Janis Bennington Van Buren grew up in rural Northeast Iowa where Susan Angeline Collins lived for 37 years. Those who knew Miss Collins shared their recollections with Van Buren. With their encouragement she undertook the challenge of bringing awareness to Susan's accomplished life. Examining Miss Collins' experiences has allowed her to combine historical research and missionary interests through the lens of a Midwestern native. Van Buren has a doctorate from Iowa State University, was a tenured professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and lives in West Lafayette, Indiana.