Marie Miles passed away early morning on January 4, 2024, surrounded by her four children and embraced by her loving husband. Her final days were spent in a beautiful setting overlooking the horse fields of Kentucky. Marie’s devoted grandchildren flew in from many states to join their family in honoring Marie. A small memorial service was held at the Chapel of Ashton Grove in Georgetown, KY.

Although Marie spent the last four years close to her children in Kentucky, her heart remained in her home state of Illinois. Marie grew up on her family farm in Maytown, IL.  She shared many stories of her doting Uncle Vincent and her dear friend Sylvia Montavon. Marie first began working as a waitress at the Parkway Family Restaurant in Mendota. Marie married Lennard Miles on June 6, 1959. After taking off several years to focus on her children, Marie began a long career at the Amboy News in the early 70’s. She became friends with her co-workers and enjoyed hosting the annual Christmas party. In 1980, Marie left her career at the newspaper to help take care of her first granddaughter, Melissa. During this time Marie also worked part-time at the Lee County Farm Bureau. In addition to working outside the home, Marie worked endless hours tending to her garden, freezing and canning fruit and vegetables, raising chickens, sheep and horses and keeping records for their farm. She was an active member of the St. Patrick Parish in Amboy, IL.

Marie was born on April 9, 1940, the daughter of Leo and Ceceila Weber.

Marie's first and forever love was her darling husband Lennard. Marie and Lennard went most everywhere together. You'd never see one without the other. For over six decades they knew they could count on each other to get through life's challenges. Marie was always willing to support her children’s interest in the school band, sports and club interest. She hosted many birthday parties and countless sleepovers. Marie encouraged all her children to attend college. Marie’s love extended to the next generation. She cherished her time with all of her grandchildren and formed a special bond in each of their lives. Marie spent extensive time with Melissa and Josh. She was a major influence in their life, providing stability, support and encouragement.  

Marie enjoyed hosting many holiday parties for her parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors. She loved to share in other’s happiness and was quick to lend an ear in sorrow. Marie had many friends and cherished her time with them all. Through the years they had Elvis parties, attended belly dancing classes and pedaled bicycles to the end of the trails. Her dear friend and sister-in-law, Pat Spratt shared a lifetime of laughter and friends. In the past few years Pat made several trips to Kentucky to spend time with Marie and Lennard.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Cecelia Weber and Leo Weber, and grandson Terry Miles.

She is survived by her husband, Lennard: daughters, Kathryn Miles (Doug), Donna Miles and Carol Miles Gensheimer (Rick); son, Harold Miles (Cheryl); grandchildren, Melissa Ikens (Travis) Josh Dewey (Danielle) Kelly Gensheimer, Grant Gensheimer (Nikki), Charlie Miles (Abi) Spring (Adil); Luke Miles (Asya); great-grandchildren Tucker and Hudson Ikens, Logan Gensheimer, Leon Miles, Aria and Azarias Miles; and sister-in-Laws, Pat Spratt and Jane Miles.