Barbara Collins

Barbara M. Collins, 87, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 8, 1937, in Shideler, Indiana, to Kenneth Hankins and Ruth (McCollum) Smith. She was a graduate from Eaton High School Class of 1955. She went on and pursued nursing at Methodist Nursing School, where she graduated in 1958. On June 21, 1956, she married the love of her life, Ronnie E. Collins. Together, they shared a devoted marriage and raised three children: Jeffrey, Phil, and Diana.

Barbara spent part of her career at Marion Health before working alongside her family at Collins Trim and Auto. She was known for her strong work ethic, warm spirit, and unwavering dedication to both her family and faith. Barbara enjoyed baking, she was known for her sheet cakes.

A woman of deep faith, Barbara was a member of First Church of God. She was also a founding member of Northeast Church of God. She served as a Sunday school teacher, and on the church council. Her favorite role was teaching in the nursery with her sister Patricia for over 30 years. She was actively involved in the WCG women group for 40 years.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, her deep love for her family, and her steadfast devotion to her church. She lived a life of grace and generosity, always putting others before herself and creating a legacy of love that will carry on through her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Lisa) Collins of Swayzee, Indiana, Phil J. (Dawn) Collins of LaFontaine, Indiana, Diana Hodge of Marion, Indiana; grandchildren, Amber Collins, Sarah (Shawn) Reason, Luke (Kristin) Hodge, Adam (Katie) Hodge, Jennifer Collins, Marissa (Brian) Ulrich, Barbara Williamson; great grandchildren, Blake Hodge, Cyrus Warner, Lily Hodge, Cory Rice Jr., Wyatt Hodge, Dessie Norwood, Sebastian Ulrich, Patric Collins , Alana Sheppard (Perfecto) , Jade Hodge, Hayden Lawson; great-great grandchildren, Josephine Hodge and Adalynn Hanthorn.

She is preceded in her passing by her husband, Ronnie E. Collins; parents, Kenneth Hankins, Ruth (James) (McCollum) Smith; siblings, Patricia (Doug) McAfee, Mary (Max) Smith, Robert (Pat) Hankins , Linda Smith; great grandson, Elijah Beene.

Arrangements for Barbara have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A visitation will be held on April 11, 2025 from 11-1p.m. at the College Park Chapel, 4601 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN 46953. A service will immediately follow with Pastor Zach Prater officiating. At the conclusion of the service a burial will be held at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.

Memorial contributions in memory of Barbara can be made out to Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st Street Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2025/IN-GreaterIndiana?team_id=952734&pg=team&fr_id=18595