Sylvia J. Collins

Sylvia Jean Collins, 88 of Westerville, died January 3, 2016 at her residence.



She was born February 5, 1927 in Bucyrus to the late James Wilbur “Dutch” and Georgian (Weber) Kiess. Sylvia graduated from Bucyrus High School and completed college at Bowling Green State University.



She married Jack G. Collins on November 30, 1947 and a few years later, their family moved to Westerville for his work. Sylvia and Jack enjoyed socializing in card clubs and, following his retirement, they enjoyed traveling with Tennessee and Florida being favorite locations. Jack preceded her in death on February 27, 2001.



Sylvia was an accomplished artist who loved painting nature and portraits and was privileged to have taught classes at the Westerville YWCA for many years. She was also a member of the Westerville Art League. She shared many adventures with her sister Vivian, earning them the nickname “frick and frack.” Sylvia had a love for Native American jewelry and enjoyed antiquing as she was always looking for a deal. She dreamed of winning big with her mail-in sweepstakes and was passionate in cheering on her Buckeyes! More recently her day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bob Evans, where she preferred her bacon charred.



She was a member of Church of the Master United Methodist and Col. Crawford Post 181, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.



Sylvia is survived by two sons, Thomas (Dorothy) Collins of Congress, Arizona and J. Steven (Diane) Collins of Worthington; brother-in-law, Charles “Butch” Kimerline, Jr. and sister-in-law, Mary Kiess both of Bucyrus; as well as many nieces and nephews.



Along with her parents and husband, Sylvia was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene Kiess; two sisters, Carol Kimerline and Vivian Bogan; and brother-in-law, Noel Bogan.



A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, January 16 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 where her memorial service will be held that day at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Char Schultz officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to either Caitlin’s Smiles or Wounded Warrior Project and these gifts may be given through the funeral home. To share a memory on Sylvia’s Tribute Wall.