Marion E. Kline

Marion E. Kline, 88, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully at her home Friday, February 3, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Marion Elaine Brown was born in Anna, Illinois and raised as an only child to Richard and Lillian Brown (Wehmeyer). Despite being over-protected, she became tough as nails. Marion moved to Sullivan at the age of five and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1951. She was the vice-president and valedictorian of her graduating class and liked reminding her family of her academic achievement. She went on to graduate from Ms. Hickey’s business school. Truthfully, Marion was extremely smart and because of that trait, she was also extremely opinionated and didn’t hesitate to tell anyone what she thought.  It certainly was an endearing quality that will be missed.

Marion met and married a local boy, Raymond Junior Kline. Ray and Marion were married for 70 years. Raymond claims they never had a bad day.   Her daughter asked her a week before she passed who her “favorite” was.  Although she hadn’t spoken much in the last few weeks, she immediately and predictably said, “Raymond.”

Marion showed her family how much she cared by cooking meals, baking pastry and caramel pecan rolls by the dozens, and sewing much of their clothes. She was an excellent chef and seamstress, and also helped run the family business.

Marion and Raymond loved to dance. Marion also loved her Italian tenors (Raymond not so much but he would tolerate them for her).  While she struggled with dementia for the past year, she could listen to Andrea Bocelli and go to a special place of happiness that was exhibited all over her face. She would sit in the back seat of the car and make us turn up the stereo full blast.

Marion loved to laugh. Saturday Night Live, Steven Colbert, and Bill Maher were never missed.      

Ray and Marion had five children: Guy (and wife Melissa), Valerie (and husband Tom), Mary, Lorri, and Jennifer.  In addition she leaves many grandchildren: Richard, Sean, Romney, Randi, Courtney, Olivia, Ethan, Rachelle, and Samuel. Jordan, Valerie, and Jennifer  preceded her in death.

Great grandchildren include: Skye, River, Sahara, and Canyon Adams; Carter, Alyssa, and Jada Adams; Owen Hofstetter; Valle and Gunner Bales; Aurelia, Marlow, and Coco Klipper; and Hallie, McKenzie, and Annalee Houseman.

Per Romney, “Marion will be missed by her children and grandchildren. She was a rowdy soul who managed to pass on her thick skin and spunk to each of them.”

Per Randi, “I could go on about her with stories and things she liked and did, and there will never be a way to pay her tribute enough.”

Per Rachelle, “My mom often said I was like my grandma, and I didn’t mind that comparison one bit. Her frugality was legendary. To me, she was supremely practical. No muss, no fuss. And a very easy person to be around. She had a great sense of humor. Life won’t be the same without her.”

Fly high, Mom. We love you.

A Memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday, February 10, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan with Pastor Sean Adams officiating.  Cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, February 10, 2023 at Eaton Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Marion’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.

Friends may share online condolences with Marion’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.