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Visitation: 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Graveside Ceremony & Burial: Elmwood Cemetery in Flora
Marilyn K. Staley, age 78, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 19, 2023, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
She was born December 30, 1944, the daughter of Marlin E. and Nancy Ellen (Payne) Gilley. She was united in marriage to Gary W. Staley on March 6, 1966, in Troy, Missouri, and together they shared 27 wedding anniversaries until his passing September 12, 1993.
Marilyn had retired after working at Hella Manufacturing. Family was very dear to Marilyn’s heart and she enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, and watching Cardinals baseball. In the past Marilyn had attended the First Baptist Church in Flora.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Sarah Taylor Watson of Red Bud and Connor Eugene Miller of Flora; her son-in-law: Gene Miller of Flora; siblings: Buddy (Verna) Gilley of Alhambra and Janet Wilkin of Pennsylvania; an aunt; and a number of cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Gary Staley; a daughter: Teri Lynn Miller; and 2 sisters: Beverly Gilley and Nancy McKnelly.
A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A graveside ceremony and burial will immediately follow the visitation at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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So sorry for your loss. I've known Marilyn for over 60 years, she was a fun loving lady that put her family first. She will be missed by many. Prayers of comfort for all the family and friends.
So sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a 1st cousin of mine. I know she's in a better place now and reunited with family. Prayers of comfort for family and friends
Buddy, Janet, Gene, Connor and other family members, I am deeply saddened by Marilyn's passing. Marilyn & I shared many great times together growing up, as cousins often do. We shared many joys and sorrows along the way and while I know family is hurting over her loss, we must also be happy that she is once again joined with other family members who have passed before her. She can finally be at peace now. Comforting prayers for all the family. God Bless you, Marilyn.
When I would go see my dad at Flora Gardens, Marilyn would always be at the door, Sometimes, in a good mood, and sometimes not. But there was not one time that I didn’t get a smile, by joking with her and asking her questions about her family and also working at Hella. Some days she would remember some days she would not, a lot like my dad. She was one feisty lady that, that I loved very much. I am so very fortunate that I got to meet her and enjoy her company like I did. I remember I left one day and went to Walmart to get my dad some things, while I was there, it was around Easter, and I got her a large, multicolored bunny rabbit. I had them hide it at the desk and I said hey Marilyn, come here she said no, I said, what do you mean no? get over here I got something for you. I said, will you lift your feet up so I can push it to the desk? Well I guess. So I pushed her up there and Deborah had that bunny rabbit still in the bag and I said close your eyes, when she opened up, there was a bunny rabbit that I was holding because I had bought it for her. She started crying and of course I did too, she said this is for me, and I said yes it is she said why and I said I love you, you make my day when I see you at the door. She gave me a hug, and I gave her a big one back and a kiss on the cheek. Fly high, my friend, I know you will meet my mom and I know one day you will see my dad again as well. Thank you for being my friend as well as my dad’s.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
