FORTVILLE
Esther June Collins, 86, of Fortville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. She passed peacefully at her home with her loving husband of 65 years, Eleck Collins by her side. She was born October 23, 1933 in Linton, Indiana and lived a long and productive life.
She worked for many years at RCA, was a long-time member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Acton, Indiana and was famous in her community for her biscuits and gravy she served up while she owned and operated Esther’s Cafe in Fortville. She never met a stranger; believed in “service with a smile” and if you left hungry, it was your own fault.
Among Esther’s many favorite things, including but not limited to, Colts football, Oatmeal Creme Pies, and savory Bar-B-Q, were listening to Bluegrass music and working in the garden alongside her husband, always sharing the blessings of their bounty with others. What she treasured most though was her family. Christmas was always a special time when the whole family could be together. She loved making big, hearty breakfasts on Christmas morning and playing practical jokes on the grandkids. If you happened to catch her wink and mischievous grin, you knew she was up to something.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents Orville and Daisy (Beck) Moody, and 7 brothers and sisters.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Eleck Collins, whom she married on October 19, 1955; children Billy W. Collins of Fortville, Randal A. (Cyndi) Collins of Indianapolis, and Janetta J. (Bill) Sandlin of Owasso, OK; grandchildren Shelby N. (John Hussung) Collins, Amanda Sandlin, David E. Sandlin, Carissa J. Sandlin and Nolan Cardenas; siblings Harold W. Moody, Dale Moody and Violet Timms; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is on Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville, IN. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Graveside service will take place at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville, immediately following. All are welcomed to attend.
While she may have left us physically, all we need to do is look into the night sky. The twinkling stars will be her crystal blue eyes letting us know she’s ok; and someday, we too shall be.
Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com.
