Marilee Theobald

Marilee Theobald, 97, passed away peacefully at Knox County Nursing Home on August 8, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Marilee was born in Danville, IL on July 16, 1924, the daughter of Walter and Callie (Johnston) Ayers. She married Philip Theobald on September 19, 1940 in Muscatine, IA. Philip preceded her in death on November 10, 2005. She is survived by three sons, Philip (Sandra) Theobald, Gary (Jean) Theobald and Ed (Cathy) Theobald; two daughters, Patricia (Jim) Isaacson and Jane (Dan Dalton) Young; three nieces, Debbie Begner, Bonnie Lee and Bev Wetterow; one nephew, Danny Swanson. Also surviving is 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and a long time cherished friend, Pat Hicks. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years; a son, Ronald C. Theobald; a brother, LeRoy Ayers; son-in-law, James Isaacson and a grandson, Bradley Theobald. She attended Galesburg High School and later graduated from LPN school working at St. Mary Hospital in the ER. Marilee was one of the first meter maids in Galesburg, IL and worked at the police department for many years. After retirement, she taught ceramic and porcelain painting for many years. She enjoyed entertaining her children and grandchildren at her pool, but couldn’t swim a lick. She was a true dog lover, especially of her Schnauzer Katie. She also loved music and played the organ. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she liked to make memorable decorations for her family. She was a long time Lake Bracken member, a former member of Center Congregational Church and a devout member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for 15 years. Rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2021, the Visitation will follow from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Father Miller will officiate. Following mass, a funeral luncheon will be held at the parish activity center. Private family burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.