Pauline Skiles

Pauline Ruth Collins-Skiles (1952-2026)

Pauline was born November 17, 1952, in Tauranga, New Zealand. She was born to Betty Amy and Jack Herbert Roy and was the 2nd of 5 children, (Rosalie, Marcus, Sean and Jacqueline). She died peacefully in her sleep, January 4, 2026, at the Legacy Living Rehab Center, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Pauline’s family immigrated to Canada when she was 13 and then on to the United States a few years later. She first lived in Buchanan, Michigan and attended High School there. There, she met her first husband, Calvin Dale McIlroy, at a high school basketball game. They later married in 1969, and had 2 children together, Shawn Dale and Angelique Rene Faith. Pauline and Calvin went on to attend Southeastern Bible College, in Lakeland, FL. Pauline spent many years in ministry as a pastor’s wife, until their divorce in 1986. Pauline always longed to move back to her home country, and her dream came true in 1986. She lived in New Zealand for 2 years with her children. Eventually, she came back to the States and obtained her U.S. citizenship.

Pauline always had a passion for floral design and decorating. She spent many years working as a florist, making arrangements, wreaths, wedding bouquets and her favorite, decorating Christmas trees. She also spent many years working on her favorite hobby, gathering her family's genealogy. Later in life, Pauline wanted to get back into ministry work and completed her Bible studies at Christian Retreat, in Bradenton, Fl. She spent several years at Christian Retreat volunteering her time to minister to others. Her favorite pastime though was spending time with her grandchildren. She was elated when her first grandson was born, Shawn Dale McIlroy Jr. Then Brandy and Jason came into her life when Shawn married their mom, Jeanna. Through her daughter Angel, she had 4 more grandchildren, Lane, Cole, Emery and Samuel. In addition to her grandchildren, she has 7 great grandchildren, Logan, Clayton, Dallas, Moriah, Miles, Micha and Anson.

Pauline was loved by many and made so many friends over the years through her time in ministry. She was very social and loved being with people. She was known for her quirky sense of humor. In her last remaining years on this earth, she developed dementia and resided in the Lasting Legacy Rehabilitation Center. However, she never lost her sense of humor, silliness and her love for her family and friends.

Pauline is preceded in death by her brother, Sean Collins, grandson, Emery Jackson-Roy McDougald and her parents Betty and Jack Collins. She is survived by her son, Shawn (Jeanna) McIlroy, of Hermosa, South Dakota and daughter, Angelique (Greg) Mager, of Gillette, Wyoming; her 6 grandchildren, Brandy,(Ralph) Chandler, Jason (Katie) Sprague, Dale McILroy, Lane, Cole, and Samuel McDougald and 6 great grandsons, (Logan, Clayton, Dallas, Miles, Anson and Micha) and 1 great granddaughter, (Moriah); her brother Marcus (Anna-lise) Collins and 2 sisters, Rosalie Collins and Jacquie (Alfred) Templeton and many loved nieces and nephews.

We want to sincerely thank the staff at the Legacy for taking care of our mother for almost 5 years. She was very loved there and well taken care of.