Emily H. (Pontius) Collier

Emily H. Collier 87 of Rootstown died peacefully at home on June 2, 2010 after an extended illness. She was born August 2, 1922 in Akron, Ohio to the late Earl and Anna (Kuba) Pontius. Emily graduated from Stow High School in 1940, and then went to Hamel Business College in Akron, where she met her future husband Walter Collier. They were married in 1946 and had a daughter Kim. She and Walter moved to Rootstown in 1957, and Emily started a 31 year career at Rootstown Schools, serving as secretary first to the high school principal then to the superintendent. She loved her job and the people she worked with remained loyal friends. Emily loved her life, her smile, laughter, honesty and dedication were hallmarks of her personality. She loved to ride her lawnmower, walk on the beach, go to horse races , going out to eat, and never tired of trying something new. Survivors include her daughter Kim Collier, sister Doris Rose and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter in 1992. The class of 1940 and her neighbors have been steadfast in their support and have done so much to make it easier for her to remain at home. Cremation has taken place, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel with Rev. Bill Davis officiating. Private burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg. The family would like to thank Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice for their support over the past 2 years; they have been a valuable resource and wonderful help. Emily was dearly loved and will be missed.