Shirley J. Collins

Shirley Joan Collins, 79, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021, at EW Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born February 27, 1942, in Pettis County, she was one of three children of Franklin H. and Sophie C. (Wolf) Pabst.

She was baptized as an infant at St. Patrick Church.

Shirley was a 1960 graduate of Sacred Heart School.

On August 6, 1960, at St. Patrick Church, she was united in marriage to Nelson G. Collins by Fr. J.T. Nolan. Nelson and Shirley were 25 days short of celebrating their 61

st

anniversary.

Shirley was hired as a records clerk for the City of Sedalia in 1961. She was then appointed as the first female city clerk in 1982 and held that position until her retirement in 2004 with 43 years of service.

She received over 700 hours of training over the years and earned many certifications, including: Certified Municipal Clerk, one of only 35 statewide and 2000 worldwide to earn IIMC certification, was the 10

th

clerk from Missouri and 283

rd

member of IIMC Academy for Advanced Education, LAGERS board member, Master Municipal Clerks designation (first in Missouri to achieve that honor and tenth in the world), and received the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association Outstanding Clerk Award in 2003.

Shirley was active in the community, having served with Meals on Wheels for 20 plus years, United Way president in 1989, member of Whiteman AFB Community Council, Whiteman AFB Military Affairs committee, member of Missouri Emergency Preparedness, board member of Missouri Municipal League, and legislative member of Missouri Consolidated State Health Insurance.

Shirley was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Daughters of Isabella.

Her hobbies included crocheting and knitting, flower gardening, shopping, going to the boat, and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Surviving are her husband, Nelson; a son, John Rodney Collins and his fiancé, Cheri; and two grandsons, Ryan Collins and Cody Collins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Kenneth Pabst; a sister, Betty Wright; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Collins Ropcke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021, at St. Vincent de Paul St. Patrick Chapel, with Fr. Joe Corel and Deacon Peter Anderberg officiating.

Prayers of the Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with visitation to follow until service time.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels, 2304 W. Broadway #333, Sedalia, MO 65301.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.