Marilyn K. Wattelet, 85 of Stonington, passed away at 2:55p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Taylorville Care Center. She was born on July 22, 1938 in Stonington, the daughter of Wilbur and Mabel (Moomey) Blakeman. She married Richard J. Wattelet on January 17, 1959 in Stonington, and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2000. Marilyn was a graduate of Stonington High School where she was a cheerleader, and that Wildcat pride continued throughout her entire life. In 1982 she and Dick founded the Joy Assembly Church, a ministry that continues to serve the area to this day. She was active in every aspect of the church’s ministry, faithfully serving her neighbors no matter the need. Her loving spirit was also evident in her work as a secretary for the Stonington elementary and high school. She was thought of as an honorary mother and grandmother to countless students throughout the years because of her love for every child in the community. She also previously served as the clerk for the Village of Stonington. She loved shopping for clothes, shoes, and jewelry. In more recent years she enjoyed spending time dining with friends and family at Country Kitchen in Taylorville where she formed a special connection with the owner of the restaurant, Benny Letniku. More than anything she was devoted to her family. She never missed a school or sporting event in which her family was involved. Marilyn left an indelible mark on her church, community, and family and will be missed by everyone that knew her.
She is survived by her daughters: Mary Beth Vaughn of Stonington, Lori Ann Oyler (Terry) of Taylorville, and Becky Shirley (Greg) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Tara Ramsey of Stonington, Jimmy LeVault (Kelsey) of Taylorville, John LeVault (Ashley) of Stonington, Tim LeVault (Kailey) of Taylorville, Ashley Hughes (Kenney) of Stonington, Kelli Pochynok (Jason) of Springfield, Kayla Vickers (Casey) of Taylorville, and Lexi Shirley, Wyatt Shirley, and Brock Shirley all of Taylorville; great grandchildren: Trey Ramsey, Kendall Ramsey, Henry LeVault, Julian LeVault, Kaiden LeVault, Olivia Gray, William McDermith, Colton McDermith, Rylan LeVault, Theodore LeVault, Kennedy Hughes, Layla Hughes, Gavin Oyler, Jordan Pochynok, Emery Pochynok, Abel Vickers, and Arlo Vickers; sisters-in-law: Sandy Powel and Margaret Blakeman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law: Kevin LeVault; grandson-in-law: Kenneth Ramsey Jr.; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
A funeral service for Marilyn will take place at 1p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Joy Assembly Church in Stonington with Rev. David Knoblich and Terry Niles officiating. Visitation will take place from 11a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Old Stonington Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Joy Assembly Church or the Stonington Community Center. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Marilyn, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
