Ida Marlene (Lydle) Stoltz, 89, passed away on May 16, 2025 at her home in Olney, Illinois. Born on December 3, 1935, Marlene was the daughter of Franklin Edward Lydle and Sarah Francis Higbie Lydle. She married Lewis Samuel Stoltz, Jr., on July 29, 1953.

Marlene was born in and grew up in Claremont, Illinois, and her heart stayed there until the end. She graduated from Olney Township High School in 1953. She then worked at the International Shoe Co. and AMF Roadmaster in Olney.

Raising their children “north of the tracks” in Claremont on Mulberry Street surrounded by family and close friends, Jr. and Marlene were fixtures of the community. Marlene valued hard work and developed a deep love for making things with her hands. Whether it was planting and tending a summer garden; crocheting tablecloths, blankets, and doilies; canning beef, fruit, and vegetables from the garden; cultivating her flowers; or sewing dresses, outfits, and every other idea her family imagined, Marlene created beauty while pouring her heart into everything she did.

Always in the kitchen cooking and baking, Marlene was happiest with family crowded around the kitchen table. She was a fierce protector and nurturer of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and she adored being called “Mimi.” She thoroughly enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to play rummy and showed little mercy when she won every hand. A lifelong Cardinals fan, Marlene rarely missed watching a game on the boob tube. Marlene’s legacy of love, strength, and devotion lives on in each member of her family. She was a shining example of Christianity, and she was proud of her faith.

Marlene is survived by her children, including son, Rod (Suzette) Lydle of Olney; daughter, Sarah Teeven of Olney; son, Benny Stoltz of Burlington, IA; son, Frank Stoltz of Melbourne, FL; son, Larry (Shelia) Stoltz of Lawrenceville, IL; daughter, Lisa (Ritchie) Syfert of Shelbyville; grandchildren including Rod (Erin) Lydle, Anthony Teeven, Brittany (Lance) Boldt, Daniel Stoltz, Jennifer (Bartley) Cummins-Zuber, Rachel (Courtney) Yockey, Amy (Rylan) Rusk, Philip Ruesch, Christopher (Amanda) Stoltz, Samantha (Christopher) Foust, Leslie (Rhett) Funk, Tyler Stoltz, Sarah (Michael) Scherer, Caitlyn Stoltz; and 27 great grandchildren.

Meeting her in Heaven are her daughter, Patty Stoltz Corcoran; son, Samuel Stoltz; husband Lewis Stoltz, Jr.; brother, Clarence E. Lydle; and her parents.

A private family service was held with burial in Crest Haven Memorial Cemetery in Claremont. Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

The family extends the utmost gratitude to the wonderful staff at Emerald Glen who loved and cared for Marlene like she was family, and everyone at Carle Olney Hospice, especially nurse Micah.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL