Marilyn J. Staley

   Marilyn J. Staley, nee Sturgal, 85, of Mascoutah, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday Aug. 18, 2026, following a brief hospital stay. Born on June 30, 1941, in Mt. Vernon, IN, Marilyn lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.

   Marilyn was a familiar and friendly face to many in her community, having retired as a dedicated Rural Mail Carrier for the USPS in Mascoutah, IL. Beautiful both inside and out, she was a fiercely loyal friend and supporter of everyone she loved. Outside of spending cherished time with her family and friends, Marilyn enjoyed testing her luck gambling and sharing quiet moments at home. Following the passing of her husband in 2021, Marilyn “inherited” his cat, Pretty Girl. Though notoriously selective with her affection, Pretty Girl quickly recognized Marilyn’s gentle soul, making Marilyn her absolute favorite person and happily curling up in her lap while hiding from everyone else.

   She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Vivian, nee Carr, Sturgal, her beloved husband, Kenneth R. Staley, step-granddaughter, Mikaela Kehrer, sister, Evelyn “Boots” Lumb, and two brothers, Raymond and Carl Sturgal.

   Marilyn’s legacy of love lived on through her family. She is survived by her two children, Dale (Peggy) Staley of New Baden, IL, Deanna “Didi” (Mark) Haley of Shipman, IL; four grandsons, Ryan Staley of Mascoutah, IL, Kevin (Beth) Staley Daphne, AL, Brandon (Lexi) Haley and Brian (Kourtney) Haley both of Carlinville, IL; step-grandson, Dustin (Samantha) Kehrer; nine great grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren; two brothers, Donald (Sharon) Surgal, Bill (Darlene) Sturgal; her very special friend who was like a son to her, Bruce “Woody” Woodrum; and her faithful best friend and cat, Pretty Girl.

   In lieu of all other gifts, memorial donations may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, 1404 Cross St., Shiloh, IL 62269 or HSHS Homecare and Hospice, 900 W. Temple Bld. A Suite 101, Effingham, IL 62401. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com

   FUNERAL: A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mascoutah City Cemetery with Father Jim Deiters officiating. Marilyn and Kenny’s wedding anniversary is September 20th and they would have been married 68 years. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the American Legion Post 292, 1414 W Main St., Mascoutah, IL 62258.