Marilyn Haney Vernon

She was born to Walter and Hazel Haney on Nov. 23, 1936 in Peoria, IL. Marilyn attended Timber Township High School and graduated from Bradley University in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education.

In 1958, she married Joe Vernon at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. They were married for 63 years. She leaves behind four children, David of Peoria, Kathy Malpede (Jim) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Linda of Peoria and Gary (Sally) of Westport, MA. She has 5 grandchildren, Will, Caroline, Charlie, Owen and Patrick. Marilyn also leaves behind her sister-in-law Judy Fontana and 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Marilyn was proceeded in death by her husband Joe, both parents, and brother-in-law, Robert Fontana.

When Marilyn’s father passed away in 1955, she and her mother, Hazel, took over running the family farm. She was still active and knowledgeable in its operation until her passing.

As a devoted wife and mother, Marilyn was active with her kids’ sporting events, activities, and volunteering at school. Her faith was an important part of her life. She and Joe attended Grace Presbyterian Church and were active members of Hanna City Presbyterian Church when they were raising their family. Marilyn and Joe enjoyed traveling with friends & family. Cardinal games with the family, Door County, and wintering in Arizona and then Sarasota were some of their favorite trips. Marilyn enjoyed all her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities as well. Her last trip was in October to Westport, MA to watch her grandsons play football, soccer, and hockey. Over the years, she loved her family dogs including her grand dogs, Buster, Bruno, Fiona, Stuart, Rocco and Winston.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:00 immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 at Davidson Fulton Funeral Home, 2408 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61614. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peoria Rescue Mission for Victory Acres.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Vernon family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com