Marilyn A. Spears

Born July 18, 1941 in Marshall, Illinois, Marilyn was the daughter of John and Lillian (Patton) Guthrie and raised by her mother and step-father Bob Tilley. She married the love of her life, Dean Franklin, in August of 1958. Marilyn turned her love of working with senior citizens into her business, doing Home Care for 20+ years, retiring in 2004. Marilyn truly enjoyed working with seniors and combined her passion for singing and caring for the elderly, often organizing musical events for the seniors of the community. She also had a soft spot for animals of all kinds: dogs, cats, squirrels and cardinals, or just about any other stray that needed care. Marilyn leaves to cherish her memory her children: Anita "Kay" Frank of Monroe, Donald "Bo" Franklin of Chicago and Deanna (Ron) Webb of Monroe; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; as well as her siblings: John (Sherrilyn) Guthrie Jr. of Paragon, Indiana, Dee Guthrie of Marshall, Illinois, Vonna Nelson of Chicago, Illinois, Donna Worral of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada and Jackie (George) Harvey of Des Moines, Iowa. Sadly she was preceded in death by her parents: John Guthrie, Lillian and Bob Tilley; siblings: Ray Tilley, Jimmy Tilley and a great grandson Jerimiah. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Honor of Marilyn are asked to please consider ProMedica Monroe Hospice or The Humane Society of Monroe County.