MARILYN (GIBSON) COOVERT

August 12, 1935 - August 28, 2025

Marilyn Joy Coovert, passed peacefully on August 28th, 2025, in her son's home, shortly after reaching her goal of turning 90. Marilyn was born to Ellen (Grogan) and George Gibson on August 12th, 1935 in Keokuk, Iowa where she was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church.  Marilyn was the third born out of five children, and as any middle child, she developed a sense of quick wit and humor that would be a defining marker of her personality throughout her life. In her teen years she met another Keokuk local named David Jr. Coovert. He went off to serve in the Korean War, and they married shortly upon his return on February 27th, 1954. Together they built their home across the Mississippi River on Oak Street in Hamilton, Illinois where they would live nearly the rest of their lives and raised their children David Joseph, Christine and Dianne. Marilyn adopted a unique parenting style that was loving and humorous but hands off which allowed her children to have many funny memories to look back on and stories to share. Marilyn's husband of 4 decades, passed away in 1994 following years of her loving care.

Marilyn became a grandmother in 1984. Her parenting style continued as her 9 grandchildren fondly remember watching Steve Martin and Chevy Chase comedies from a very young age with her. The Jerk, The Three Amigos, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation will forever be watched and quoted by her descendants. Her grandchildren have many wonderful memories of spending time at her house including playing games, the fridge stocked with Sunny-D and Trix Yogurt, walking to the Dairy Queen with coupons or cash in hand to bring back lunch or a treat, and being kept awake by the police scanner in the living room. There was nothing Marilyn loved more than her growing family. Even in failing health, she was determined to be a witness to as many family milestones as possible.

She had the most remarkable last two months. In July, Marilyn met her 6th great-grandchild. Shortly after, she was hospitalized. This didn't sit well as she had two granddaughters getting married in the next two weeks. Against all odds, and with telling every single hospital staff "come hell or high water, I'm going to those weddings," she had a buzzer beater discharge.  She made it to both weddings and even danced on the dance floor. Her amazing end of life tour didn't stop there. She took a road trip to see her brothers, Roger and Gary. This was just days before her 90th birthday, which she celebrated in the hospital as her body couldn't always keep up with her mind and determination. Marking the landmark birthday meant that she is the first person in her family lineage (that she had completely memorized), to live to 90. Once all her goals were realized, Marilyn knew her time on this earth was ending and she could rest. She passed away living a life people only dream of. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ellen and George, siblings, Dolores Farnsworth and George Gibson, husband, David Jr. and beloved grandson, David Craig. Marilyn is survived by her brothers Roger (Carol) and Gary Gibson.  Children:  David Joseph (Kim) Coovert, Chris (Tod) Schwerin and Dianne (Jeff) Behnke.  Her grandchildren: Amber (Travis), Lauren (Dakota), Michelle (wife of David Craig), Daniel (McKenna), Matthew (Gaby), Alison (Will), Jamie (Casey), Mia, and Samantha; and her great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Vienna, David Patrick, Micah, Hailey, and Carter.

Marilyn's life and how she lived are a message to us all. Don't take things too seriously.  You don't need things, trips or money to be happy. Show your young grandkids funny movies even if they are inappropriate. Make people laugh everyday. And, whenever you see a baby who isn't that cute, just say "That's some baby!" Our Mom, Grandma, and Ma will be missed, but we find comfort and pride knowing her life and especially her last two months on earth were what we should all dream of and "come hell or high water" achieve. She's reached her heavenly home.  Christian burial will be at 10 am on November 28th at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa.

Arrangements were completed by the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.  To sign the online guest book or write a special memory- go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com