Carolynn Lee Collar

Carolynn Lee Collar, age 96, of Columbia City, IN, passed away peacefully at 1:40 pm on Wednesday June 5, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, surrounded by her family.  Born on May 1, 1928, in Allen County, IN, she was the daughter of John and Margaret (WynKoop) Bechtold.

Carolynn attended Columbia City High School and graduated with the Class of 1946.  She worked alongside her family at Bechtold’s Grocery as a teen, then at Rootbeer Barrel during high school before going to Schrader’s where she sold anything imaginable.  On September 5, 1948, she married Frederick L. Collar at First Baptist Church, Columbia City.  In 1959, they moved to a farm north of Columbia City, where Carolyn resided until 2016 when she moved to assisted living at Miller’s at Oak Pointe and then to the nursing home for the last year.  Carolynn was a homemaker and lifetime resident of Whitley County.

Carolynn loved drawing and painting and has presented several beautiful paintings to family members.  She also displayed them in her home. Carolynn enjoyed life on the farm, the peace and quiet, growing colorful flowers, and tending a large vegetable garden.  Throughout her life Carolynn crocheted many beautiful blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Carolynn’s children have many wonderful memories of her playing piano and singing.

Survivors include her children Bryan (Sherrill) Collar, Diane (Robert) Johnson, both of Columbia City and Kim (Robert) Bunger, of Albion; 7 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred, siblings Elaine Sederlund and Robert Bechtold, granddaughter Christina Farber, and great-granddaughter Becca Jewel Farber.

Funeral services for Carolynn will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday June 13, 2024, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to service.

Burial will follow in Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorial contributions in memory of Carolynn may be made to Columbia City Food Pantry or Whitley County Humane Society.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.