the University of Montana. She also served as President of the County Superintendents of Schools Association, and upon retirement, became the organization's lobbyist in Helena.

Elinor's family has been the most important part of her life. They have all been so supportive and compassionate for her and George. This was especially apparent while she was George's caregiver during his courageous battle with colon cancer.

Elinor is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and belongs to the Parish Council of Catholic Women. She is a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Southshore Garden Club.

She died on Sept. 2, 2026, in her home in Polson with in-home hospice care, surrounded by her children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, and brother, Duane; twin, Elmore; niece, Becky; and nephew, Tim. 

She is survived by her children, Mike (Kari Klehm), Patti (Keith) Woo, Debbie (Scott) Stuart, Lori (Robert) Malcolm; sister, Ardell Hern; grandchildren, Sarah (Rory) Bogan, Ben (Janeva) Stuart, Patrick (Hailey) Malcolm, Douglas Malcolm (Heather Sands), Zach Klehm; many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 4th Ave E., Polson, and interment will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry, the Catholic Church, or to a charity of your choice.