Holly L. Nims, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, following a long battle with Huntington’s Disease.

Holly Lynn Nims was born on October 6, 1969 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Vernon “Bub” and Melissa (Gottschalk) Nims.  She grew up in Maquoketa and was a 1988 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.

After high school, Holly continued her education at Iowa State University before beginning work as a nanny in Las Vegas, Nevada. She later returned to Maquoketa and worked at Prairie House. It was in her hometown that she met Scott Collins, who was serving in the Air Force at the time. The two were united in marriage on April 3, 1998, in Maquoketa, Iowa. Their journey took them to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and later to San Antonio, Texas, before they returned home to Maquoketa after Scott’s retirement from the Air Force.

Once back in Maquoketa, Holly found what she considered her dream job as a Teacher’s Associate in the BD Classroom at Maquoketa Middle School. She devoted 22 and a half years to that role before retiring.

Holly enjoyed gardening and had long worked alongside her dad at Nims Garden in Maquoketa. She also loved artwork and drawing, and she found joy in sharing her creativity with others. She was an animal lover who rescued many animals in need, and her gentle heart was evident in the care she gave to both people and creatures alike. Those who knew Holly will remember her as someone who found beauty in simple things, and who approached life with quiet strength and grace.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Scott Collins of Portland, OR; son, Dylan Monroe of Maquoketa, IA; father and step-mother, Vernon “Bub” and Robin Nims of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Megan (Kyle) Simmons of Maquoketa, IA, Michael (Bridget) Nims of Maquoketa, IA, and DJ Bean of Marion, IA; one grandson, Drayden; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, and her mother Melissa Bean.

A celebration of Holly’s life will be held at 12 P.M., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Holly L. Nims memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.