Marilyn McPheeters, 78, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 2:47 a.m., Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Centralia Manor, in Centralia, Illinois.

She was born May 1, 1947, in Dale, Illinois, the daughter of Omer and Blanche (Gudgel) Keen.  On January 20, 1967, in Olney, Illinois, she married Ronald Eugene McPheeters, and he preceded her in death on September 6, 2021.

Marilyn was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for many years. She enjoyed working in flowers, spending time with family, and mowing yard.  She also enjoyed reading “Dr. Jeremiah” books, and watching the deer run across the field at sunset.

She is survived by two children, Rhonda Harlan and husband Ben of Opdyke, and Randy McPheeters and wife Angie of Centralia; four grandchildren, Kelly Heine and husband Bryan of Mt. Vernon, Courtney Finney and husband Trey of Waltonville, and Gracie and Kassie McPheeters of Centralia; three great-grandchildren, Kess, Kyzer, and Kholt; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Ronald McPheeters, she was preceded in death by her parents, Omer and Blanche Keen; two brothers; three sisters; and one niece, Patricia Thomson.

Funeral services for Mrs. McPheeters will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix, with Rev. Bob Burton officiating.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, at the funeral home.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.