Sylvia Barnett Collins

Visitation: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Eastern Star Memorial Service at 7:15 p.m. followed at 7:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service Celebration of Sylvia's LifeMonday at our Miller & Miller Colonial Chapel & 10 a.m. to service time at the church Tuesday

Services: 11 a.m., Tuesday at Centenary United Methodist Church,14340 Old State Rd., Evansville. Burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville.

Sylvia Barnett Collins, 77, of Evansville, formerly of Boonville, passed away Friday, February 12, 2016 at Transcendent Healthcare of Boonville. Sylvia was born September 21, 1938 in Evansville to Alvin Orby and Lilace Rose (Suit) Barnett, both of whom preceded her in death. Sylvia grew up and spent most of her life in Boonville, attended Ella Williams Elementary School, and graduated from Boonville High School in 1956. She participated in 4-H during her teen years and continued on with the Dayville Home Economics Club and the Boonville Garden Club. Sylvia was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 59 years, most recently a member of the Robert Morris Chapter #87. Sylvia loved her bulldog Pat when growing up and had a special love for her dogs Greta Pup and Benji later in her life. Sylvia was a member of Hemenway Memorial Presbyterian Church and Main Street General Baptist Church during her time in Boonville. She loved to participate in activities with her mother and together they belonged to the Presbyterian Ladies' Aid at Hemenway, where they helped with fundraising activities including Mother Goose Dinners and yard sales. She belonged to the Sewing Club in Boonville with her mother and loved to make Quilts. Sylvia worked as a secretary at Ella Williams Elementary School, a billing clerk at Boonville City Hall, and a teacher's aide at Chandler Elementary School, and various elementary schools in Evansville. Sylvia was an accomplished pianist and organist and played the pipe organ at the family business, Barnett & Son Funeral Home in Boonville. Sylvia enjoyed hosting family gatherings at birthdays, holidays, and other special events and loved making baked goods for everyone. One of Sylvia's favorite activities was participating in an organ club, which involved several members taking turns hosting a monthly gathering where each member took turns playing the organ, then enjoying coffee and desserts. Sylvia always wanted to host the December gathering so she could show off her extensive Santa and Snow Village House collections and serve her famous English Squares and Banana Nut Bread. Sylvia married David O. Collins on May 28, 1982, and moved to Evansville. She and David were members of Central United Methodist Church for many years, and later transferred their membership to Centenary United Methodist Church. Sylvia and David are past members of the Washington Square Knots square dancing club. They loved to square dance and participated as club officers and in dances for many years. David is a Navy veteran, and they both looked forward to traveling around the country and going to the annual USS Parks DD884 Navy Ship Reunions. They both enjoyed the company of others and belonged to several lunch and dinner groups over the years. They also enjoyed traveling, going on several bus tours around the country, and an overseas tour to Germany. While closer to home they enjoyed playing cards with all of their friends. Sylvia is survived by her husband, David O. Collins of Evansville; her children: Gregory C. Betz (Carol) of Evansville, Graden E. Betz (Joan) of Houston, Greta L. Hildebrand (Dan) of Boonville; her stepchildren: Beth Wilkerson (John Soder) of Owensboro, and Mark Collins (Pam) of Evansville. Also surviving are her grandchildren: CPT Grant Betz (Becky), Justin Betz, Matt Smith (Jesse Rich), Megan Hildebrand, Jarod Hildebrand, Aaron Wilkerson (Laura), Reece Collins (Sarah), Audrey Marshall (JR), Damon Collins, and Marissa Artis (Jeremy); and great-grandchildren: Hale Betz, Isabella Betz, Gage Smith, Courtney Austin-Wilkerson, Wyatt Wilkerson, Cash Wilkerson, Barrett Collins, Maren Collins, Ava Marshall, Trey Marshall, and Kyron Artis. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Eastern Star Memorial Service at 7:15 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. with a Prayer Service Celebration of Sylvia's Life, Monday, February 15, 2016 at Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Miller & Miller Colonial Chapel, 100 E. Columbia St., Evansville, Ind., the Rev. Joseph Easley officiating with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 14340 Old State Rd., Evansville, with extra visitation from 10 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. Sympathy wishes to the family may be shared at www.titzerfuneralhomes.com