Marilyn J. Shipley

Marilyn J. Shipley (née Lafferty), age 92, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026. Born on September 27, 1933, in Harvey, Illinois, she was the daughter of Hugh and Agnes Lafferty. Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Thornton, Illinois, where she built a life centered around family, community, and simple joys. She was a loving sister to William Lafferty, Phyllis Bakke, Janice Fowler, and the late Marcella Gill, Hugh Lafferty, Calvin Lafferty, and Guy Lafferty.

She attended Thornton High School and remained deeply connected to her hometown throughout her life. Marilyn was an active and devoted member of Thornton Methodist Church, where her faith and friendships were an important part of her life. Marilyn also dedicated many years of her career to the Carrier-Ohler Company, where she worked until her retirement.

Above all, Marilyn was a dedicated mother and homemaker who created a warm and welcoming home for her family. She found joy in life's everyday moments, whether it was participating in a local women's bowling league, expressing her creativity through ceramics, or traveling to new places. She especially cherished time spent at her summer home in Michigan, a place that brought her great happiness and lasting memories with loved ones. She also had a deep love for the card game pinochle, which became a cherished tradition over the years. Many weekends were spent gathered around the table with family and friends, where laughter, friendly competition, and lasting bonds were formed over countless hands of cards.

In her later years, Marilyn faced the quiet challenges that affect so many families, and her strength, along with the love and support of those around her, remained evident throughout. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research and compassion in the pursuit of understanding and overcoming these conditions.Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Edward Shipley; her son, Mark Alan Shipley; and her granddaughter, Ashley Ann Greenup. She is survived by her loving children: Gary E. Shipley (Ann) of Florida, Guy P. Shipley (Donna) of Florida, and Sandy Greenup (Alan) of Channahon, Illinois. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Gary's family, Joshua Chambers and his two children; Mark Shipley (Heather) and their child; and Crystal Gutierrez (Ryan); Guy's family, Kevin Shipley and Keith Shipley (Joy) and their two children; Sandy's family, Shelley Luka (Paul) and their two children, and Bradley Greenup. Each held a special place in her heart and brought her immeasurable pride and joy.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with a procession to the gravesite immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the "National Institute of Aging" in Marilyn's memory. For further information, please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal".