Mariann Wrone, 73, of Effingham, Illinois, formerly of Centralia, passed away on the evening of Thursday, February 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Centralia, Illinois, on September 24, 1951, the daughter of Augustus “Gus” and Mary Sanders, Mariann was a special person with a compassionate spirit, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. As the most amazing mother, she instilled values such as confidence, independence, empathy, and perseverance that her children will continue to embody as part of her enduring legacy. As a grandmother, she adored, more than anything else, watching her granddaughter, Tinley Kate Patton, grow from a tiny infant into a beautiful young woman. As a friend to so many, she demonstrated the true meaning of unconditional love and was one of the best friends anyone could ever have. As the owner of a fitness club, Mariann provided motivation and inspiration for people to push beyond their limits and to realize their true potential. As a devoted caregiver, she developed deep connections with her clients by always putting their well-being ahead of her own and by admirably caring for her mother with unwavering grace. As a busy-body with endless energy, Mariann loved cooking way too much for any meal, ensuring there were leftovers for everyone to take home; baking the most delicious holiday treats that filled creatively crafted baskets and platters; crocheting baby blankets; and soaking up joy from all of the plants and animals in her surroundings. She found infinite beauty in the simple things of life and was known for long (invariably extremely long) talks with friends and family. While her children and others regularly teased her about her stories and the way she would strike up conversations with anyone, the sound of her voice with the loving thoughtfulness in the words she spoke will be greatly missed and remembered forever.
Mariann is survived by her children, son Jason Wrone and daughter Jennifer Patton (husband Nick) both of Effingham, Illinois; granddaughter Tinley Kate Patton of Effingham, Illinois; brother Michael Sanders (wife Jo) of Marshall, Illinois and their children James Sanders, Evan Sanders and Nis Lovstad (daughter Elizabeth Lovstad and son Hunter Lovstad); and her favorite cousin Allen Jackson (wife Barb) of Marietta, Georgia.
The Wrone family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Wade, Dr. Dy, and the incredible team at Crossroads Cancer Center for giving Mariann more time with the ones she loved most and to the staff of Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for providing peace and comfort.
Memorial Services for Mariann Wrone will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the time of service on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fear Nothing (an Effingham, Illinois organization providing support for cancer patients and their families), CCSI Foundation (to benefit patients at Crossroads Cancer Center in Effingham, Illinois), or just take a few moments of each day to spread random acts of kindness and give a meaningful hug to those held dearest. Condolence cards and memorial donations will be received through Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
