Mendy Collins

MARION — Mendy Jo Richard – Collins, 35, passed away at 11:02 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at her residence. She was born March 8, 1974, in Herrin, to Gary Richard and Phyllis (Crowell) Nelson. Mendy was a loving, caring and compassionate person. She was a mother, daughter and a sister, as well as a best friend to many. Mendy is survived by her husband, Damon Collins of Marion; two children, Dylan and Kelsey Collins of Marion; two sisters, Melody Knusta and her husband, Ken Knusta, of Herrin and Monica Pera and her husband, J.P., of New York; and nieces and nephews, Chase, Trent and Avery Knusta of Herrin and Nathan, Wren and Brianna Gaddis of New York. She was preceded in death by her father, Gary R. Richard of Herrin; stepfather, Jon Nelson of Herrin; and Godparents, Charles and Delores Jones of Herrin. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, in Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin. Burial will be in Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Aug. 22, 2009, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help offset the cost of services. Donations can be made directly to Van Natta Funeral Home, 427 S. Park Ave., Herrin, Il, 62948.