Marilyn S. Van Fossen, 82, of Washington, passed away at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January

24, 2024 at Washington Senior Living.

Marilyn was born on November 15, 1941 in Decatur, IL to the late Geneva (Ragsdale) and

Russell Gepford. She married Richard Van Fossen on November 6, 1999 in Macomb, IL. He

preceded her in death on February 7, 2020.

She is also preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Gepford; and her niece, Geraldine

Gepford.

She is survived by her two children, Vicki (Richard) Willis and Tony (Michelle) Klockenga; her

grandchildren, TJ Klockenga, Jaclyn (Coleman) Mullins, Dustin Willis and Timothy Willis; her

great grandson, Eliah Willis; her step-daughters, Nancy Richbark and Karen (Kevin) Danner of

Table Grove, IL; her sister-in-law, Sharon Gepford; her nephews, Richard (Kim) Gepford and

Gerald (Mary) Gepford; and many step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Marilyn knows that she was fun-loving and full of life. She was a wonderful

Mom and Granny, a loyal friend, and always the life of the party. Even though dementia took

over her mind, she never lost her sense of humor. Marilyn was an animal lover and loved

spending time with her cats and dogs throughout the years. She enjoyed playing cards with her

many friends. She was known for reconnecting with her old classmates from Woodruff. Many

thanks go out to the staff at Washington Senior Living and St. Francis Woods for taking such

good care of Marilyn in the last years of her life. She will be dearly missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a dementia charity of the donor's choice in memory

of Marilyn.

Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory will be assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation

has been accorded. Marilyn will be laid to rest alongside her husband Dick in Ipava Cemetery at

a future date.