Shari Lynn Collins

Shari Lynn Collins, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, departed this life on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Saint Francis Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of her family, at the age of 67.

Shari was born on October 21, 1958, in Rahway, New Jersey, to Robert Baumgaertel and Bertha (Barclay) Baumgaertel. She later graduated from Wagoner High School in the Class of 1976

On March 1, 1980, she married the love of her life, David Collins Jr. Together, they were blessed with four children: DJ, Matt, Christopher, and Mandi. After David’s unexpected passing on May 16, 1987, Shari remained a devoted single mother and raised her children on her own. She was a wonderful mother who was always present for her children’s activities and events, faithfully supporting them in every season of life. Her strength, dedication, and unwavering love spoke volumes as she worked hard to provide for her family.

Shari was employed as a dietary store room clerk at Wagoner Community Hospital for 16 years, where she made many dear friends. Outside of work, she found joy in gardening and took great pride in raising and caring for her flowers. She also enjoyed crafts, antiques, decorating her home, sitting outside, watching Hallmark movies and Fox News, and spending time with those she loved most. Above all, Shari deeply loved her children and grandchildren. She also treasured the companionship of her Shih Tzu, Max, who was much more than a pet and was truly part of the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Bertha Baumgaertel; her husband, David Collins Jr.; her sisters, Gloria Peterson and Barbara Davies; her father-in-law, David Collins Sr.; and her daughter-in-law, Amber Collins.

Those left to cherish her loving memory are her children, DJ Collins and fiancée, Erica Williams of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Matt Collins and wife, Amanda of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Christopher Collins of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and Mandi Collins of Wagoner, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Makaela, Tylar, Brycen, Gabrielle, Brooklyn, Jesse, Natalie, Grayson, and Remy; her siblings, Bob, Gary, Tim, Sandy, Karen, and Penni, all of New York; and her brothers-in-law, Howard Peterson and Mark Collins; and her beloved fur companion, Max.

Shari will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Visitation will be held in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5-7 pm.

A Celebration of Life honoring the life of Shari Collins will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home. Life Celebrant, Mary Jane Whisnant will officiate.

Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, where Shari will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, David Collins.

The family of Shari Collins has entrusted her care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911