Mary Ellen Dare

Born on December 9, 1955, at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Mary’s life was marked by the great lengths she could go to for those she loved, as well as her ability to fearlessly stare down any person or circumstance - despite her very small stature. Though she would say that is why she loved a good pair of heels.

Mary was a world traveler before becoming an adult, having lived in Germany and Italy before coming stateside, due to her Sergeant Major father’s Army career. When they finally settled in Augusta, Georgia she graduated from Butler High School and determined that California was where she belonged. There, she and her sister raised their kids together, made life-long friends, and as she would say, “had one hell of a ride.”

She eventually made her way out to Indiana where she spent the remainder of her life. Her last two years, retired and happy, simply enjoying family and spending each day watching her grandsons grow up.

Mary loved a good laugh, was a life-long learner and interested in nearly every topic, with typically a book that she could recommend or share. She was generous with what she had, regardless of what it was, and always had room for one more. To know her was to always know there was somewhere to go. She will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to be in the presence of her magic.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Wilfred E. Dare; her mother, Margarete Whiteman; her son, Jonathan Collins; her brother, David Dare; and her cousin Jerry Dare.

She is survived by her son, Jeremiah Collins of Sagle, Idaho; her stepson, Sean Reid of Vancouver, Washington; her stepdaughter, Amanda Huber of Medford, Oregon; her grandsons, Jonathan and Seth Collins of Westfield, Indiana; her sister, Peggy Dare of Bath, Indiana; her niece, Holly Brown of Minnesota, her nephew, Dillon Mendonca of San Diego, California; and her niece, Gretta Dare of Westfield, Indiana. She also leaves behind lifelong friends whom she greatly treasured.

A memorial service will be held at her niece's home in Westfield, Indiana. Details will be shared with those who wish to attend.

Additional details can be found on her memorial site at www.marydare.com.