Kathryn "Kay" Collier Obituary

Kathryn Jeannette Christian, the daughter of Sylvan W. Christian and Velma Elwick Christian, was born on August 26, 1926, in Traer, Iowa. A graduate of Elgin High School, she earned a degree in sociology at Iowa State in 1948. On August 7, 1949, she married Burton Collier, whom she met at the Wesley Foundation at Collegiate Methodist Church in Ames. She and Burton lived in Evanston, IL during his three years at Garrett Theological Seminary.

Kay taught high school in Garner, IA, before her marriage and later was a substitute teacher in the communities in which they served in various Methodist pastorates. For fifteen years, she was employed in the office of the Industrial Commissioner of the State of Iowa. She also served as office supervisor at the Black Hawk County Department of Human Services in Waterloo.
Burton and Kay served Methodist congregations in Luther-Napier, Lenox, Jefferson, Granger, at Windsor United Methodist Church in Des Moines, and at the Western Home Retirement Community in Cedar Falls. As a pastor’s wife, she enjoyed the varied duties that were part of that role, including teaching Sunday school, leading teacher training sessions, working in the United Methodist Women’s organization, and participating in community groups.

Kay retired and moved to Des Moines in 1987 and in 2003 she joined the Wesley Acres Retirement Community. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church as a Stephen leader and a member of the Builders’ Sunday School Class. Additionally, she was a member of the American Association of University Women, Chapter GH of P.E.O., and Wesley Acres Guild.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Burton, and sister and brother-in-law, Betty Christian Bell and Bob Bell. She is survived by her children, David Collier (Aimee Beckmann-Collier) of Des Moines and Jane Collier Arden (Richard Arden) of Yucaipa, CA, as well as two grandchildren, John Collier and Brett Adams, and great-grandchild, Ezra Cruz-Adams.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, followed by refreshments and time to greet the family. Burial of the cremains will take place later that day in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton, Iowa.

Livestream link available here https://youtu.be/_uwjzrI-dZY

Memorials may be directed to Wesley Acres Good Samaritan Fund.

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