Ellen R. Collins

Ellen R. Collins, 78, passed away on September 14, 2026.

Ellen built a life around learning, athletics, adventure, and family. She graduated from Garden City High School and went on to earn her undergraduate Degree from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Education from Trent State. She worked as a teacher in many different schools, and she took particular pride in her work teaching for the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton, where her care and commitment made a lasting difference to many lives and families.

She brought that same energy to every part of her life. Ellen was a huge sports fan and an enthusiastic participant, with a special love for University of Notre Dame sports and Army football. She played college basketball at the University of Dayton and field hockey at Garden City High School, and she remained active through the years as a golfer and bowler. She also spent many years as a swim and diving coach. Travel was another of her great joys, taking her to Ireland, Chile, Barcelona, Spain, and throughout the United States. Through it all, her greatest love was her family.

Ellen is survived by her friend and companion, Grace Rodehaver, and the extended Rodehaver family. She is also survived by her three brothers, Michael J. Collins (Jane, deceased), William J. Collins (Lynn), and Kevin G. Collins (Diane). Her family circle includes seven nieces, Kieran Clifford, Deirdre E. Clifford (Kerim), Justine Clifford-Stack (John R), Mary Katherine Collins, Kelly Marie Collins, Jacqueline Collins (David), and Kristen Osterfeld (Justin), as well as three nephews, Michael Clifford (Angela), Kevin Clifford (Laura), and Jamie Collins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Clifford (Michael); her father, William Collins; her mother, Marie Collins; and her nephews, Michael Collins Jr. and Jonathan Collins.

Visitation will be held on September 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering, 3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, Ohio 45439. A prayer service will follow there at 4:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held Monday September 21, 2026, from 12:00-3:00PM at Brock Masterson's Catering & Events, (101 E. Alex Bell Blvd. Centerville (Dayton) Oh 45459, 937-298-1234). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at a later date. Ellen will be laid to rest at her family's space at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in New York.

Ellen will be remembered for her competitive spirit, her love of the game, her devotion to teaching, and the warmth she carried for the people closest to her. But most especially she will be remembered for her deep and unabiding love for her family. Ellen was the best humanity has to offer. She lived with heart, and she will be deeply missed.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton, (1828 W Stewart St, Dayton, OH 45417).To share a memory of Ellen or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.