Marilyn L. Dick

Marilyn Lindsay Dick passed away on February 7, 2026. She was a woman of intelligence, compassion, and quiet strength who found her greatest joy in her family, in sharing unhurried drives with her husband exploring the countryside and watching wildlife, and in the creativity of her sewing and handcrafts.

Marilyn was born to Donald Eugene Mattison and Vera Irene Mattison, who preceded her in death. Her academic ability was evident early in life—she graduated as valedictorian of her eighth-grade class and later graduated from high school in 1959 as salutatorian. She continued her studies at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her nursing degree in 1963 as a member of the university’s first graduating nursing class, a distinction she carried with pride.

On June 15, 1963, Marilyn married Otto Earl Dick, Jr. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion. Otto survives her, and their many years together were marked by deep companionship, especially cherished in later years during their daily drives together.

Marilyn began her nursing career at the Warmolts Clinic in Oregon, Illinois, where her compassion and dedication quickly became evident. While staying at home to raise her children, she remained actively involved in her community through Home Extension and operated a cake decorating business, sharing her creativity with family and friends. She also gave generously of her time by helping to lead Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops for her children, a role she truly enjoyed. She later returned to nursing, work she loved, serving at the Franklin Grove Nursing Home and later at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Mt. Morris, where her kindness and commitment touched countless lives.

Marilyn attended Oregon Church of God for many years, where her faith was an important part of her life. She especially enjoyed helping to teach Sunday school and visiting the elderly on behalf of the church—acts of service that reflected her caring nature and brought her great joy.

She is also survived by her sisters, Donna Mattison and Mary Ann Mortellaro.

Marilyn is survived by her children: David Dick (wife Vicki Pulling Dick), Lori Dick Shelby Hall (husband Darren Hall), and Lisa Dick.

She was a devoted grandmother to Jenny Kee (Mark), Ben Pulling (Megan), Craig Sales, Felicia Dick, Sara Sales, and Ashley Watts.

She was blessed with great-grandchildren Annabel Pulling, Roscoe Pulling, Ava Sales, Embry Sales, Kendal Sales, Braxton Sales, Sophia Sales, Stella Sales, Hayden Watts, and Leah Watts, and was the proud great-great-grandmother of Lorelei Sales.

Marilyn’s life was one of service, faith, creativity, and deep devotion to family. Her legacy will live on through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched with compassion and care. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. No services are scheduled at this time. A memorial fund is established in Marilyn’s name and may be directed to her family.