Colette Marie Ratajski was born on Jànuary I2, 1951 in Toledo, Ohio to Richard Ratajski and Phyllis Baginski. Her early life was spent in and around the Toledo area, where she lived and attended school. After graduating from Sylvania High School in 1969, Colette went on to attend The University of Toledo where she earned her Bachelor of Education in three years, graduating in 1972. Colette spent several years working for the Groveport School District in Groveport, Ohio as a P.E. and Special Education teacher before she moved herself and her cousin to Texas, the state she would call home for the rest of her life.

Colette lived and worked in numerous places before eventually taking a job with C.L. Thomas Petroleum where she rapidly moved up from cashier to Retail Supervisor. She remained in that capacity until the death of her beloved mother, at which time, she took a brief break from the hustle and bustle of corporate retail. After meeting her true love and soul mate, Bill Collins, when his vessel moored briefly in POC twenty some-odd years ago, that “break” became a permanent “change”. Colette happily spent the last years of her life working alongside Bill as they managed a local RV park. Colette was happiest when she and Bill were spending time helping people from all walks of life and getting acquainted with them. When she met people, she took a true interest in their lives and kept up with them. She absolutely treasured the time spent with her dear friends Michelle, Ann, and Debbie, and their “Thirsty Thursdays”, as I know they did, as well.

Last September, Colette had to say an unexpected and heartbreaking goodbye to Bill, and it shook her world to its core. She had been ill for a good while and held on for those of us who loved her four days short of three months after losing him.

On December 2, 2021, Colette departed this world to join her “partner-in-crime” and best friend and be whole, once again.

She is, and will continue to be, sorely missed by many. They both will.
-Karolyn Kinsel