Marie Ellen Atkinson

1930 - 2023

Marie Ellen (Boness) Atkinson
Born: August 26, 1930 in Ottawa, IL
Died: August 15, 2023 in Ottawa, IL
Marie Ellen Atkinson, 92, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home, surrounded by her family.
Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Ottawa with Rev. David E. Daniel, pastor officiating. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa. Visitation will be from 12 noon. to 1:50 p.m. on Monday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
Marie was born on August 26, 1930 in Ottawa to Oscar and Flora (Strobel) Boness. Marie attended Zion Lutheran Church throughout her life in Ottawa, graduating from Zion's grade school, being confirmed and married there, and raising her two daughters in the Lutheran faith. Zion remained dear to her heart until the end. Marie was also a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1948. She married Willis "Bill" Atkinson on July 10, 1949 at the Zion Evangelical Church in Ottawa. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Altar Guild and American Legion Women's Auxiliary.
Marie operated a beauty shop out of her home for over 25 years. She enjoyed an early retirement moving to Winter Haven, FL in July 1985, where she was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She played golf and was a member of the Cypresswood Women's Golf League. She was a Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed watching sports, particularly golf.
Marie lived a long and happy life, always smiling and kind to everyone. Her motto for her children and grandchildren was "be nice."
She is survived by two daughters, Denise DuPage of East Moline, IL and Diane (Kevin) Duggan of Ottawa; seven grandchildren, Dan (Katie) Duggan of Ottawa, Melanie (Tom) Hart of Ottawa, Brittany (David) Ross of Ottawa, Andy (Kim) DuPage of Tremont, IL, Amy DuPage of Peoria, IL, Joe (Jaimee) DuPage of Clive, IA, and Jim (Crystal) DuPage of Silvis, IL, 21 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and lifelong friends, Betty Pandolfi and Jean Peterson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill; two sisters, Mildred Serby and Blanche Lavender; and her son-in-law, Dale DuPage.
Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Ottawa.
Pallbearers will be Dan Duggan, Tom Hart, David Ross, Andy DuPage, Joe DuPage and Jim DuPage.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433