Obituary: Wells

Marilyn J. Wells, 101, of Fairbury, passed away on Thursday morning, May 29, 2025, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A short church service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury at 1:00p.m. on Sunday, June 8th, 2025. A Celebration of Life will follow until 3:00 p.m. at thechurch. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury, Fairview Haven Retirement Community, or South Eastern Livingston County Ambulance Service (SELCAS).

Marilyn was born on February 18, 1924, in Fairbury, IL, the daughter of Earl and Mayme(Hieronymus) Payne. She married Lloyd S. Wells on March 18, 1945, in Springfield, IL.He preceded her in death on May 24, 2004.

Marilyn is survived by her three daughters: Janet (Stephen) Veomett, of Honolulu; JudyWells, of Fairbury; and Connie (Dale) Maley, of Fairbury. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Maxine Payne, and four grandchildren: James (Tanya) Veomett, Jeffery (Heather)Veomett, Jacob Maley, and Stacy (Steven) Pecharich. Marilyn is also survived by 11great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Surviving in Australia is Lyn (Peter)Ellenby, whom Marilyn and Lloyd hosted as a high school foreign exchange student.

Preceding Marilyn in death are her parents, husband, one brother, Howard Payne, and three sisters: Bernadine Payne, Lois Steidinger, and Shirley Payne. Marilyn graduated from Cropsey High School and Illinois Commercial College. Afterschool, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years, including 22 years for Fairbury-Cropsey/Prairie Central High School.

Marilyn spent most of her adult life doing things for others. When her children were young, she volunteered as a 4-H Leader and Brownie/Girl Scout Leader and taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was a member of several quilting groups, including the First Baptist Church, where quilts were donated to needy groups.

Marilyn was a very active member of the Presbyterian Church. She served as an Elder and a Deacon. She also helped with Meals on Wheels and organized salad luncheons and funeral dinners. In 2009, Marilyn was awarded the Fairbury Citizen of the Year award by the Fairbury Women's Club.

Marilyn's hobbies included gardening, walking with friends at North Park, playing games with grandchildren, and traveling. As her vision failed, she enjoyed listening to audiobooks.

Marilyn was always ready to help a friend or neighbor. She provided rides to people for appointments, baked cookies, played bridge, or offered an encouraging word. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A special thank you goes to the loving staff of Fairview Haven and OSF Hospice Care.