Kenton Collins

Simon Kenton Collins, 95, passed away on May 31, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born on May 10, 1930, and raised in Yoder, Wyoming, a true farm boy surrounded by siblings, hard work, and frugality. These early years shaped a lifetime of practical skill and quiet resourcefulness—he could fix nearly anything and tended a garden that was both beautiful and bountiful. While in high school in Yoder, he told his mother that he had met the girl he was going to marry.  His mom replied by asking him if he thought he should finish high school first. As soon as he finished, he married Violet Eisenbarth, in 1949. 

Kenton earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Wyoming. While raising his two children in Laramie, he owned a service station and even built his own home. Later, he moved to Riverton, where his son completed high school, and to his great joy, his daughter and family later joined him there.

Kenton had a knack for spotting hidden value—often found at pawn shops, auctions, or yard sales. He believed almost everything had worth, even if broken, because it could be repaired. But his greatest treasures were never things—they were his wife Violet, his children Cindy Shute and Gene, their spouses Dennis Shute and Colleen Burridge, his six grandchildren; Matt Shute (Leah), Marni Marso (Brian), Kendsey Huffer (AJ), K.Rayne, Krista, and Keaton Collins (Rebecca), and his beloved great-grandchildren.

He worked for many years as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau, a job he enjoyed for the conversations it allowed with fellow farmers. He eventually purchased and operated the H&R Block agency in Riverton. A familiar face in the community, he was a devoted supporter of Riverton High School athletics, where he cheered on his grandchildren and remained a loyal Wolverine fan long after they graduated.  Kenton was also instrumental in the Babe Ruth and Legion baseball programs and enjoyed both watching and advocating for the programs. 

Next to fixing things and gardening, nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and thrive. He was especially proud to stay connected through visits with his daughter and weekly phone calls with his son, always eager for updates on the whole family.

After living in Riverton for 40 years, Kenton moved to Billings, Montana, to be closer to his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in Billings and Bozeman.

Kenton had a lifelong reverence for his brother Bill, who served in World War II, which inspired his deep interest in WWII history. His grandchildren remember his ever-present documentaries and books about the war, and how he loved to share what he learned with them.

In addition to his wife Violet and son-in-law Dennis, Kenton was preceded in death by all of his siblings. He was the last of the 11 Collins children—a quiet, steady presence who leaves behind a legacy of love, ingenuity, and enduring family ties.