A Saint from Cincinnati

The Collins children know they are never alone wherever they may be. They know this because their mother, Beth, raised them to see those (loved ones) that went before are always there by your side. What’s more, their greatest advocate and fiercest defender, Beth herself, is still here in body and spirit. So, when they feel alone, it is her voice, and the lessons it carries, that comforts her children (and the rest of their family) in those lonely moments. 

Beth Ann Schulten was born on a warm December Friday in 1957.  Gusty winds from Kentucky dropped fog and a soft mist about Cincinnati the day Jack and Cecilia Schulten welcomed their second child into the world. An ironic setting for the birth of a woman who would grow to love the sun and sand of the beach later in her life. Beth had made the Schultens a party of four (after mom, dad, and an older sister – Sue). The family would grow to six in time, adding Amy and Jim to the clan. 

Beth grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She would come up through the Catholic school system attending St James White Oak, McAuley High School and Xavier University. McAuley High School was named for Catherine McAuley, a devout and altruistic Irishwoman who dedicated herself to the teaching of women – experiences and qualities Beth herself would later be described with. 

Her children had this to say about their mom, “Our mother is the most selfless individual of all time. She puts everyone else’s needs above her own. She will drop absolutely anything to help her kids, family, and friends.”

Beth became a teacher and began her career that would span several decades, presidents and popes. In 1980, Beth met and began dating a young, persistent man named Jim Collins. He was a frequent customer at the UDF store Beth worked at in Mt. Airy. After dating for a few years they became engaged and then married on August 12th, 1983.

Beth was now a Collins and the Collins family would grow to be five. Most importantly, the family would be close-knit and full of joy. It’s the type of connection that can only grow organically – springing from a soil of genuine love, humble lifestyles, and a true appreciation of your people over worldly things.  At the center of the Collins universe, though, was Beth. 

Beth’s children, admiring their mother, said, “The way she lives and loves has placed her at the head of our family – she is a true matriarch. Her own siblings call on her for advice and guidance just as her kids do. She, along with our dad, sacrificed so much for us growing up. Money was tight but we always had what we needed when we needed it. We have them to thank for everything we have today.”

Beth gave the ultimate gift to her children when she retired at the age of 58 to help raise her grandchildren. This was made possible in large part to Jim’s successful career. Beth could now spend quality time with her grandchildren allowing her own children to find success in the pursuit of their own careers. Beth became a grandma in June of 2016 when Landon was born. Later that same year, on her 59th birthday, she was blessed again with the arrival of Sean. Andi, Joey, twins Emmy and Sophie, and Amy soon followed! Beth is now the proud grandmother of seven!

The Collins kids, trying to express their awe and love for Beth, said, “Hands down she has taught us to lean into our faith and she keeps her family so unbelievably grounded. When it all becomes too much, you can run right to her and let it all out. She listens so well and helps to reframe and redirect emotions in a positive direction. She teaches those of us around her how to help others in the same situations.

Beth Collins has shared so much of herself for her entire life and although, her offerings to others were never done in the hope it would be paid back, she has truly reaped the greatest gifts she could have hoped for – a family that wants to be close to her and kids that carry her wisdom and grace with them wherever they go. 

Stopping for a moment to consider what he would want their mother to know, her kids said:

“Mom, we don’t know what we would do or where we would be without you. Your fierce love, kindness, and selflessness know no bounds. You are truly the mother any child would dream of having. We are blessed to have the strong family that we do because of the guidance and examples you have shown. No matter where we all may go, we will always need you.”