Elsie Collins

Elsie Beth Collins, 95, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. She was born in Bath, Kentucky on January 21, 1931 to Jonah and Loretta Moore.

A wise and self-educated woman, Elsie grew up in Kentucky. In 1945 she married the love of her life, Jack Dempsey Collins. The couple moved to Indianapolis at a young age and shared many happy years together until Jack’s passing on October 1, 2006, with Elsie by his side.

As an adult, Elsie worked hard to earn her GED. She was employed for many years as a proofreader for Howard W. Sams and Company before retiring to focus on her most cherished role as homemaker and devoted caretaker of her family. She was a loving woman with a heart of gold who found deep comfort in her faith, caring for her loved ones, and spending quiet time outdoors enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Elsie was known for her intelligence, quick wit, and a sense of humor that could catch anyone off guard. She expressed her love through giving, nurturing ways and took great joy in cooking, gardening, sewing, reading, and simply being with her family. To many she was affectionately known as “Gam.”

Elsie is survived by her brothers, JB Moore and Jack Moore; her children, Bill Collins (June), Trish Brown, Fred Collins (Junko), and Jerry Collins (Janice); 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and several siblings. Those who knew Elsie will always cherish the gift of her presence and the many memories she leaves behind in their hearts.