Marilyn Shianna, 99, of Pleasant View Lutheran Life Community in Ottawa was called home to her eternal rest on January 1, 2022.

Marilyn was born October 11, 1922 in Freeport, IL, the first child of John and Elizabeth (Lindeman) Raether. She graduated from Orangeville, IL High School in 1940 and married Victor Shianna that same year.

A devout Catholic convert, Marilyn for many years belonged to St. Joseph Parish in Freeport, IL, St. Lawrence Parish in Lafayette, IN and recently St. Columba Parish in Ottawa, IL. As a mother who did not have a role model —her own mother died when she was not quite 4 — she was such a
loving and caring mother. This loving care was exemplified in her role as a life-long homemaker. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothes for the family — yes, even the men —, as well as for others outside the family. She also crocheted and knitted, "tatted" and gardened. Abundant crops resulted in canning for eating in the winter months. She was artistic but these talents were only evident at this stage in her life in making breakfast pancakes in the shape of animals for her 3 children and drawing them pictures at their request.

When her children were grown she was able to fulfill her interest in art and became accomplished in the mediums of water, oil, acrylic and china painting. She belonged to several painting groups in Freeport and Lafayette. The homes of her children have dozens of her works on display. When she moved from her home in Lafayette into Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa, hundreds of blue ribbons and plaques she had won over the years were found. She belonged to several painting groups in Freeport and Lafayette. (Her children called her "Grandma Moses" since her
painting developed later in life).

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 64 years, Vic, who passed in 2004. Also predeceasing her were brothers Robert Raether, Bend, OR; Fred Raether, Sheridan, WY; granddaughter Dana (Katrein) Shane, Ottawa, IL. and great-grandson, Bailey Shane.

She is survived by daughters Vicki (Tom) Katrein, Ottawa, IL; Peggy (Dale) Bartley, Carlsbad, CA; son Peter and his wife Lori (Johnson) of The Villages, FL and 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 4 Great-great-grandchildren.

She and her late husband, Vic, believed in the value of education for their children. The best education, according to their children, was the hard work ethic that was not "taught, but observed".

Marilyn will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Visitation and Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church in Freeport, IL on January 10: Visitation at 11 AM and Mass at 12 Noon.
Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery where Marilyn will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, relatives and friends may wish to make a donation to their favorite charity or to:
https://www.childrenoftheimmaculateheart.org/about-us.html (Mom offered up her sufferings to abused children)