Jane Collier (1921-2021)

COLLIER, WATSON, MILLER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/29/2021 at 17:51:43

Jane Elizabeth Collier died peacefully at her home in Bettendorf, Iowa on Thursday, October 28, 2021. A graveside service will be held in her honor at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021, at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg, IL. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com

Jane was born on September 14, 1921 in Elma, Iowa to Frank and Anne Watson. She and her brothers, Tom and Herb, were raised on a farm during the Depression. Upon graduation from high school, Jane's "city aunts" came up with the money to send her to beauty school in Chicago. After she earned her beautician license, Jane moved to Davenport and learned to roller skate which changed the course of her life.

Jane met Bob Collier at the local roller rink. The two were later married in San Antonio, Texas at the military base where Bob was temporarily stationed during WW2. Bob was released from the Air Force four years later, and the couple relocated in Waterloo, Iowa where they opened a roller rink under a tent. Later, they moved to Galesburg, Illinois to build and operate the Grand Roller Rink.

Bob and Jane had one daughter, Julie, born in 1960. After Julie's birth, Jane's primary focus was on raising the couple's only child. Jane remained in Galesburg until age 95. At that time, she moved to Bettendorf to be near her daughter and the rest of her family.

Jane was uncommonly kind. She was tender-hearted and saw the best in everyone and everything. Jane was funny and self-deprecating. She sometimes called herself "Calamity Jane" -- a name she lived up to from time to time -- especially when automobiles were involved. Jane was a creative and accomplished artist. Jane was a clever problem solver. For example, at age 99 she found a spider in her home. She knew the spider would be faster than she was so she "gave him a shot of hair spray" to slow him down and then finished him off with her shoe.

Jane loved her family to the stars and beyond. She was her daughter's number - one fan, adored her grandchildren, and thought her great grandson was the "cutest thing on two wheels".

Jane is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Anne Watson, her brothers, Tom and Herb, and her husband Bob. Living relatives include her daughter Julie Miller (Pete), granddaughter Ann Hemberger (Jackson), grandson Drew Miller (Cara) and great grandson Everett.

There are no words to express the family's gratitude for those who attended Jane's 100 year birthday celebration, - cared for her - and came to visit during her last days.

Jane's exceptionally positive outlook and her quick wit will be so dearly missed by those who love her.