CAMPBELL HILL – Marilyn Bernice Luehr, age 96, entered the presence of the Lord on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Marilyn was born in Percy, IL, on Tuesday, January 3, 1928, to Inez E. (Brown) and Chester Higgerson. When she was a little girl, her job was to set the dynamite every Sunday at the family coal mine, because she was the only one small enough (and quick enough) to fit into the small holes. As a teenager, she worked at the Brown Shoe Factory in Steeleville, IL.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Ray Luehr, at Campbell Hill High School, at the age of 18. They dated for 2 years, and wed shortly after she turned 20 on March 20, 1948. Together they spent almost 48 years until Ray passed away on January 13, 1996. For 10 years, Marilyn worked at the shoe factory and Ray worked at the coal mine. They bought their farm in Campbell Hill, IL, in the late 50's, where she raised her two sons.

Marilyn worked on the farm and loved spending time with her family, gardening, canning, and sharing that gift with her family, and crocheting. She was meticulous with every stitch she made. If she got one stitch wrong, she would take them all out and do it again until she had it perfect. Her cooking was unmatched and cherished by all who had the privilege to enjoy it. Her diligence in everything she set her mind to will forever be engrained in all of those she leaves behind.

Marilyn was devoted to everyone and everything that she loved, a strong and wonderful mother, a loving, caring grandmother, and the best sister anyone could ask for. She held no prestigious positions in her life, but like a sparrow, she tirelessly worked and provided a financial and spiritual legacy to her family that will be remembered for generations.

Most importantly, she loved the Lord Jesus with all her mind, soul, and spirit and showed Gods love to those in need. Her ministry for many years was blessing new moms and babies with handmade quilts, which are still used, passed down and loved to this very day.

Marilyn is survived by her 2 sons, Dennis and Audrey Luehr of Campbell Hill, IL and Neal and Robin Luehr of Murphysboro, IL; her sister, Fleeta and Joe Jackson of Percy, IL, her grandchildren: Lindsey and Aaron Hammonds of Bryan, TX, Dennis Aaron and Shelsea Luehr of Campbell Hill, IL and Lisa and Piotr Baranski of Campbell Hill, IL; great grandchildren: Madalynn and Jalynn Luehr, Eli Baranski and Anakin Hammonds (due in March); numerous nieces and nephews that loved her immensely.

Marilyn was also preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Virginia Bradley, and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Bradley.

Although our hearts may join in sorrow, we come together in faith and rejoice with her before the Almighty in Heaven. In honor of the life Marilyn led, please come dressed casual.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 6:00 PM, at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, IL, with Rev. Rick McNeely officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 pm until time of service. Burial will be Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 10:00 AM, at Percy Village Cemetery, Percy, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Addington Place of Sparta, Memory Care Unit (donations go to the activity fund for residence), Maple Creek Hospice, or Christ Community Church, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL, 62907.