Gwendolyn J. "Cookie" Marshall, 83, of Washington, passed away at 12:04am Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Cookie was born at home on November 18, 1940 in Smithfield to the late William Glenn Strode and Hildreth L. Grove Strode. She married James O. "Sarge" Marshall on February 21, 1960 in Smithfield; he preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are her children, Doug (Cindy) Marshall of Washington, Brad Marshall (April Smith) of Washington, and Lori (Bruce) Steger of Brimfield; grandchildren, David Cole (Melissa) Marshall, Alec William Marshall, Bethany Gwendolyn Marshall, Brayden James Steger, and Cameron Lee Steger; great- grandson Tripp Orville Marshall; sister, Mary Staley; sister in law Suzan Reiring (Jo Naffziger); and nieces and nephews, Mackenzie, Josh, and Noah Marshall, and Beth Stewart, Holly Kane, Denice Hire, and Mike and Chris Staley.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Allen Strode.

Cookie, as she has been known since the moment she arrived, grew up and attended school in the Smithfield area. After marrying Jim, she became a devoted police wife, Washington resident, and member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Powell Circle. She was the manager of the admissions office at Eureka College for 32 years until her retirement.

Cookie cherished her relationships with others, whether friends or family. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed many years of travel with friends. She loved her family dearly, making special birthday dinners for them, and taking vacations with the entire family to Trade Lake, WI for nearly 30 years. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and baking anything, especially cookies for her grandkids or her famous Crazy Cake. Cookie's legacy is one of love, care, and joy.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Monday, July 1, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Eureka College.