Marilyn Jane Roley (80) of New Athens IL, born September 21st 1939 in Michigan, passed away Monday September 14^th 2020 in the comfort care of Evelyn’s House. Marilyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dear friend to many. Marilyn was a long-time resident of New Athens, Illinois participating in many groups, organizations, and events throughout her lifetime.

Born in Detroit, MI and raised in Vienna, IL on the family farm, she moved to Springfield, IL after graduating high school where she met future husband, Roger Roley. They married in December 1958 and moved to New Athens, IL to raise their family. During her life, she had three children; Lisa (Tim) Modglin of New Athens, Sara (Joe) Simpson, now deceased, of Lenzburg, IL and Christopher Roley of New Athens.  Marilyn worked at Karber’s Pharmacy in New Athens as the friendly face behind the counter serving up the Vanilla Cokes everyone loved!  Marilyn was also quite the socialite involving herself in the New Athens Women’s club, St. John UCC, St. John UCC Quilters, card club, and most recently spent her time volunteering at Memorial Hospital in Belleville on the Maternity Floor.

Marilyn inherited her love of sewing and cooking from her mother. She loved feeding and watching the birds outside her kitchen window.  She spent many years camping and attending all the area chicken and beer dances with friends. Marilyn loved the neighborhood she lived in and spent a lot of time visiting with neighbors and their pets.  She was independent, outspoken, stylish and a woman of faith.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Syble Hayden of Vienna, IL.  Husband, Roger Roley of New Athens, IL.  Brother, John Hayden of Vienna, IL.  Daughter, Sara Simpson of Lenzburg, IL.

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Janice (Connie) Taylor of Vienna, IL. Two children, Lisa (Tim) Modglin and Christopher Roley of New Athens, IL.  Four grandchildren, Stephanie (Ryan) Ahern of Glen Ellyn, IL, Steven (Tessa) Junge of O’Fallon, IL, Paige (Andrew) Schenewerk of Chesterfield, MO, and Jessica (Zachary) James of Swansea, IL. Marilyn had many great grandchildren, Cole Junge, Rhianne Ahern, Jaxxon James, Regan Ahern, RJ Ahern, Hayden Junge and baby Hartley Junge due in November.  Marilyn is also survived by her dear friend, Dale Reuss of Waterloo, IL and many other friends and family.

Memorials in her honor may be made to the St. John UCC Capital Campaign.

Visitation: Friends are invited to join the family from 4 – 8 p.m. on Friday, September, 18, 2020 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens. In an effort to keep everyone safe during this Covid-19 pandemic, face masks are required for all guests and social distancing must be maintained.

Funeral: Private services will be held later.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is on charge of arrangements.

1. Janet Hughes Hacker and Gary Hacker says:

   09/18/2020 at 2:45 pm

   Our sympathy to the family of Marilyn. She was my first friend when I came to Vienna in 1956. We lived not far from each other and were also classmates.

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   • Lynne and Lori Schneider says:

     09/18/2020 at 9:41 pm

     So sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a beautiful and kind woman.

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2. Ruth & Vic Jansen says:

   09/18/2020 at 10:11 am

   Accept or sympathy for the loss of you mother!
   We had a lot of good times with your parents.

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3. Peggy Smoot says:

   09/17/2020 at 4:02 pm

   We grew up on the same road a few miles apart. Our families visited through out those years.
   Please accept my condolences on the loss of your Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and the entire family. May God grant you peace in this difficult time.
   Peggy Jean Smoot

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4. Crystal Crockett says:

   09/17/2020 at 1:38 pm

   Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.She was a lovely lady!May all your memories bring you comfort at this time.

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5. Patty Speer née Utz says:

   09/17/2020 at 11:57 am

   So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend to my mom. Marilyn will be missed.

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6. Elaine Rader says:

   09/17/2020 at 10:00 am

   My deepest sympathy to Marilyn’s family and friends. She always had a smile and looked beautiful. So sad the St John’s quilters lost another quilter. Love and peace to you all.❤

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7. Thomas Germann says:

   09/17/2020 at 9:23 am

   My deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time.

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8. Ruth Ann Hanft says:

   09/17/2020 at 9:05 am

   Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. She will be missed by the Quilters @ St. John’s..

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9. Denise Vuichard says:

   09/17/2020 at 6:30 am

   Sorry for your loss.

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10. Karen Laflen says:

    09/16/2020 at 6:15 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a remarkable women.

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    • Diane Boschert says:

      09/16/2020 at 11:09 pm

      Sympathy to family and friends. Quote-“A beautiful life that came to an end, she died as she lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved and will never forget.”

      Reply