Obituary for Nela Mae McCollum

Nela Mae McCollum

Nela Mae McCollum, 94, Topeka, died Monday, January 1, 2018, at Midland Hospice House. She was born May 19, 1923, in Martin City, MO, the daughter of Walter W. and Maggie Mae (Redpath) Rogers.

Nela graduated from Stanley High School. Before her marriage she worked in the Topeka offices of the Santa Fe Railroad. After raising her family she drove a school bus for Shawnee Heights School District for 27 years. She was a member of East Side Baptist Church for 40 years.

On November 11, 1946, Nela was married to Walter “LeRoy” McCollum, at First Presbyterian Church, Topeka. He preceded her in death on December 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and daughter-in-law, Lora (Robert).

Surviving are three sons: Rodger McCollum (Tina) of North Bend, WA, Robert McCollum of Gardner, KS, and Rodney McCollum of Topeka; five grandchildren: Brandon McCollum (Karen) of Topeka, Jeffrey McCollum (Stacy) of Melbourne, FL, Scott McCollum (Heather) of Reno, NV, Drew McCollum (Melody) of Olympia, WA, and Sarah McCollum (Miquel) of Hypoluxo, FL; eight great-grandchildren: Tyler McCollum (Karen), Austin McCollum (Stacy), Ada McCollum, Kayla McCollum, Kayden McCollum, Ryan McCollum, Emma McCollum, and Carter McCollum; and two great-great-grandchildren: Hudson McCollum and Miles McCollum.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 4, 2018, at East Side Baptist Church, 4425 SE 29th Street, Topeka. Interment will be in Olathe Cemetery.

Nela will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wednesday, at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel 2843 SE Minnesota Avenue, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.