Martha Collier Obituary

Martha Collier

Jun 17, 1935 - Jan 18, 2026

Bellevue

Martha J. (Kinloch) Smarsh Collier of Bellevue, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, surrounded by her family. Martha was born June 17, 1935, in Amherst, the only daughter of the late John McIntosh and Alice (Sabiers) Kinloch Wilson.

Martha was a 1953 graduate of Amherst High School. Over the years, she was employed as a secretary at Rigid Tool Co. in Elyria, as a loan officer at Bellevue Federal Credit Union, and as a secretary for the former S.E. Johnson Companies, based in Maumee, while working in its Parkertown, Ohio, division office.

Martha Collier lived a life rich with heritage, friendship, and quiet pride. Splitting her time between her beloved home and the warm coastal community of Tarpon Springs, Florida, she embraced each place with a full heart. While in Tarpon Springs, she found laughter, companionship, and a circle of women who cherished her spirit.

Martha was deeply proud of her Scottish roots. She carried her ancestry with grace and gratitude, often traveling to Scotland to visit family and reconnect with the traditions she cherished. Her maiden name, Kinloch, meaning king of the lake, was a source of quiet pride and a reminder of the heritage she held close to her heart.

She loved sharing stories from her family's past, especially her connection to Benajah Wolcott, the respected first Marblehead Lighthouse keeper. His steadfast dedication and resilience inspired her deeply, and she spoke of him with admiration and affection.

Martha also had a lifelong love of garage sales, a pastime she enthusiastically embraced since the 1960s. She delighted in the hunt for hidden treasures and the simple joy of discovering something with a story behind it. Martha was also a life-long member of Amherst Congregational United Church of Christ.

Martha is survived by her husband of 34 years, Kenneth H. Collier; sons, David (Cindy) Smarsh of Bucyrus and John (Gina) Smarsh of Vickery; grandson, Michael (Jenn Buffington) Payne of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania; stepsons, William "Bill" Collier and Thomas (Paula) Collier; stepdaughters, Cheryl (Mike) Gfell, Karen (Jeff) Wiedemann, and Marcia (Ron) Poland; 14 stepgrandchildren; 20 stepgreat-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Martha is preceded in death by her late husband, Joseph Smarsh, who passed away in 1984; stepfather, Herbert Wilson; stepdaughter, Deborah (Don) Reising; one stepgrandson; and one stepgreat-grandchild.

Per Martha's wishes, there will be no visitation. Private graveside services and burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery, Amherst, at a later date.

Foos and Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue, OH 44811, is in care of arrangements.