Earldean C. Collins, age 87, a lifelong resident of Haltom City, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on June 24, 2025. Long before becoming part of the Three Oaks Hospice family, Earldean had already spent decades bringing joy, laughter and encouragement to countless people throughout the DFW area.
The Squirrelly Sisters
Together with her best friend Sandy, the two proudly called themselves “The Squirrelly Sisters.” And what did those two do together for more than 20 years? They created matching costumes complete with elaborate hats, earrings, necklaces, flip-flop accessories and themed outfits — many made from simple Dollar Store finds. They even had cards printed with the phrase “Going Fourth in the Name of Jesus” to hand out everywhere they went.
The Squirrelly Sisters became known for visiting hospitals, care facilities and shut-ins wearing different costumes for every occasion. They loved joking around, taking pictures, making people smile and sharing their testimony. They truly believed it was their calling from God to bring joy to others.
After losing her husband in 1997, Earldean poured even more of her heart into this ministry of joy alongside Sandy. Their friendship and mission touched countless lives across the community, and soon they were receiving requests to visit people all over the metroplex.
When Earldean came on Three Oaks Hospice’s services, she shared one special prayer with our team — that someone would continue using her costumes to bring happiness to others. Members of our team quickly realized these costumes were much more than decorations; they represented decades of love, creativity, faith and service.
Our Volunteer Coordinator recalled looking through albums filled with pictures of the Squirrelly Sisters and hearing Earldean share stories about how the ministry began after the loss of a child, and how she convinced her best friend to join her in the “crazy scheme.” Even after Sandy passed away a few years ago, Earldean held onto every costume, hoping one day they would continue their purpose.
Earldean’s Legacy Lives Through Collins Closet
Today, that legacy lives on through “Collins Closet” at our Fort Worth office — a dedicated space created during the office expansion to house Earldean’s costumes, hats and accessories. These special pieces now continue bringing smiles and laughter to hospice patients, facility residents, families and team members.
Earlier this year, after receiving the costumes, office staff members each selected a holiday or occasion and dressed up in Earldean’s creations, sending photos back to her and her family. One particularly meaningful photo, shared by her daughter-in-law, captured Earldean wearing one of her handmade hats and shirts during what would become her final outing. That framed photo now hangs outside Collins Closet as a reminder of the joy she so freely shared with others.
Earldean’s creativity and servant heart extended far beyond the Squirrelly Sisters ministry. She was a charter member of Birdville ISD’s PTA, serving as President and helping create school carnivals, fiestas and community fundraisers alongside her husband for many years.
She is remembered most for her fiery personality, her deep faith and her passion for making others smile. We are honored to help carry forward a small part of the ministry she and Sandy built together, continuing to share joy, laughter, and love in her memory.
Earldean C. Collins, age 87, a lifelong resident of Haltom City, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on June 24, 2025. Long before becoming part of the Three Oaks Hospice family, Earldean had already spent decades bringing joy, laughter and encouragement to countless people throughout the DFW area.
The Squirrelly Sisters
Together with her best friend Sandy, the two proudly called themselves “The Squirrelly Sisters.” And what did those two do together for more than 20 years? They created matching costumes complete with elaborate hats, earrings, necklaces, flip-flop accessories and themed outfits — many made from simple Dollar Store finds. They even had cards printed with the phrase “Going Fourth in the Name of Jesus” to hand out everywhere they went.
The Squirrelly Sisters became known for visiting hospitals, care facilities and shut-ins wearing different costumes for every occasion. They loved joking around, taking pictures, making people smile and sharing their testimony. They truly believed it was their calling from God to bring joy to others.
After losing her husband in 1997, Earldean poured even more of her heart into this ministry of joy alongside Sandy. Their friendship and mission touched countless lives across the community, and soon they were receiving requests to visit people all over the metroplex.
When Earldean came on Three Oaks Hospice’s services, she shared one special prayer with our team — that someone would continue using her costumes to bring happiness to others. Members of our team quickly realized these costumes were much more than decorations; they represented decades of love, creativity, faith and service.
Our Volunteer Coordinator recalled looking through albums filled with pictures of the Squirrelly Sisters and hearing Earldean share stories about how the ministry began after the loss of a child, and how she convinced her best friend to join her in the “crazy scheme.” Even after Sandy passed away a few years ago, Earldean held onto every costume, hoping one day they would continue their purpose.
Earldean’s Legacy Lives Through Collins Closet
Today, that legacy lives on through “Collins Closet” at our Fort Worth office — a dedicated space created during the office expansion to house Earldean’s costumes, hats and accessories. These special pieces now continue bringing smiles and laughter to hospice patients, facility residents, families and team members.
Earlier this year, after receiving the costumes, office staff members each selected a holiday or occasion and dressed up in Earldean’s creations, sending photos back to her and her family. One particularly meaningful photo, shared by her daughter-in-law, captured Earldean wearing one of her handmade hats and shirts during what would become her final outing. That framed photo now hangs outside Collins Closet as a reminder of the joy she so freely shared with others.
Earldean’s creativity and servant heart extended far beyond the Squirrelly Sisters ministry. She was a charter member of Birdville ISD’s PTA, serving as President and helping create school carnivals, fiestas and community fundraisers alongside her husband for many years.
She is remembered most for her fiery personality, her deep faith and her passion for making others smile. We are honored to help carry forward a small part of the ministry she and Sandy built together, continuing to share joy, laughter, and love in her memory.
