Born July 30, 1939 in Pekin to Edwin Oscar and Gladys O’Tillie (Heren) Hallar, she married Robin Leroy Layer on June 8, 1957 in Pekin. He died November 27, 1982. She later married Wayne Ott on August 14, 1999 in Pekin. He died April 12, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Cherie McNeely-Layer; and brother-in-law, Earl King.
Surviving are one daughter, Teresa L. “Terry” (Jim) Flynn of Mackinaw; two sons David L. Layer of Wauconda and Daniel S. Layer of Pekin; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Kelsey) Flynn, Tyler (Lexi) Flynn, both of Mackinaw; Nick Fitzanko of California and Erin Fitzanko of Pekin; seven great-grandchildren, Anna, Audrey, Henderson, Devin, Mitchell, Madison and Kadence and one sister, Elsie K. King of Pekin.
Marilyn was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin where she was a former Sunday school teacher and enjoyed holding Bible study groups in her home. She also was a former member of the Pekin Boat Club.
She enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with her children. She loved her work as a crossing guard at Douglas School as long as she was able.
Marilyn was a courageous woman who battled Multiple Sclerosis most of her adult life. Even so, she faced life with a smile and a positive attitude along with a good repetitive sense of humor.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Daniel Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to her church at 711 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, 525 Monroe St., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661-3793.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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