Shirley Collins

It didn't take much to make Shirley Collins happy. As long as she had her family by her side, and her granddaughter in her arms, Shirley was filled with joy and contentment. Although playing bingo was close behind, Shirley loved the game that gave her a few extra dollars in her pocket a time or two, and offered her time to be social with friends. Shirley was a caregiver at heart and lovingly opened her heart and home to others. A generous and compassionate woman, Shirley will be deeply missed, and remembered warmly in the hearts of many.

Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. From music to movies, art and media, to beloved comic strips and cartoons, households were introduced to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. Yet in the Indiana city of Fort Wayne, nothing was more exciting in the lives of Albert and Lavinia A. (Fletcher) Croy than the July 12, 1950 birth of their little girl, Shirley.

Raised in the city of New Haven, Indiana, situated along the banks of the Maumee River, Shirley experienced the adventures of childhood typical for the times. She grew up alongside her four siblings, Larry, David, Deborah, and John, and attended the area schools. An outgoing and fun-loving girl, she enjoyed the friendships of many throughout her youth. She kept busy with friends, especially going to the area dances, and babysat often for the children of family friends. From her earliest beginnings, Shirley was like a mother hen. She had a way of taking others into her heart, and was a good friend to all.

As a teen, Shirley met the young man who came to win her heart for the rest of her days. She began dating Will Collins, and he truly captured her heart. Shirley went to New Haven High School, home of the Bulldogs, before she and Will sealed their love in vows of marriage.

With their new lives ahead of them, Shirley and Will settled in the Fort Wayne/New Haven area and make that their home. Soon they were blessed with the addition of three beautiful daughters. Renee, Jennifer, and Dawn filled Shirley's world with even more love. She made a good home for Will and the girls, and was involved in their many school and other activities. As a family they enjoyed vacations over the years, and even when her daughters grew to have families of their own, Shirley loved it when the entire family was able to get away together. Throughout her life she loved dogs, and their home was always filled with a canine companion to love.There was no one quite like Shirley in the lives of those who knew and loved her. She set a fine example of all a loving, dedicated and devoted mother, wife, and friend should be. Ever nurturing, Shirley found her greatest joy in the love of her granddaughter. She loved her family dearly, along with those she extended her heart and home to. Her memory will continue to be a blessing to all.

Shirley A. Collins, 64, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away at 12:26 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Will Collins, of Fort Wayne; daughters, Renee Collins and Jennifer (Brett) Lepper, both of Fort Wayne, and Dawn (Bryan) White of New Haven; her beloved granddaughter, Allison Lepper of Fort Wayne; her brothers and sister, David L. (Barbara) Croy, of New Haven, and , Deborah S. (Butch) Saylor, and John O. (Becky) Croy, both of Fort Wayne; several nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Larry E. Croy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Andy Jellison officiating. Burial will follow at Eel River Cemetery in Churubusco. Memorial gifts may be given in Shirleys memory to the American Cancer Society.

Although Shirley's family meant everything to her, she was on "cloud nine" the day her precious granddaughter, Allison was born. She spent as much time with her as possible, and babysat for her which created a treasured bond between them. Shirley continued to baby-sit for friends whenever she was needed. Quite typical of Shirley, she was always placing the needs of others before her own, and did so gladly. She was a very giving woman, and took many under her wing. A loving caregiver, she was a mother figure to many who encountered her kind and caring nature.

Shirley was a former member of the American Legion Post #330 in New Haven, and always had a penchant for singing and dancing. Country was her music genre of choice, and on TV she liked watching NASCAR and cooking shows. Spending time in her garden brought Shirley great joy. She also enjoyed crafting, and collected beautiful porcelain dolls which she treasured. She also liked to go gambling at Firekeepers Casino, but when it came to Bingo, Shirley would schedule her week with opportunities to go. She absolutely loved Bingo, and getting together with her many friends there.