A much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister in-law, aunt and friend, Mary “Helen” Frances Collings, 90 of Fresno, California went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 11, 2022 at 9:11 a.m. at Pacific Gardens Nursing Center. She was born on March 22, 1932 in Erick, Oklahoma.
Helen grew up in Erick and moved with her family to Madera, California in 1940. On a Saturday evening in 1948 a young man sitting behind here passed her a note asking if she could remove her hat so he could see the minister. She replied “No”! After church she was introduced to the young man, Kenneth Collings. His brother Chuck and sister in-law Frances were going to Helen’s parents for lunch. Ken quickly found himself invited and said yes. Helen continued to wear hats to church and Ken did not have to ask her to remove them as he sat beside her for the next 64 years before Ken's passing. They were married on June 17, 1950 in Madera, California a few days after she graduated from Madera Union High School. The wedding was delayed for an hour as the bride's parents had to finish milking the cows first at the dairy the had recently purchased.
Helen was a lovely and devoted wife to Ken whom she had missed these past ten years. She loved her children and their spouses. She had three granddaughters and two grandsons, seven great granddaughters, six great grandsons and one more great grandson due on December 1st.
There are too many thoughts and stories to tell, but they will stay with us as cherished memories. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Helen was proceeded in death by her husband Kenneth Collings; her mother and father Eleanor and Mallie Keith; sister and brother in-law Glyndean and Donald Haskin; an infant brother and great grandsons Bryden and Truett Collings.
She is survived by daughter Gail and (Glen) Freeman of Fresno; son Gary and (Kim) Collings of Fort Worth, Texas; Grandchildren Jason and (Erin) Freeman of Fresno, Kristin Freeman of Fresno, Matthew and (Courtney) Collings of Fort Worth Texas, Sarah and (Eric) Sawhill of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Abigail and (Justin) Jantz of Fort Worth, Texas. Great grandchildren Ayden, Ava and Austin Young, Kayleigh Helm, Devon and Drew Freeman, Brylee, Lucie and Carson Collings, Corinna, Caylee and Chloe Ruester, Zion Pense and baby Jantz. Sister in-law Frances Collings, brother in-law and sister in-law Ted and Carol Collings, sister in-law Yolanda Collings and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Visitation for Mary Helen will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis, California.
A Funeral Service will occur Monday, September 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Boice Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Hinds Hospice, 2490 West Shaw Avenue Suite 101 Fresno, California 93711
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Collings family.
