Marge Chambliss

ST. JOSEPH – Marge Chambliss, 92, of Denver, Colo., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning (Oct. 7, 2015). She was a beloved farm wife, mother, sister, friend and volunteer.

Born in Pontiac, she was the daughter of Carl and Wilmuth Bressner, who preceded her in death. After high school, Marge graduated from beauty school in Champaign and baby-sat with the children of the family she lived with - not surprising, as she adored all children. Marge also had a soft spot for animals and loved flower gardens.

She is survived by her daughter, Deb C. Kreek (husband Chris) of Denver; and two brothers, Jim of Conroe, Texas, and Jerry (wife Myrtle) on the Bressner farm in Pontiac. Marge is also survived by three sisters, Phyllis Gilman of Pontiac, Janice Shay of Bloomington, Joan Tredennick (husband John) of Fairbury, and Millie, Ron's wife of Bloomington. Lastly, she is survived by her favorite all time visitor, the Granddog, Cody.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray "Ben" Chambliss Jr.; her son, Robert "Bob" Gene Chambliss; seven brothers, Francis Eugene (wife Lois), Don Eldon (wife Marge), Kenny Bural (wife Bernice), Delbert, Robert Dale, Carl "Bud" Frederick Jr., Ronnie Lloyd; and Dick, Phyllis' husband; Lynda, Jim's wife; and Howard, Janice's husband.

Marge took homemade soup to the St. Joseph United Church, where she was a member.

Ben and Marge had friends from winters spent in Florida over 20 years who set up campers for the farm sale upon retirement. The Chambliss farmhouse, built in 1864, was home to three generations until it was torn down in 1981.

Marge worked at JCPenney in the catalog department, was an Avon representative, and was an assistant buyer in the teen section at Carson, Pirie, Scott, formerly in Lincoln Square.

At age 43, she beat breast cancer and went on to help others fighting their difficult battle.

She was proud to be a homemaker, a cook, an organizer, a crafter and an accomplished seamstress. Not only did Marge sew, knit and crochet, her specialty was handwork doing cross stitch, embroidery and quilting.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Paul Dinges officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Monday) at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist

Church Children's Program.