Marilyn Collins

Marilyn Merten Collins died on June 30th, 2011. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Dorothy and Clarence Merten, sister Judy and brother Bob. After a courageous two year struggle with cancer, she passed peacefully with her family at her side at the Springdale Circle of Life Hospice assured of her eternal home in heaven. Raised in rural Illinois, Marilyn obtained her BS degree in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master's degree from the University of Illinois. She began her teaching career at Georgia State University in Atlanta. She moved to Dallas in 1977 to teach at the Baylor School of Nursing, and later she taught at Texas Christian University in Ft Worth. Over the years, Marilyn mentored hundreds of students most of whom are currently pursuing their chosen career of nursing. After moving to Dallas, she met her husband, Roger, with whom she has been married for 32 years. They moved to Springdale in 1987 in order for Roger to begin a career with Harps. While in Dallas, they had two daughters, Lauren and Lindsey, who currently are pursuing graduate degrees in business and medicine respectively. After moving to Springdale, Marilyn gave up her teaching career in order to be a full-time mother. Marilyn was a loving mother and wife who provided a wonderful home for her family. Her tireless efforts were a remarkable illustration of the love she felt for her family. Her laugh and sense of humor will be missed by both family and friends. She was a believer and member of Fellowship Bible Church of Springdale. She is survived by her husband, Roger, and two daughters, Lauren and Lindsey, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly. A memorial service will be held at Cross Church (1st Baptist Church, Springdale Campus), 1709 Johnson Road, Springdale, AR on Wednesday, July 6th at 10:30 am. Local arrangements are under the direction of Sisco Funeral Chapel, Springdale, AR. Interment will precede the memorial service and will be held at the Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sandoval, Illinois at 4 pm on Saturday, July 2nd. Arrangements under the direction of Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, 235 N. Sycamore, Centralia, IL 62801 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Merten/Collins endowed scholarship established in her honor at Illinois Wesleyan University located at 1312 Park Street, Bloomington, Illinois 61701. Donations may also be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.memorialwebsites.legacy.com/marilyncollins.

Marilyn Collins

January 22, 1944 - June 30, 2011