Marilyn Van Blair

Marilyn F. Van Blair, 84, of Fowler, Illinois passed away at 11:20 a.m. on July 4, 2024, at her home. She was born at home near Fowler, Illinois on December 12, 1939, to Lloyd and Irene (Fleer) Dedert. Marilyn was raised on the farm outside of Fowler. She attended Fowler Grade School and was a 1957 graduate of Unity High School in Mendon, Illinois. She met the love of her life in High School and was married to Leo “Dean” Van Blair on September 28, 1957, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Fowler. He preceded her in death on July 11, 2015.

She enjoyed raising her family of three children, Randall Dean, Jill Lynn and Steven Lee. Marilyn was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ and worked within the church on many committees and as a Sunday School teacher and Bible School teacher. She served on the Ursa Retreat House Board and volunteered at the Community for Christ Center located in Camp Point, Illinois. She worked at Adams County Abstract and Title Company, Sears Roebuck, Art Craft Company, and Unit 4 School System. 

After retirement, Dean and Marilyn traveled to Texas, Out West, and Alaska. But her happiest times were spent with family and friends.

Marilyn leaves behind her children, Randy (Peggy) Van Blair of Fowler, Illinois. Jill (Kent) Deege of Quincy, Illinois, and Steven (Michele) Van Blair of Fowler, Illinois; grandchildren, Sara (Will) Mitchell, Neil (Brandy) Deege, Justin (Michelle) Deege, Tyler (Danielle Sutton)Van Blair, and Cody (LeAnn) Kaylor; great grandchildren, Zachary Dean, Makynzee and Harley Van Blair, Mason, Brooklyn, Ava, and Connor Deege, Rayland and Hanley Kaylor, Andrew Strieker, Mikayla Sutton and Faythe Kelley; sisters and brothers, Sandy Kretzer, Karen Likes and Cheryl (Larry) Burwinkel, Ronnie (Vicky) Van Blair. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Likes, Bill Kretzer, Russell (Marilyn) Van Blair, Marjorie (Rollie) Moore, Carlene (Jack) Douglas.

A Memorial Service honoring Marilyn’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the St. Paul United Church of Christ, located in Fowler, Illinois, with Rev. Dixie Croxton to officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private Inurnment will be held at a later date at the New Providence Cemetery, near Ursa, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Ursa Retreat House and St. Paul United Church of Christ.

You are invited to share memories and leave condolences at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com

You are invited to view Floral Tributes at: https://my.gather.app/remember/marilyn-van-blair

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