Marie Ann Collett
On Saturday, August 20 2022, Marie Ann Collett’s faith became sight as she was welcomed into the arms of her Savior at the age of 86. She is now dancing on the streets that are golden where there is no pain or suffering. Marie is reunited with her Father, Anthony William Rhodus, Mother Eda Margaret Rhodus, and Sister Alice Minnie Black. Her two daughters, Myra Carlson (Rick-Husband) and Tina Collett, will carry on in this world that is now behind her. Marie’s legacy will extend to her grandchildren: Carissa Davis (Andrew-Husband), Trevor Thurman (Desirae Murphy-SO), Ryan Carlson, Troy Thurman (Natosha-Wife), Leandra Landis-Valley(Marten Husband}, and Atli Thurman. Marie’s heritage will live on in her eight great grandchildren: Brooke-Lynne Thurman (14), Hunter Thurman (12), Cora Thurman (10), and Peyton Thurman (6), Olivia Davis (7), Maverick Davis (5), Thea Davis, (3) and, Hendrix Davis (1). Her nephews, Sean McConnell and Travis Black, will also remember their Aunt (Reeree) with fondness.
Marie studied home economics at the University of Missouri and was a talented seamstress. Her skills and sewing techniques were taught to her children and countless others through 4-H clubs and personal sewing instruction. She designed and constructed countless costumes for Christmas pageants and various plays. Her sewing skills were creatively expressed in the art of quilt making. For special family occasions or church events, her homemade cakes and cookies were almost too beautiful to eat - almost because they were so absolutely yummy.
As an active member of the 1st Christian Church in Newport Oregon, Marie served as a Sunday School teacher and VBS organizer. She supported and engaged with Good News Clubs in the community that reached out to children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Marie (and her husband Loyd Collett) extended their home to many foster children who were rescued from dangerous circumstances, given a place of refuge, and received the care they desperately needed. Their home was a welcome spot for family, friends, and even strangers. During the 1970’s, while living very close to highway 101 in Waldport Oregon, hitchhikers occasionally knocked on her door looking for a place to stay. You guessed it. They found a place to spend the night and received a hot “home cooked” meal. It sure felt like the word on the street was that there was a green colored house just beyond the seawall on the east side of the highway that would take you in; but with discretion, weary travelers were given a place to stay.
During her retirement years, Marie was an intentional and detailed home health caregiver. Going above and beyond the required duties, she improved the quality of life for those she cared for. Selflessly, the hope of Christ was shared through meaningful companionship, specialized activities, and personally prepared nutritional meals for those fortunate enough to be her clients.
Marie brought joy and sparkle to the Menionate Village Nursing home in Albany Oregon where her sunset years concluded. She was adored by the staff there who spoke of the sweet friendship they had with her. We are truly grateful for the care she received as she was treated like family.