Marie Elenore Lartz

Marie Elenore Lartz, age 67, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, passed away at home on February 23, 2026. A celebration of Marie’s life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Marie was born on September 17, 1958, in Blue Island, Illinois, the daughter of Peter and Helen (Wagner) Druett. Marie spent her early childhood in Blue Island, a suburb of Chicago, before her family moved to Savanna.

Marie graduated from Savanna High School and went on to earn her Associate Degree in Engineering from Morrison Institute of Technology. She began her career working for Jo Carroll Vocational Center, where she taught drafting, then later at the Savanna Army Depot, where she worked for many years. After the depot’s closing, she continued her working career at Rubbermaid in Freeport, Illinois. On June 13, 1986, Marie married the love of her life, Michael Lartz.

Creativity was woven into every part of Marie’s life. She loved sewing and could often be found at Keep You Sewing in Clinton, Iowa, where she regularly attended sewing and quilting classes. She had a gift for crafting, sewing blankets for family, making Barbie clothes and tiny tents for the kids, and entering her paintings and handmade items in local county fairs. Over the years, she earned numerous ribbons, each one a small testament to her talent and joy in creating.

Marie also loved tending to her flowers and caring for her dogs, both of which brought her comfort and companionship. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and even coached youth bowling.

Above all, Marie’s heart belonged to her family. She loved being a mother and grandmother, and she welcomed her daughters in law as if they were her own children. She was always ready to tag along with any member of her family, whether for an errand, an outing, or simply to spend time together.

Marie’s legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She will be dearly missed by her children, Chris (Beth) Goss, of West Bend, WI, Chris (Sandi) Lartz, of Normal, IL, Lillian Lartz, of Mt. Carroll, IL, and Thad (Nicole) Lartz, of Tampico, IL; grandchildren, David (Amy), Kassidy (Jadyn), Reid, Megan, Justin, Makenzie (Dakota), and Alexandra; and three great-grandchildren. Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Helen; husband Mike; son, Billy (infant); and grandson, Gavin Lartz.