Marilyn Ruth (Lewis) Koester, age 80

Marilyn Ruth (Lewis) Koester, of Dieterich, Illinois, passed away at 7:48 AM - Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM – Saturday, August 20, 2016, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois, with Pastor Jason Rensner officiating.  Burial will be in the Dieterich Village Cemetery in Dieterich, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Friday, August 19, 2016, at the funeral home.  In loving memory of Marilyn, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church Dieterich, Illinois 62424.

Marilyn was born on January 7, 1936, in Dieterich, Illinois, the daughter of Andrew Irl and Amelia (Gerth) Garbe Lewis.  She married Paul Koester on July 31, 1954, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sigel, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on October 24, 1997.

Marilyn retired from Fedder's Corporation in Effingham, Illinois, after many years of service.  She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Dieterich.  She enjoyed doing puzzles and gardening.

Marilyn is survived by:

Children – Judy (Allen) Niemerg of Dieterich, Illinois; Gary Koester of Dieterich, Illinois and Richard (Ronda) Koester of Effingham, Illinois.

Sisters – Lucille (Floyd) Barlow of Dieterich, Illinois and Marie (Eugene) Meyer of Dieterich, Illinois

Grandchildren – Ryan (Rebekah) Niemerg of Monticello, Illinois; Ashley (Jeff) Chitwood of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Byrum (Mallory) Koester of Effingham, Illinois; Michele (Jon) Lowry of Springfield, Illinois; Dr. Andrew (Andrea) Koester of Carterville, Illinois; Adam (Angelia) Koester of Mattoon, Illinois and Marisa Koester of Carbondale, Illinois.

Great Grandchildren – Owen and Isla Chitwood; Grant and Paige Niemerg; Dylan, Amelia and Olivia Koester; Brandt and Payton Lowry; Oliver Koester and Eli Koester.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Albert and Donnie Lewis; sisters Shirley Davis and Norma Jean Ames.