Ronald Dean Collins

Ronald “Ron” Dean Collins, age 74, passed away on September 25, 2024, at his home in Olivet, Michigan.

He was born at home on a farm on July 27, 1950, in Homer, Michigan, to Clarence and Kathryn (Cole) Collins. Ron’s family moved to Duck Lake shortly after, then moved to Olivet, where he grew up. Before attending Olivet High School, Ron attended the first six years of school in a one room schoolhouse, Nichols Country School. Later he would graduate with the class of 1968.

On November 28, 1969, Ron married Marie Mott at the Lee Center Methodist Church in Olivet, Michigan. The two were high school sweethearts who met in 10th grade, fell in love, and were inseparable ever since. Ron was welcomed into Marie’s family after her father hired him to work on their farm. In 1974, Ron and Marie bought their farm in Olivet, Michigan. In 1990, they built their dream home where they had resided ever since.

After getting married, Ron worked for CB Silo in Charlotte, Michigan. Ron worked for Air-Way Global Manufacturing in sales and quotes for 45 years before retiring. He also farmed and had crops, beef cattle, and lots of barn cats. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing either on his property or up north in Wellston, Michigan. Ron was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #676 of Marshall. After retiring, Ron delved into genealogy and enjoyed learning new things about his lineage. He helped many family members and friends trace their legacy.

Ron was known for his quiet and calm nature but loved to tease his nieces and nephews. He and Marie became surrogate grandparents to their great nieces and great nephews. Ron would get down on the ground with the kids, putting together Legos and playing cards. Ron was so proud of and loved his nieces and nephews, his farm, and friends. Ron’s close friends knew he could always be counted on and would help with anything.

Ron is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Marie; sister Kathleen Collins of Duck Lake, Michigan; nieces and nephews Sylvia (Dan) Mott-Fuller, Dusty (Jaime) Mott, Rhonda (David) Mott-Raab, Britt (Greta Stough) Mott, and Tonya Mott; nine great nieces and nephews; six great-great nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Bill (Char Warner) Mott and Larry (Jan) Mott. He was preceded by his parents Clarence and Kathryn; sister Beth Ann Collins; brother Lloyd Collins; sister-in-law Ilene Mott; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Lawrence and Louise (Horn) Mott.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N, Marshall, Michigan. Funeral services will take place the following day, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services with Pastor Colin Raab officiating. Interment will follow at Lee Center Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or to Lee Center Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services of Marshall, Michigan.