Marilyn Marshall

Age 84 of Morris, Illinois, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Alden Estates in Shorewood, Illinois.

Born April 6, 1941 in Ottawa, Illinois, Marilyn was a daughter of Glenn and Susan (Neu) Hougas. A country girl her whole life, she was raised in rural Seneca, Illinois and attended Seneca schools. She worked as a waitress from many years, serving at Prairie Lake Lodge, The Coffee House and later the Hen House in Marseilles, and the Cabaret in Morris. Marilyn was always a happy face and a warm presence to anyone she served over the years. She also spent a short time working for Standard Grigsby in Marseilles, assembling electronic components for the government during the Vietnam War.

Marilyn married the late Robert Marshall on December 2, 1982 and they lived their entire married life in rural Morris. She had a deep love of all animals, taking in and raising many cats, and even bunnies. Marilyn loved to watch birds at her home, placing many birdhouses and feeders in the yard for the wrens and hummingbirds.

She had a great fondness for Western TV shows and movies, but it was being with her family that made her most happy. Marilyn was proud of her two boys and overjoyed to have her grandchildren with whom she had an active presence growing up. She was a great caretaker of those whom she loved, especially her mother and later her sister. Marilyn's gentle kindness and loving spirit was abundant and the impact she made on those she knew and loved with be carried on for years to come.

Survivors include her two sons: Robert (Cindy) West of Morris and Tom West of Ottawa; three grandchildren: Ryan West, Haley (Dan) Ripplinger, and Audrey West; brothers and sisters-in-law: Denis (Denise) McNamara of Veneta, Oregon, Betty Hougas of Morris, Steven (the late Mary) Marshall of Joliet, Illinois, Molly (Don) Daugherty of Alabama, and Melissa (Monte) Swapp of Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her sister, Shirley Hagie, and her brother, Harold Hougas.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church, 1650 West US Route 6, in Morris on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Larson will officiate, and burial will follow at Section Cemetery in Marseilles where Marilyn will be laid to rest with her family.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Marilyn's memory to Just Animal, 505 Depot Street, Mazon, IL 60444, or to any No Kill Animal Shelter of the donor's choosing, in honor of her love of animals.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Marilyn’s memorial page.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)