Ellen Phelps Collins, age 79 of Gulfport, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Madison "Mack" Phelps and Millie Olivia Graves Phelps; her sister, Mignonette Phelps Bang and her brother, James Lafayette Phelps.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Boyce O. Collins; her daughters, Kimberly (Todd) Ladner and Susan (Shannon) Sumrall; her grandchildren, Alyssa O. Taylor, Christopher T. (Ashley) Ladner, II, Matthew B. Ladner and Andrew M. Ladner; one great grandchild, Christopher T. Ladner, III and her sister, Betty Phelps (Clyde) Hester.

Ellen was born and raised in Gulfport, where she graduated from Gulfport High School in 1964. She later attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, earning her associate degree.

Following graduation in the late '60's, Ellen held several positions throughout her life, including serving proudly as an airline stewardess for Southern Airways, working as a tour guide at Jefferon Davis Beauvoir Shrine, and at Busch Jewelry.

On November 5, 1970, she married Boyce, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Ellen spent much of her life working alongside Mr. Boyce at Collins Filter, helping grow and support the family business with dedication and pride.

She loved painting, reading, and caring for wildlife, especially feeding birds, rabbits, and squirrels. Above all, she cherished time with her family and found her greatest happiness in being a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was always present and involved in the lives and activities of those she loved most.

Graveside service will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Free Church of God Cemetery, Gulfport, with visitation beginning at 4:00 pm at the cemetery. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .