Tanya Collins earned a bachelor's degree from University of Missouri School of Journalism in 1967; and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix in 1996. 

Upon her graduation from the University of Missouri, she was employed by the Mesa Tribune to cover police and fire news. She joined the ASU News Bureau as an editorial assistant in 1973. 

In 1976 she was hired by the City of Mesa as Public Information Coordinator and stayed with the city in various positions until she retired in 2003.

Tanya was preceded in death by her parents, Maureen and Col. RIP Collins. She is survived by her two brothers.

Tanya's funeral was held on December 14, 2024.