Marilyn E. Homesley

MARILYN E. HOMESLEY, age 83, of Elburn, formerly of East Palestine, OH, passed away peacefully, Monday evening, October 14, 2013, surrounded by the prayers of her family. She was born February 28, 1930 in Salem , OH, the daughter of Russell and Edna (Keebler) Oberholtzer. Marilyn grew up in East Palestine, OH, and attended local schools. She graduated as a "straight A" student in 1947. Marilyn met the love of her life at a local basketball game when she crossed paths with Lester Homesley. They were united in marriage the day after Marilyn’s birthday on February 28, 1948 in East Palestine, OH and it was one of the best birthday gifts she ever received. The marriage certificate had both their full names, but ever after Marilyn only called Lester, "Hon". They began their new life together with her parents for a time before Les built their first home. This was the first time that Les could put on display his growing craftsmanship laying the foundation by hand. Although he built the house and eventually handcrafted most of the furniture, it was Marilyn who made it a home. In 1958 Les sold his home and began plans to build another one. Les and Marilyn moved back into her parent’s home until it was completed three years later. This new home on Pleasant Drive was bigger and better than his first and now held a growing family that included their ten year old son Randy. They eventually moved to St. Charles, IL but made Elburn their home since 1974. Marilyn was the perfect mom and wife but after Randy was grown, she added executive secretary to her resume while working at Riverside Laboratory in Geneva before taking her talents to Curtis Breeding in Elburn. Eventually she worked at the Kane County Government Center Health Department for several years before retiring. Afterwards, she and Les hit the road in their motor home and traveled to all the places they thought they might like to live but found there was no place like home in Elburn. Marilyn was an animal lover, especially cats and the ducks she loved to feed on the Fox River with her grandchildren in tow. She had no rivals when it came to working in the kitchen. Her roasts and ham loaf were second to none and her cookies were one of a kind. Her love for her family was never ending and the memories made with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are priceless gifts that will be treasured forever. She is survived by one son Randy (Debbie) Homesley of Elburn,Two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren:Jason Homesley, and his daughter Bella, of St. Charles, IL and Jennifer Dazzo and her four children, Drake, Drew, Kamryn and Corey of Elburn. She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Edna Oberholtzer and her husband Lester "Hon" Homesley. Private family services will be held and interment will occur at Oak Hill Cemetery, Geneva. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made directly to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the family at www.conleycare.com where you can also see her full life story.