Olive Collins

Olive Collins, age 87, of North Judson, Indiana, passed away on January 29, 2026. Olive was born on September 29, 1938, in Salyersville, Kentucky, to the late Henry Rowe and Ida (Cole) Rowe. On July 9, 1955, in North Judson, she married A. B. Collins. Olive’s life was steeped in her faith and her family. Music was a defining part of her life. As a founding member of the gospel group “The Rowe Family,” she traveled throughout the Midwest for nearly 30 years singing the gospel. Through song, she shared her faith and joy, touching countless lives. Her love of music was passed down through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her musical legacy continues through her family today. Known to many as Aunt Ollie, she expressed her love through her cooking. She was a true perfectionist in the kitchen. Known for tape-measuring servings to ensure everything was just right, her attention to detail became legendary among family and friends. Her kitchen was a place of love, tradition, and unforgettable meals. Olive poured her love into her family, especially her grandchildren, and extended that love to her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. She cherished the connections she had with everyone around her and made a lasting impression on all who knew her through her kindness, generosity, and warmth. Olive is survived by her two sons, Greg (Edie) Collins and Jeff Collins, and her daughter, Donna (Ron) Faris. She was a loving grandmother to five grandsons, Joel (Tracy) Collins, Nathan Faris, Eric Faris, Austin (Miranda) Faris, and Zach (Amanda) Collins, and a cherished Grammy to six great-grandchildren, Bradley (Collins), Leeland, Lydian, Bryiar, Axel, and Mileena (Meena) Faris. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, A. B. Collins; her parents, Henry Rowe and Ida Rowe; her sisters, Tressie Jordan, Ivory Fugate, Hester Rowe, Alberta Minix, and Naomi Rudd; her brothers, Aaron Rowe, David Rowe, Mike Rowe, and Abe Rowe; and her grandsons, Jonathan Collins, Christopher Collins, and Justin Collins. Funeral services will be held at O’Donnell Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in North Judson, Indiana.

Olive Collins

September 29, 1938 - January 29, 2026