Evelyn Jean Marriott

URBANA – Evelyn Jean Marriott, 94, of Urbana died at 10 a.m. Friday (Dec. 25, 2015) at home.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1921, on a farm between Paxton and Loda. She was the next-to-youngest of nine children born to Andrew Jackson and Clara Russell King.

She married David Richard Marriott on Dec. 17, 1939. They farmed in the townships of Somer and Stanton all their married life, except for a short time in Indiana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, with the Rev. Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Yearsley Cemetery in rural Urbana. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Evelyn and Richard were the proud parents of five children, Jacqueline (Phil) Nigg, David (Ann) Marriott, Joseph (Jane) Marriott, Debra (David) Knight and Jeffre (Dodie) Marriott; and 11 grandchildren, Randell Nigg, JoEllen Nigg Schultz, Roy Nigg, Emily and Adam Marriott, Levi and John Marriott, Joshua and Nathan Knight, and Tess and Elijah Marriott.

There are 13 great-grandchildren: Eddie Schultz, Chelsea Schultz Tobin, Austen Schultz, Ava and Eliza Zimmermann, Isabella and William Smith, Jasper and Arlo Joe Marriott, Lucas and Madilyn Knight, Penelope and Simone Marriott.

Evelyn also has two great-great-granddaughters, Audrey and Evelyn Schultz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.J. and Clara King; her husband, David Richard Marriott; her brothers, Ray, Maurice, Lester, Robert and John King; her sisters, Helen Danseizer, Mildred Stevens and Eva King; and one grandchild, Randell Nigg.

Besides Evelyn helping her husband farm and raising five children, she worked out of the home in later years at Follett's Book Store on the campus of the University of Illinois.

After that, she worked at the Agronomy Department at the UI, from which she retired in 1986. Evelyn also served as a Democrat election judge in Somer and Stanton townships for many years.

She was a member of the First Methodist Church, Urbana, the Neighborhood Social Club, and at one time served as officer of the Urbana Football Parents Association.

Evelyn loved being with her family and her many close friends, traveling, canoeing, hiking and living life to the fullest. Her favorite pastimes were reading and playing cards.

She was always ready and willing to lend a hand on any project that friend or family presented, whether it be wallpapering, motor work, roofing or anything in between.

Evelyn was loved by many and will be missed by many.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care Evelyn received by the staff at Amber Glen Alzheimer's Home.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation to Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.