Mary Ellen Collins

Mary Ellen (Freeman) Collins was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Mary was born to the late William (Bill) and Emma (Crisp) Freeman on March 4, 1929 in Douglas County, Missouri near the community of Vanzant.

On May 27, 1950 she married Wilfred Collins in Houston, Missouri. They lived in the community of Old Horton in Douglas County until December, 1958 when they moved the family to a farm near Mountain Grove.

Besides her love for her Lord Jesus Christ, Mary loved her family and friends. Many evenings were spent at the “Spring” on the family farm. She often recalled fond memories there of fish fry’s and people swimming, having a good time visiting, and playing. Springtime always excited her most because that meant planting a new garden crop. Mary even had a garden this year. She was an awesome home cook and usually always had all or part of her meals fresh from the garden or preserved through canning or freezing. If you were around near mealtime she would make sure you stayed for the meal. Family and friends will miss her dearly. Her children meant the world to her, but she had more time to spoil the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She wasn’t afraid to witness to anyone who she felt needed to come to the feet of Jesus. To many she provided a gift of serenity, when visiting with her you were welcomed by her loving arms and as you left you departed by those same loving arms and I love you.

Besides her parents Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wilfred Collins; a son David Collins; siblings: Walter Freeman, Nancy Tetrick, and Don Freeman. Sisters-in-law: Irene Freeman and Katherine Freeman; Brothers-in-law: Loran Luallen and Leon Tetrick.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Cecil and Cindy Collins of Morrisville, MO; Dwight and Joan Collins; Freda and Frank Proctor; Anna and Mark Seeman all of Mountain Grove, MO. 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Other family survivors include her loving sister Oma Luallen, two brothers and their spouses, Lloyd and Ruth Freeman; Leonard and Madge Freeman, sister-in-law: Katie Freeman, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.