Jean L. Stilwell's Obituary
Decatur- Jean Stilwell, 82, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in her home with family at her side.
A service to celebrate the life of Jean will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North St, Decatur, Illinois. A visitation for Jean will be from 4-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Hospital, or Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Jean was born April 14, 1929 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Ruth and Robert Deputy. She was the oldest of six children. Her parents were newspaper publishers. They also owned several printing companies and wrote four books. The publishing business took them to Lawrence, Indiana a northern suburb of Indianapolis. Jean graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1947. Jean sang in a state chorus and played the clarinet in a symphony orchestra that was directed by many famous conductors. She attended Indiana University on a Hoosier Festival scholarship. Jean graduated after three years with a degree in education. She was a member of Sigma Kappa, a social sorority, and she was their house manager.
While teaching sixth grade in Bethany, Illinois she met her future husband, Ralph. They were married in 1952 and had seven children. She started a private school in South Shores. The Stilwell children all appeared in the Little Theater on the Square in major roles. She got to know the owner, Guy Little, who asked her to take a position in public relations and advertising. She worked for the Little Theater for fifteen years where she met many major stars.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Richard) Weinberg, Steve (Madeleine) Stilwell, Darla Stilwell, Greg (Kristen) Stilwell, Debra Stilwell, Dawn (Chris) Alley, grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Justin, Taryn, Brenna, Sara, Steven, Sidney, Mike, Douglas, Maya, and Jasmine Stilwell, Kyle, Brent, Kelsey, and Keith Alley, her brother; Dave Deputy, and sisters; Joan(Bill) Quigley, and Jill Marmaduke.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, and daughter Donna
What’s your fondest memory of Jean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jean?
Share a story where Jean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jean you’ll never forget.
How did Jean make you smile?