FRANKLIN, IN.
Jonella (Collins) Salyers, 51, of Franklin, IN passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, IN.
She was born June 11, 1971, in Columbus, IN to Charles and Anita (Keith) Collins. Jonella married Mitchell W. Salyers on October 7, 1995, at the Scipio United Methodist Church in Scipio, IN; he survives.
She was a 1989 graduate of Jennings County High School and received her bachelor’s degree in business, with a minor in English from Hanover College in 1993.
She, alongside her husband Mitch, owned and operated Kid City Academy in Franklin, IN for 14 years. Jonella served as the center’s director during that time period and poured her time into enriching the lives of students and families of KCA.
Jonella was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, IN. She enjoyed spending time at Ft. Myers Beach, walking in the sand. Jonella especially enjoyed walking and gardening, listening to wind chimes and watching hummingbirds. She always felt the need to challenge herself setting goals for adventures such as zip-lining, parasailing, and Broadway series. In 2022, she completed another task on her bucket list of taking a hot-air balloon ride with her kids. To further give her a push for achievement, Jonella participated in fifteen 5K walks in 2022 and completed her most recent in March of 2023 with a race to fund autism in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Survivors include her husband Mitch Salyers of Franklin, IN, her children Jonah B. Salyers, Jaynie K. Salyers, Jobey L. Salyers, Judah M. Salyers and Josee M. Salyers, her parents Charles and Anita (Keith) Collins of North Vernon, IN, a sister Jennifer Laman (Greg) of North Vernon, IN and her father-in-law Merrill Salyers of North Vernon, IN.
She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Joyce (Bentley) Salyers and both sets of grandparents.
Dr. Jenothy Irvine will conduct a celebration of life memorial service at 11AM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Street in Franklin, IN. The family will receive friends from 9AM until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Fort Myers Beach Women’s Club Inc. at www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JSYDD36ZGGBAG .
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN 46131 is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.