Marian Collins

Marian Afton Blaylock Collins, 93, of Clearfield, Utah, passed away August 1, 2020, at her home.

Marian was born April 5, 1927, in Vallejo, California, to LeRoi Berrett Blaylock and Agnes Christina Johnson Blaylock. The daughter of a US Naval officer, Marian’s family moved quite often, which taught her the ability to adapt and make friends wherever she went.  She graduated from high school in New Jersey then attended Weber College and finished up at Utah State University with a degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for a short time, and then married Keith Leon Collins, whom she had met when she was 16 years old, in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 18, 1951. They had four children: Brian LeRoi and Gregory Keith, who both died in infancy, and Eric David and Christina Gay. Marian worked side-by-side with Keith in the greenhouse and nursery business in Idaho and California until they retired in 2010. Keith and Marian were married for 62 years.

Marian was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love, devotion, sacrifice, faith, and dedication to her children, husband and grandchildren knew no bounds. Indeed, she is the epitome of Proverbs 31: 28: "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." She taught her children how to work hard and well and to never do less than their absolute best. She instilled in them, by her example, deep faith and reliance upon our Savior, Jesus Christ.   

Marian was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite calling was working in the Primary, and she felt a deep responsibility in helping to prepare the children she taught for baptism– so much so, that before moving to Utah in 2010, Marian spent 30 plus years (at her own request) teaching the 7-8-year-olds in the Chowchilla Branch of the Merced California Stake. Marian's influence on the world was small but mighty, and the world is better for her having been in it.  

Marian is survived by her loving children, Eric Collins of Littleton, CO, and Christina (Steven) Pay of Price, UT; grandchildren, James (Maggie) Tracy of West Haven, UT, Bethany (Taylor) Forest of Ogden, UT, Kaitlyn (Austin) Ipson of Hurricane, UT, Danica (Matt) Nungary, Katrina Collins, Justin (Marissa) Collins all of Madera, CA; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Leon Collins; sons, Brian LeRoi Collins and Gregory Keith Collins; her parents, Leroi and Agnes; brother, Byron LeRoi Blaylock; sister, Helen Jeanne Blaylock; and her “blue-eyed” grand-daughter, Holly Danielle Tracy.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.