Julia Collins

Julia Mae Collins
November 2, 1935 - September 8, 2025

Julia Mae Collins, age 89, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 2, 1935, to the late Harold and Lucile (Owen) Stevens and was a proud graduate of Marion High School, Class of 1953. She later went on and worked at Custer's Last Stand for many years & Plaza Bowl.

On August 3, 1955, Julia married the love of her life, Joe Collins. This year, they joyfully celebrated 70 years of marriage. Julia devoted her life to caring for her family as a homemaker, always brightening every room she entered with her radiant smile.

She was a longtime member of New Hope United Methodist Church and, together with Joe, spent 30 wonderful years at their Florida home. Julia loved walking the beach in search of sand dollars and shark teeth, hosting family gatherings, and sharing her famous apple salad. To her, family was life's greatest blessing.

Julia was also a talented bowler, actively involved in the Marion Women's Bowling Association and was inducted in the Marion Women's bowling Hall of Fame in 1983. Competed on the national team, and was a member of the Hoosierettes. She bowled in local and state tournaments. In addition to bowling, she enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe Collins; daughters, Julie (Bill) Sherman and Cindy Hart; son, Tom (Janice) Collins; sisters, Bonnie (Calvin) Nestleroad,Mary Everett; grandchildren, Lori (Nathan) Messer, Nickie (Ora Freeman) McCullough, Dr. Thomas "TJ" (Jess) Collins, and Dr. David (Darcy) Collins; and great-grandchildren, William Messer, Natalie Messer, Paige Hart, Marissa (Mitch) Gamboa, Chloe Barber, Meadowe Freeman, Finn Freeman, Remy Collins, Jewel Collins, Jude Collins, and Ford Collins.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Phyllis Copp; and brother, John Stevens.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 12:30-2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jeff Timmons officiating. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BORN Church, 320 N. Adams Street, Marion, IN 46952.