Phyllis Irene Collins

Phyllis Irene Reed Mulford Collins, 91, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2021 at McKee Medical Center under the wonderful care of Pathways Hospice. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Phyllis was born to Lester and Lillian (Myrton) Reed of Independence, Iowa on March 11, 1930 in Stanley, Iowa. She graduated from high school in Stanley, Iowa in 1947, and then she received a two-year elementary education degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. Phyllis began her teaching career following her graduation at a country school near Jessup, Iowa where she taught primary grades. Phyllis met her future husband, Dean Earl Mulford, during high school, and they were married on May 28, 1950. They were blessed with three children, Marcia Eileen, Craig Dean, and Marilyn Jo. Dean passed away in August 1967 after a tragic car accident. Phyllis returned to school at Upper Iowa University in 1968, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in education. Upon her graduation, she became a Head Start teacher in Mason City for eight years. Phyllis was blessed with another husband when she married Ray Collins on November 5, 1975. Phyllis and Ray moved to Loveland, Colorado in 1979. Five grandchildren benefitted from loving daycare at grandpa and grandma’s house from 1979-1991. Phyllis went on to continue taking care of children at the Sunshine House in Loveland for several more years. Phyllis was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Loveland and the Mason City First United Methodist Church. She was an avid Broncos fan and enjoyed watching golf on TV. Phyllis was also a talented knitter and created many garments and blankets over the years. She also enjoyed going to Blackhawk and Jackpot, Nevada in her later years and conservatively played the slot machines. Phyllis is survived by her sister Ione (Jerry) Martin, daughters Marcia (Richard) Fredricey, Marilyn (Chet) Brown, a son, Craig (Terri) Mulford; four grandchildren, Matt (Shelley) Polansky, Chris (Lindsay) Mulford, Bailey Mulford, and Jolee (Micah) Melnick; and five great-granddaughters--Aleah and Lilah Polansky, Riley Jo Polansky, and Grace and Avery Melnick. She was preceded in death by Dean Mulford, Ray Collins, and Mark Polansky, her oldest grandson. Phyllis was cremated, and her remains will be buried with Ray’s in Mason City, Iowa next to Dean. Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice in Memory of Phyllis Collins.