Marie Amelia Zaayenga

Born May 30, 1929 in East Peoria to Frederick and Sophia (Zessin) Kuntz, she married Raymond Eugene Zaayenga on June 20, 1948 in Peoria. He died July 31, 1988 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by one son, Steven Michael Zaayenga on December 29, 2020 in Peoria and one sister, Clara Zimmerman.

Surviving are two daughters, Trela Cain of Pekin and Anna (Mike) Ingles of Pekin; four grandchildren, Stacy Gregory of Pekin, Stephen Cain of Morton, Molly Ingles of Pekin and Mallory Ingles of Elizabethton, Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, Kennedy Gregory, Kale Gregory, Stella Mikula and Jack Mikula and her daughter-in-law, Peggy Zaayenga of Morton.

Marie was a 1947 graduate of Pekin Community High School and always enjoyed being a part of her reunion planning committees. She worked for Central Illinois Light Company and then Brenkman Oldsmobile/Cadillac in Pekin before starting her family.

A devoted homemaker, Marie was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her homemade brownies and cinnamon rolls. She loved to sew, knit and crochet and enjoyed decorating her home for the seasons. She will be remembered as a hard worker which all began with days growing up on the family farm. Marie had a sweet tooth and loved candy. For many years, the Zaayenga family enjoyed vacations with their dear friends, Bill and Naomi Strickfaden. Marie was a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

She was a member of Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church in rural Pekin, where she formerly sang in the church choir and taught Sunday school. Marie had a love for music, played the piano and sang with the Bells of Harmony after high school.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024 at Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church. Pastor Ed Newlan, Pastor Ralph Bauer and Pastor Phillip Icenogle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral at the church. Burial will be in Zion Evangelical United Methodist Church Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Park Foundation for the Performing Arts Venue, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com