Mariellen Collins was born to William (Bill) and Marie Batson in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma on August 13, 1935. She grew up in Wewoka, Oklahoma and was very active in numerous Wewoka High School social and civic clubs. She was also an all-state alto saxophone player.

Mariellen attended college for 1 year at Monticello and a second year at The University of Oklahoma. She married the love of her life, Jess Collins, in June of 1967 where they blended her 3 children, David, Allison and Steven with Jess's 4 children, Kathy, Peggy, Mike and Linda into one big family. The couple both loved to travel, fish and make music. They sang together for 5 years in the Boston Avenue Methodist Church Choir and were active members of the Tulsa and Claremore Community bands for more than 20 years. In 1970 they established a weekend retreat on Grand Lake where they would spend most weekends enjoying time with their friends and family, riding motorcycles and fishing. They also loved going to New Mexico and Colorado where they would ride their twin Honda trail 90's into the back country on the scenic forest service roads.

Mariellen worked as a Personnel Manager for Crain Carrier Corporation from 1966 to 1975. She then went to work as the HR Director for Scott Rice in 1975. In 1979 Jess and Mariellen took early retirement together and moved full time into their weekend home on Grand Lake in Disney, Oklahoma. Mariellen wanted to stay busy so she spent 4 years working as the Disney town clerk and another 10 years working (more like playing) alongside one of her best friends, Regina, at The Acorn (a gift and home decor shop). She was also very active in the local Garden and Bridge clubs. She was an avid reader and wrote many columns for the local newspaper. Mariellen was a rabid Sooner. She spent many Saturday's with her dear friends Claudia and Owen watching OU Football. Watching an OU game with Mariellen was quite the experience!

Mariellen was preceded in life by her parents, her husband, her beloved daughter Allison and her beloved step-daughter Kathy. She leaves behind 2 son's, David Clay and Steven Collins, 2 step-daughters, Linda Murray and Peggy Bell, a step-son, Michael Collins, 15 grandchildren and, at last count, 20 great-grandchildren.

Mariellen spent the last 6 years of her life in the memory care unit at Franciscan Villa in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where she was one of the most beloved residents. The entire staff adored her. She was forever smiling, and, while she still could speak, always had a kind word for others. Mariellen will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Graveside Services for Mariellen Collins will be 2:30PM, Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

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