Marilyn Guthrie

Marilyn Guthrie, age 99, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 11:16 a.m at Montgomery County Nursing and Rehab Center in Taylor Springs.

Private services have been requested. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Illinois has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Marilyn was born May 19, 1925, in Fairfield, Illinois, to John and Ada (O'Malley) Gaddis. She spent her youth in Hillsboro, attending Winhold School and Hillsboro High before moving back to Fairfield, from where she graduated. As a young lady, she worked at Mobley’s, where she learned the art of photo development. During World War II, she and her family moved to Detroit and had steady work manufacturing ammunitions. Before the war she had met a gentleman named Allan Guthrie and although the war separated them for a time, their love endured, and upon his return, they married August 26, 1945. After returning from Detroit Marilyn dedicated herself to raising her children and creating a warm, loving home. When her children were older, she began working at Capri IGA, where she remained until her retirement. At the time of Allan’s passing, in August 1986, they had shared nearly 41 wonderful years together.

She was known for her expert sewing skills, creating treasured keepsakes like sequined Christmas tree skirts for the adults and handmade Cabbage Patch dolls for her grandchildren. A skilled cook, she filled her home with the aroma of homemade meals, often using ingredients she had grown and canned herself. Her garden flourished under her care, shown by the bounty of delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers that reflected her caring nature. She enjoyed playing the organ and found companionship in her beloved dogs. Though private by nature, she cherished time spent with friends, gathering once a month for Pinochle.

Preceding her in death are her parents John and Ada; her husband, Allan; her brother, John Robert Gaddis, Jr.

She is survived by her son, Terry, wife Linda, Guthrie of Hillsboro. Illinois; daughter, Diane Guthrie of Hillsboro, Illinois; grandchildren, Brian, wife Kathy, Guthrie of Tampa, Florida and Dana, husband Shane, Grammer of Litchfield, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Easton Grammer and Kinley Guthrie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Montgomery County Paws Care, 1123 School Street, Hillsboro, Illinois 62049

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn Guthrie, please visit our floral store.