Marilyn Mackey

MONTICELLO - Marilyn Irene Mackey, 84, of Monticello passed away Friday (July 18, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Marilyn was born on Aug. 17, 1940, to John and Mildred (Smock) Benjamin. She grew up and spent most of her life in Cisco. She married John S. Mackey on Dec. 22, 1962, in Cisco.

She is survived by her sons, Byron (Jo Ann) Mackey of Seymour and Craig (Liz) Mackey of Marseilles; daughter, Karen (Jonathan) Bonness of Olathe, Kan.; and sister, Donna (Gary) Chandler of Clinton. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, John, Benjamin, Carter, Grace, Tyler and Calista.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; and brothers, Russell and John Benjamin.

Marilyn taught home economics at Monticello and Niantic-Harristown high schools. She was very active in her community, and she served on the Piatt County Mental Health Board, the Cisco Library Board and the Cisco PTA. She enjoyed being an election judge and a member of the North Birthday Club, and she was very involved in her children's activities, including helping with the Monticello High School Madrigals and Piatt County 4-H. She was an avid gardener, she decorated cakes, was an excellent cook who liked to bake and can fruits and vegetables she grew, and she was a very gifted seamstress. She was always busy knitting, cross-stitching or crocheting incredible homemade gifts.

Marilyn moved to Hollybrook Assisted Living Facility in Monticello in 2021. She enjoyed meeting new friends, playing bingo, watching movies and participating in many different crafting activities.

Most of all, Marilyn cherished being a farm wife, a mother and a grammy.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday, July 22, at 10 a.m. at Croninger Cemetery, Cisco. All who knew Marilyn are invited to a luncheon at the Cisco Center immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Hollybrook Activities Program or the Cisco Library. Condolences may be sent to the family at mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.