Mary Lucille Collins

Mary Lou Collins, age 88, of Princeton, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton.  Mary was born on May 19, 1934, in Vincennes, IN to the late Agnes “Dean” and Joe McNeece.

She was raised in Vincennes and Princeton, and graduated from Princeton High School, where she played in the school band.  She worked for Public Service Indiana and as a school reading tutor at Franklin and Baldwin Heights Schools before retiring.  She was a member of Hillside United Methodist Church.  She also belonged to VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed watching the birds out the living room window, and was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan. She loved being a grandmother, spending time with all of her grandchildren, great and great-great.

She was married to the late Marvin “Bootie” Collins for 46 years prior to his death.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Mindy VanMeter, and her step-brother, Joe LaCosta.

Mary is survived by her son, Mark Collins (Pam) of Francisco, son-in-law, Rick VanMeter of Somerville; 4 grandchildren, Keith VanMeter (Erica), Nicole Price (Hunter), Chris Gentry (Amanda), and Jered Gentry (Jamie), 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; two nephews, Steven Schrodt and David Ray Collins; special bonus daughter, Sara Livermore.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Chaplain Mike Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until service time on Thursday.   

Memorial contributions may be made to the Omni Hospice, 3101 N. Green River Rd., Suite 210, Evansville, IN  47715.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Condolences may be made online at colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Collins family. The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff of River Oaks and Omni Hospice, for the special care given to Mary Lou.

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