Mildred Helen Collier

Mildred Helen Collier, 100, passed away at Franklin Park in Boerne, Texas, on December 1, 2025. She is best remembered as a pioneer in the field of women-owned businesses, a path that was virtually unheard of at the time.

Mildred was born on February 19, 1925, in Bandera, Texas, the daughter of Helen and Albert Jureczki, and a proud descendant of Leonard and Rosa Jureczki, among the first Polish settlers to arrive in Bandera in the 1850s.

On September 9, 1943, Mildred married Eldon Collier in Hondo, Texas, while Eldon was serving in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, the couple embarked on a variety of business ventures along the Southern Rocky Mountain front. In 1968, they settled in Green River, Wyoming, where they founded Northwest Homes, Ironhorse Bar & Saloon, and Collier Drywall. Together, they worked as partners and helped shape the development of Green River. In the late 1970s, they purchased Winans Creek Ranch in Bandera, Texas, which Mildred and her brother Frank continued to operate until her final days.

After Eldon’s passing in 1981, Mildred carried on his vision, keeping his legacy alive for decades until returning to Texas in 2019. Her success in business allowed her to travel widely and support numerous organizations. In Eldon’s memory, she established the Tradesmen Foundation, which provides scholarships to aspiring tradesmen in Wyoming. A strong-willed businesswoman, entrepreneur, and community leader, Mildred’s legacy will be remembered for generations.

A devout Catholic, Mildred generously supported Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Church in Green River. Her contributions enabled Saint Stanislaus to complete the limestone wall around the old cemetery, among many other projects. Her deep faith and generosity are also evident in the scholarship program she established for students attending the Hill Country colleges who are pursuing ministry degrees. Through this legacy, she ensured that future generations would be supported in answering their call to serve.

In February 2025, Mildred celebrated her 100th birthday at the Flying L Ranch Resort, where she was honored with a proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.

Though Mildred and Eldon never had children, they treated their nieces and nephews as their own. She is survived by her brother, Frank Jureczki and partner Peggy Lloyd of Bandera, Texas, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Collier; parents Albert and Helen Jureczki; brothers Leo Jureczki, Lloyd Jureczki, Jerry Stratton, and Richard Jureczki; sister Beatrice Laskowski; and infant twin sisters.

Visitation will be held at Bandera Funeral Chapel on Monday, December 8th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. following with rosary. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 9th at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bandera, Texas. Mildred will be laid to rest in the old church cemetery beside her husband, Eldon Collier, with a luncheon to follow the graveside services. The Immaculate Conception Church in Green River, Wyoming will also recognize her passing during Sunday service.

Pallbearers include John Jureczki, Steve Jureczki, Jacob Jureczki, Kenny D’Spain, and Rodney D’Spain. Honorary pallbearers are David Gregory, Edward Laskowski, Rudy Jamie, Tommy Laskowski, Ricky Jureczki, and Phillip Jureczki.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Franklin Park and New Century Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided throughout her final years and days.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.