Evelyn L Collins

Born September 28, 1918 in Green Valley to Adam and Stella (Larimore) Urish, she married Robert Dale Collins on October 29, 1952 in New London, Missouri. He died November 18, 2005 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Robert R. Gent; one step-daughter, Sharon Jaycox; and six brothers.

Surviving are one daughter, Joy (Michael) Walker of Peoria; one son, Jack (Leslie) Dunker of Denver, Colorado; two step-sons, Bobbie (Pat) Collins of Kansas City, Missouri and Dean Collins of Phoenix, Arizona; eleven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Evelyn had worked for Soldweldel’s Dairy in Pekin for 29 years. She had also worked for Pekin Hospital for 9 years, where she had worked as a cook and night manager in the snack bar. She retired in 1979.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pekin, where she had been a member of the Maranatha class. She also enjoyed singing, and had been a member of the Miller Melodies at the Miller Center in Pekin for 26 years.

Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2014 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Brad Martin will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church, 700 South Capitol Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Miller Center at 551 South 14th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com