Marilyn M. Miner

 ST. JOSEPH – Marilyn M. Miner, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday (May 10, 2016) in her home.

She was born on July 21, 1941, in Hinesburg, Vt., to Lester and Lillian Millham. She was a graduate of Hinesburg High School.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald (Jerry) Miner of 51 years; her daughter, Michelle (Shelley) Montgomery (Eddie) of Ogden; daughter, Lisa Miner Opperman of Westville, Ind.; and daughter, Margaret Sexton (Steve) of St. Joseph; grandson, Mark Montgomery (fiancee Jenna Slifer) of St. Joseph; granddaughter Taryn Sexton and grandson Trevor Sexton, both of St. Joseph; brothers and sisters, Ernest (Glenna) Millham of Albany, N.Y., Ellen Phelps of South Burlington, Vt., Daniel (Aleta) Millham of Milton, Fla., Richard (Gail) Millham of Highland Ranch, Colo., and Barbara (Bill) Koski of Ludlow, Vt. She also leaves behind her beloved grand-dogs, Barley and Woody.

Marilyn and her husband moved to East Central Illinois in March 1968. She was a stay-at-home mom until she began working for Illinois Bell in 1970.

She retired in 1994 but continued working until 1999 when her husband retired from the University of Illinois.

Marilyn spent her free time with her grandchildren or volunteering at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, where she was a lifelong member. She taught children's Sunday School for 30 years, was a member of the Women's Council, volunteered and organized many pot luck dinners, showers, weddings, etc. Her church family held a very special place in her heart.

Anyone who knew Marilyn knew that she was beautiful inside and out. Her friends enjoyed working with her, going to dinner with her, traveling with her, praying with her and enjoying life with her. She never knew a stranger because she warmly welcomed everyone she met.

Marilyn had spent the winter months in Tarpon Springs, Fla., for the past 16 years and thoroughly enjoyed playing dominoes with her neighbors, working at Clubhouse functions and volunteering at The Christian Church of Holiday (Fla.).

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Marilyn requests donations be made to the Mills Breast Cancer Center, c/o Carle Center for Philanthropy, and mailed to 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801, or to an organization of the donor's choice.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph, with a Celebration of Life memorial service immediately following.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand St., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.