Marian Munson Collins
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Marian Munson Collins was born to Ezra Eugene (Ray) Munson and Besse Baird Munson on March 10, 1928 in Clinton, Indiana and passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Greenwood, Indiana at the age of 93.
Marian attended Clinton High School, graduating in 1946 at the top of her class. She then attended Taylor University where she met her future husband, Milton Collins. Confronted with limited financial resources, Marian transferred to Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University) and graduated with a degree in education.
She married Milton in 1951 and they set up housekeeping in Decker, Indiana, where she was an elementary school teacher and Milton worked for Kroger. From there, they moved to Skokie, Illinois and then to Cincinnati, Ohio, Milton's hometown.
Marian transitioned to full-time homemaker as the family grew from 1956 to 1960, and she and Milton also moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan as Milton worked toward his Ph.D. They returned to Cincinnati, then on to Columbus, Ohio then to Oxford, Ohio, making lifelong friends in each city.
In 1966, the family moved to Indianapolis to follow another opportunity, where they put down roots on the southside.
In 1969, Milton perished in a plane accident, leaving Marian with three young children. With much support from her parents and Milton's parents, Marian resolutely but lovingly shepherded her children into adulthood as a single mother. Those who witnessed Marian's journey as she nurtured her children witnessed her sheer grit. Her indefatigable determination and dedication left an indelible imprint on her children who all are forever grateful for her selfless sacrifice.
As her children were preparing to leave home for college, Marian returned to school and earned a master's degree with honors in library science from Indiana University. She worked first for the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library System then moved to the nearby Greenwood Public Library, retiring in 1997.
Marian's life was dedicated to service to others. She invested deeply in friends and family. Her ten grandchildren readily speak of her unconditional love and engagement in their lives.
Marian was the model of intentionality. Always desiring to be obedient to God's direction, she loved and served her entire life, seeking to honor Christ through thought and deed. Through the years, Marian supported and corresponded with several Christian missionaries, and through those relationships she had the opportunity to volunteer in many mission support roles. She served as church librarian for many years and continued her support of that ministry until her death.
Predeceasing Marian are her parents, her husband, Milton, and great granddaughter, Grace.
Marian is survived by her sister, Rosemary (John) Turchi; three children, Mark (Martha Kashian) Collins, Martha (Phil) Cook, and Marilyn (David) Bennett; ten grandchildren, Rachel (Chris) Lambert, David (Kristin) Bennett, Stephen (Christina) Collins, Michael (Lauren) Cook, Daniel (Kelly) Bennett, Scott (Brooklin) Collins, Sarah (Caleb) Dills, Nicholas Bennett, Michelle Bennett, and Elizabeth Bennett; and three great-grandchildren, Elijah Cook, Dalton Bennett, and Ella Lambert.
Many lives were touched by Marian. Her faith was central to how she viewed the world and her role in it. Those who knew her speak of her kindness and humility. Never one to vaunt her own achievements, she took joy in serving and encouraging others. Following the example of her own mother, Marian was a beacon of hope, constancy and grace throughout her life, even more so in the face of adversity.
Marian often began the day reading Psalm 100 and thanking God for His gifts?among which was her family, her greatest legacy.
Marian will be laid to rest with her husband and her parents at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Clinton.
A memorial service will be held at Singleton & St. Pierre Funeral & Cremation Services, 7602 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis on Saturday, December 4 at 3:00 pm. Family will receive callers immediately before the service from 2-3 pm.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Taylor University Milton and Marian Collins Scholarship (https://www.taylor.edu/give2CollinsScholarship) or to the Southport Presbyterian Church Mission Fund.
You are invited to read Marian's obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family.