Marilyn Elliott, 90, of Fairbury, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Cropsey United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family will be on the same day at the church from 1-2:15 pm and a reception will follow the service at the church until 5 pm.

Memorial donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/mennonite-college-of-nursing-mcn-strategic-initiative-fund/, or Prairie Lands Foundation https://www.prairielandsfoundation.org/charitable-opportunities.php.

Marilyn was born on October 24, 1935, in Fairbury, the daughter of Alpha and Vera (Neth) Ferguson. She married Gary Elliott on March 25, 1955. Gary predeceased her in death.

Surviving are her children: Teri Elliott-Burke, of Lisle; Mark (Jeanne) Elliott, of Fairbury; Matthew (Libby) Elliott, of Blue Hill, Maine; Timothy (Lori) Elliott, of Clayton, Missouri; and Ruben (Margarita) Giraldo of Medellin Colombia (AFS student). Also surviving is her sister, Lois Kay Litterst of Peoria.

Marilyn is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Jeremy (Mandy) Rambo, Jason (Sarah) Elliott, Josh (Allison) Elliott, Sarah (Greg) Elliott, Sam Elliott, Luke (Karen) Burke, Adam Burke, Jack Elliott, Mitch (Reeves) Elliott, Erin Elliott, Sarah (Roberto) Giraldo, David Giraldo, and 9 great-grandchildren Olivia Elliott, Parker Elliott, Brooklyn Elliott, Jake Rambo, Lydia Rambo, Eli Rambo, Kate Keck, Charlie Keck, Auroa Kattan, and Olivia Kattan.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild, Matt Rambo, and one son-in-law, Mike Burke.

Marilyn was a graduate of Fairbury-Cropsey High School and Mennonite School of Nursing in Normal Illinois. She also attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing. Marilyn worked as a registered nurse at Fairbury Hospital and also worked for the Livingston County Health Department. She was a life-long member of the Cropsey Methodist Church, including being a member of the United Methodist Women and serving as a Sunday School Teacher for many years. Marilyn also served as a Girl Scout leader and was a member of the Shakespeare Club, Friends of Dominy Library, the Cropsey Women’s Club, and several bridge clubs. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, camping and preparing her annual (numerous) entries at the Fairbury Fair. She also loved jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, playing cards with her grandchildren, and traveling with her husband Gary. She was an avid sports fan and loved spending summers with family at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Marilyn’s greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a tireless volunteer for her church and her community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.