Marilyn Frances Eble

Marilyn Frances Eble, 91, of Altona, Illinois, unexpectedly entered eternal life with the Lord on Sunday morning, July 26, 2026, with her daughter by her side.

Marilyn was born on August 27, 1934, on the family farm near Bradford, Illinois, to Louis and Isabelle (Hawley) Dietz. She married Donald “Buzz” Eble on April 21, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford. They shared 68 years of marriage before Buzz preceded her in death on September 19, 2024.

Marilyn graduated from Bradford High School before earning her nursing degree from OSF St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria. Nursing was more than a profession—it was a calling that touched every aspect of her life. Even on the family farm, she lovingly cared for the most unlikely piglets, warming them on the heat register and feeding them with droppers until they were strong enough to survive.

She began her nursing career in orthopedics while raising four children, all born within a span of five years. Later, she chose to devote herself full-time to her family. Once her children were grown, Marilyn returned to nursing at Toulon Nursing Home, where she served as Director of Nursing. Known for “running a tight ship,” she earned the admiration and gratitude of many, often receiving bouquets of flowers from those whose lives she touched. She later helped establish the skilled nursing unit at Kewanee Hospital, where she remained until her retirement.

Outside of her career, Marilyn embraced many interests and talents. She enjoyed bowling and proudly advanced to the state tournament, even achieving the rare accomplishment of bowling a perfect 300 game. An avid reader with a deep love of family history, she devoted countless hours to genealogy research, tracing generations of her family back to the era of the Declaration of Independence.

Her greatest pride was watching each of her four children graduate from college and grow into caring, successful adults. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved them beyond measure. When she couldn’t see them as often as she wished, she affectionately “adopted” neighborhood children and grandchildren into her life.

Marilyn also found joy in sewing, completing three beautiful quilts and contributing sewing projects that benefited people in developing countries. She loved traveling throughout the United States and also visited the Dominican Republic. Following her husband’s passing, her beloved dog provided her with comfort and faithful companionship. She enjoyed listening to nightly piano music and cherished the lifelong friendships she maintained through monthly lunches with fellow graduates of St. Francis School of Nursing. During the final six months of her life, Marilyn thoughtfully recorded videos for her family, leaving them a priceless gift of her love, wisdom, and memories.

She is lovingly remembered by her four children, Teresa Ellis of Toulon, Gary (Janice) Eble of Tiskilwa, Brian (Beth) Eble of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Mary (Robert) Maskiewicz of Altona; three grandchildren, Nathan Eble, Renee Hathaway, and Dylan Eble; two great-grandchildren, Will Hathaway and Rowan Hathaway; one brother, Ronald Dietz of Cabot, Arkansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald “Buzz” Eble; and her two brothers, Raymond Dietz and Donald Dietz.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bradford, with Monsignor Michael Bliss officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will immediately follow at St. John Cemetery in Bradford.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Nerve Research Foundation at the University of Sydney or the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.