Mary Ellen Collier

Mary Ellen Sievila Collier, 85, went to sleep in Jesus on Feb. 14, 2023.

Her husband of 60 years, Larry Kenneth Collier, preceded her in death. Surviving are her son, Richard Collier; daughter, Rhonda (Gary) Johnson; three grandchildren: Marissa, Cassandra and Brianna; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was born Aug. 9, 1937. She grew up in Ironwood, Mich. with her grandparents until she was 18 years old. She moved to Berrien Springs to attend Emmanuel Missionary College for two years. It was here that she met Larry Collier, and they began dating. They were married in 1958. Soon after, they moved back near Chicago. During this time they had their son, Richard, and their daughter, Rhonda.

In 1977 they moved back to Berrien Springs to be near the rest of the Collier family. That year they bought what became the Wilson-Collier Hardware Store. After building up the hardware store, they bought the Village Inn Motel. They continued to work hard with the different businesses that they owned in Berrien Springs, including the Village Car Wash, the Quik Lube, the Mini Storage Units, and the George Street Apartments.

Mary Ellen was a very loving, kind, giving, helpful, and generous person. She was always thinking of others and what she could do to help them. She was very involved in the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she was a member for 45 years. She had many talents. She sewed many outfits for her family, granddaughters, and even their pets. She was known for her interior decorating skills and her organizational abilities, as well as her impeccable cleaning skills. Larry and Mary Ellen were also known for their pristine and well-kept home and landscaping on Red Bud Trail.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Village SDA Church, with a Celebration of her life beginning at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Amazing Facts or the Village SDA School Worthy Student Fund. Share a memory at www.allredfuneralhome.com.