Marion Stephens

Marion Stephens,

Age 86, a long time resident of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Born June 18, 1930 in International Falls, Minnesota, Marion was a daughter of the late Albert and Selma Linder. She spent the first 14 years of her life growing up on the family farm in Lohman, Minnesota. with her parents, sister Lavern, and brother Allen. At age 14, upon the death of her father, the family moved into International Falls where Marion attended high school and graduated in 1948. Soon thereafter, she met and married Robert T. Earley and they moved to Illinois with hope of Robert finding employment. They were the proud parents of three children, Bobby, Kathy and Patti when Robert was killed on the job at Caterpillar Tractor Company in July 1956.

At the young age of 26 Marion set about rebuilding life for herself and her three children in the home that she and Robert had just purchased in Lakewood Shores.

In 1960 she met and married McDaniel Stephens and had another daughter, Barbara. They were married for 46 years until McDaniel passed away in 2006.

Marion was a member of St. Rose Church since 1956 and was sure to be in attendance for 11:30 Mass every Sunday with her children. She was also a member of the Wilmington VFW, American Legion and Business Women’s Club.

In 1971 Marion began to work for Midwestern Gas and Transmission Company after her very good friend, Vida Woodruff, recommended her to them as the perfect person to organize the front office.  Vida was correct and Marion worked for the company until she retired 17 years later.

Survivors include her daughters Kathryn (Ron) Berkshire, Patricia Scott, Barbara (Jerry) Riggs, and daughter-in-law Diane Earley. She was the loving grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Marion was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Robert T. Earley and McDaniel Stephens.  Also, by her beloved son Robert W. Earley.

Marion can be remembered best as a brave woman who handled life with strength and perseverance. No matter what life handed her she kept her marvelous sense of humor. She loved to laugh and enjoy time with her family and friends.  She was a kind and giving woman who always accepted people simply as they were.  She will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.

Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington, where Marion will be laid to rest beside her husband McDaniel.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Marion’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)