Marilyn Showalter

Marilyn Showalter, a beloved member of the Iuka, IL community, passed away on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at the age of 44. Born on September 14th, 1981, she is the daughter of Gary Showalter and Mary Louis (Burmeister) Showalter.

Marilyn dedicated many years as a trusted associate at Walmart in Mt. Vernon, where she was known not only for her hard work but for the warm and welcoming spirit she shared with all her colleagues and customers. Outside of her professional life, she was an active and devoted member of Kell Baptist Church, where she participated in numerous activities that reflected her nurturing and generous nature. As a member of the International Order of Rainbows For Girls, The Eastern Star, and the Order of the Amaranth, Marilyn exemplified the principles of charity, truth, and loving kindness.

She is survived by her loving father and stepmother, Gary W. Showalter Sr. and Teresa of Iuka, her brother, Gary Showalter Jr. and his wife Jodi of Dahlgren, and her sisters, Julia Showalter of Iuka and Anna Ewert of Pinckneyville, IL; nieces and nephews, John Showalter, Faith Showalter, Reagan Fitzgerald and Josh Gale; Her family also includes step-brothers, Alan Bryan, and James Vastine and his wife Sarah, as well as her stepsister, Jeanette Vastine; step nieces and nephews, Brianna and Randy Vastine, Zachrian Vastine and Esmuetelda Vastine. Marilyn is further survived by her step-aunts Sandy Brown, Roxie McGuire, and Cindy Pentagraph; all of whom shared a special bond with her.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, her stepmother Laura "June" Showalter, her beloved nephew Kyle Gale, her sister Elizabeth Showalter, and her grandparents.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marilyn's life at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will follow on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 11:00 am, also at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Robbins officiating. Marilyn will be laid to rest following the services at Oddfellows Cemetery in Dahlgren, IL. Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association and/ or the Order of the Amaranth Faith Court and will be accepted at the accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois, 62801 (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Marilyn's Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home's Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marilyn Showalter please visit our Sympathy Store.

Marilyn's life was a testament to love, faith, and service, and she will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of generosity and kindness will continue to inspire all those she leaves behind.