Barbara Collins

Barbara Collins, of Champaign, IL, formally of Indianapolis, died Sunday April 3, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

Barbara was born June 21, 1946, in Fort Sam Houston, Texas to Robert Adkins and Madeline Ehrenreich Adkins.

She married William John Collins, Sr. in 1964, then later married Van Barteau in 1990.

Survivors include son, William John Collins, Jr. (Tammy Collins), daughter , Laural Collins (Tim Heintz), sisters , Susan Adkins Clayton and Cherie Adkins Stark, plus 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Van Barteau, parents, Robert and Madeline Adkins, sister, Donna Miller and her grandson, Ty Mitchem.

Barbara earned an Associates in Nursing from Parkland College (1975), a Bachelors in Nursing from the University of Illinois Chicago (1977), a Masters in Nursing from Indiana University (1981) and graduated with a J.D. Cum Laude from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis (1984).

Barbara held many positions throughout her career including Education Consultant for the State of Indiana Board of Nursing, Lecturer for the Indiana University School of Nursing, Deputy Public Defender, and Master Commissioner. Barbara also served in the United States Army Reserve. She eventually retired as an elected Judge for the Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis.

She was especially proud to have been involved in creating programs to support individuals with mental illness who were charged with crimes and in helping to develop and teach the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training program for Indianapolis and Marion County, which educated officers in appropriate ways to recognize and interact with individuals with mental health concerns.

After retirement, Barbara relocated back to Champaign, IL to be closer to family. Barbara was a talented artist/lampworker and an active member of Artists of Marm Studio Gallery.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N Neil Street, Champaign, IL. 61820

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorials may be made in Barbaras name to 40 North, Champaign Arts Council, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization (40north.org).

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com