Obituaries

Melba B. Collins

November 4th, 1927 – December 28th, 2023

Melba B. Collins, 96, a resident of Bickford’s Assisted Living in Macomb, Illinois, went home to be with her heavenly father on December 28, 2023. She had previously resided at Cuba, Frederick, Astoria, rural Astoria and Canton, Illinois.

Born November 4, 1927 in Woodland Township, Fulton County, Illinois, the oldest of four daughters to Carl and Ferne (Beaty) Schisler. She married Leo F. Collins on March 14, 1949 in Havana, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 11, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters; Nelda Parker and Bessie Pempek.

Melba is survived by her children; Martha (Jim) Davey of Las Vegas, Nevada and Phillip (Kathie) Collins of Ipava, Illinois, two granddaughters, Jennifer Collins of Canton, Illinois and Dawn (Steve) Wisner of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, one great-grandson Cody Wisner of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, one sister Carolyn Holloway of Chillicothe, Illinois and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She was a graduate of Astoria High School and Graham School of Nursing in Canton, Illinois. She worked as an RN at Graham Hospital in Canton and Mason District Hospital in Havana for many years. She also worked as a private-duty nurse for Dr. Landazuri in Havana.

She was a member of the Summum Christian Church and the Browning Christian Church. She later attended the Fiatt Christian Church and the Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb, as well as attending services of visiting clergy at the senior facilities during her residence in Macomb.

Melba’s services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at the Ipava Berean Christian Church, 10750 N. County Highway 2, Ipava, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Pastor Ted Shirley will officiate. Interment will take place at the Astoria Cemetery, Astoria, Illinois, alongside her beloved husband of 48 years, Leo. Memorials in Melba’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences

December 28th, 2023

Martha, Phillip, Carolyn and families, so sorry to hear this.

Was just thinking of her the other day. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Joyce Schisler Behymer