Marilyn Kay Witzel, 86, of Irvington passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Cedarhurst of Centralia.
She was born on August 8, 1937, the daughter of Leo Ross and Josephine Mae (Bartlett) Imhoff in Murphysboro. She married the love of her life, Darrell R. Witzel on February 6, 1960, in Irvington and he preceded her in death on December 10, 2003.
Survivors include her cherished grandchildren, Samantha Correll (Robert Longman) of Centralia, Katelyn (Dalton) Wilkerson of Ashley, Nikki (Jeff) Stevens of Montana, and Josh (Mandy) Bevil of Richview; great-grandchildren, Talan Bevil, Azlynn Bevil, Ellyzabeth Correll, Vyctoria Correll, Chloe Correll, Caedric Correll, Colter Wilkerson and expecting baby boy Wilkerson in February; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Along with her beloved husband of 42 years, Darrell Witzel, Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Wakeford; her infant brothers, Paul B. Imhoff, and Allen J. Imhoff; and her son, Kevin Witzel.
Marilyn was a loyal employee of AT&T, working as an operator for 13 years. She was a member of Greenview Christian Church, where she offered support and encouragement to those in need and cared for the children who attended daycare there. Marilyn was known as an important part of the backbone of the church. She was proud to provide a nutritious meal for the students while working as a cook for New Horizon Christian School. She also shared her culinary talents while cooking for the residents of a Cila House in Carlyle. Never one to stay out of the kitchen long, her downtime would find her cooking amazing meals and baking delicious treats for her family. Some of her friends and family’s favorites included macaroni and tomatoes, chicken and dumplings, apple butter, and her signature peanut rolls. She was honored to share her recipes with her grandchildren and teach them how to cook from the heart of her home, her kitchen. Marilyn loved to enjoy a dinner out from time to time where she could slow down and share good food and conversations with friends and family. She was an independent lady, who could take care of any obstacle that came her way and was so grateful to live in Irvington, independently on her own until 2019. Marilyn will be remembered for her sassy sense of humor and the laughter that surrounded her as a loving grandmother and a faithful friend. Those who were able to do life with her are grateful for the time spent and memories made together.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Greenview Christian Church in Centralia with Pastor John Klockenga officiating. Interment will follow at Fouts Christian Church Cemetery in Centralia, IL. Family and friends are welcome to a visitation on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Greenview Christian Church in Centralia from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made in Marilyn’s honor to the Greenview Christian Church’s building fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories of Marilyn may be shared with her family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
