Published on February 3, 2025 7:14 pm
Last Updated on February 3, 2025 7:15 pm
Marilyn “Mare” Jane Starwalt was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on February 2, 2025, at the age of 82, in the presence of family and friends.
She was born to Murl and Norma Wilson on January 17, 1943, in Cherokee, Iowa. After graduating from Iowa Falls High School, Marilyn chased her dreams and moved with her best friend to Kansas City, Missouri where she met and married the love of her life, Glen Starwalt.
Marilyn and Glen were married on October 4, 1963. Together, they had three children: Michele (Frank) Robertson, Arizona; Kelly Bingman, Effingham; and Steve (Jana) Starwalt, Missouri.
Marilyn went back to school to get a degree in Early Childhood Education and then opened My School Nursery School and We Care Child Care in Effingham. She owned and operated both for over 25 years before retiring.
Marilyn was also active in Garden Club, PEO, Beta Sigma Phi, book clubs, and church activities. Most weekends were spent with Glen at their cabin in Missouri. Marilyn also enjoyed traveling, shopping, crafting, and spending time with her grandchildren: Chris Robertson, Cole Bingman, Will Starwalt, Delaney Andolino, Renae Bingman, and Broden Schaefer.
After her husband’s sudden passing January 6, 2002, Marilyn reconnected with Glen’s childhood best friend, Edward Blaine, Creve Coeur, Missouri. Marilyn gained new family members with her union with Ed: Mark (Jessica) Blaine, Oregon; Jennifer (Steve) Hahn, Missouri, and three grandchildren: Sam Hahn, Ben Hahn, and Mimi Blaine. Marilyn moved to Columbia, Missouri to start a new life with the second love of her life. While living in Columbia, Missouri, Marilyn actively attended University of Missouri functions, Dance Club, Dinner Club, camped cross country, walked and biked the Trek Trail, golfed, and traveled abroad. She also was in many book clubs, PEO, Mahjong groups, and was very active in the Missouri Assistance League. She also attended as many of the grandchildren’s events as possible and enjoyed coming back to Effingham for visits.
In 2017 Marilyn was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Disorder. In 2022, Marilyn moved back to Effingham to live at Willowbrook Memory Care facility.
Marilyn is survived by her children; sisters: Charlene Wilson, Iowa; and Marjorie (Dale) Laudner, Arizona; sister-in-law: Jan Starwalt, Mattoon; nephews: David (Dimple) Laudner and Bob Laudner; and great-nieces: Sage Laudner and Piper Laudner.
The family would like to thank the Willowbrook staff, especially the A-Team, HSHS Hospice, special and caring friend Lana Henderson, and her special living angel Teryn Beckler.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to MyMemoryWorx and mailed directly to: Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1211, Effingham, IL 62401. Online condolences may be shared at by clicking here.