Marilyn Ruth Lile, 89, of Keokuk, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 4:27 PM at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa.
Marilyn was born on September 10, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Mabel Jones. She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1955. On July 8, 1955, she was united in marriage to Everett J. Lile at First Christian Church in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2016.
Marilyn was strong-willed, determined, and poised. She always knew her own mind, and anyone who knew her, knew that about her. Underneath that strength was a deep well of kindness and compassion; she was constantly ready to help someone. She was generous to a fault, regularly giving more than she really had to give.
Marilyn placed real importance on taking care of herself and how she presented to the world. She was classy and tasteful in everything she did: her hair, her nails (always red, her favorite color), her makeup, her skincare, and staying fashionable, active, and perfectly put-together.
Her mornings were the best part of her day. She would feed the cats and squirrels that had come to count on her and have an ice-cold Diet Pepsi—the first of many she would drink that day. It was a ritual she never once skipped, and one her daughter still keeps going today. Then she would turn on the radio. She loved cleaning house to country-western music well into the afternoon, keeping her home tidy and organized. Animals had a special place in her heart, dogs most of all, and she loved nothing more than soaking up the sun for hours on her back porch or patio.
Marilyn loved staying busy and on the go. Whether it was an errand to the store or a day trip out of town, she was ready for anything that got her up and moving. She and her daughter shared a love of shopping together for clothes, bags, decor, jewelry, and furniture—anything worth having an opinion about. She and her granddaughter shared this bond too, spending hours online tracking down things Marilyn was seeking.
Keeping a sharp mind mattered a great deal to her. She was endlessly inquisitive and consistently wanted to learn more, digging through books and magazines, researching things herself, and keeping a running list of topics she wanted her granddaughter to research so they could discuss them together.
Marilyn kept up with the world through the local news, world news (Fox News), and the newspaper every day, and loved watching The Voice. She read her Bible faithfully every Sunday. You would rarely catch her without a cross necklace on—she always had one close.
More than anything, she just loved spending time with people, visiting in person or catching up on the phone. “Everyone’s in such a hurry these days,” she would say. If you asked her what she was doing late in the evening, though, the answer was almost always the same: “Oh, just watching an old western.”
Marilyn delighted in sharing stories about the family’s ties to Buffalo Bill—often recalling the square grand piano in the parlor of the Samuel F. Miller House & Museum. Her grandmother kept a photograph of Buffalo Bill on that piano because he was a family relative, and she would play the piano beneath his picture. Zane Grey was a family author she often times spoke very highly of.
She took immense pride in speaking about her big brother, who served as chief of police for many years. He was the big brother she looked up to and could always count on.
Marilyn and Everett shared 61 years of marriage. He loved her incredibly deeply, and together they built a full life until he passed. She was truly his other half, and she carried the certainty of his love with her every day after his passing.
Marilyn was a steady presence in her granddaughter’s life, always there when it mattered most. She spoiled her from the moment she was born. Marilyn admired her granddaughter’s mind and felt deeply connected to her because of it.
In her younger years, Marilyn loved being part of her bowling league and taking long walks on the bridge. For years after, she made trips to Catfish Bend, and in later years found her fun at bingo nights too.
In more recent years, nothing made Marilyn happier than enjoying fast food while visiting with her family—and she gladly would have eaten it every single day if possible. She loved reminiscing together about old stories and family history, all mixed in with whatever was going on in the world and in their lives that day.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lile; her granddaughter, Megan Englebrecht; niece, Melodie Vradenburg; nephews, Gary (Janet) Lile, Kevin Lile, and Brian Lile; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Lile and Betty (Ron) Hillard, and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett; her sister, Evalee Rowlette; and two brothers, Warren and George (Velma) Jones; niece, Gretchen Rowlette; brothers-in-law, Raymond Lile, Richard Rowlette, and Pat Vradenburg; sisters-in-law Lucille Sommers, Evelyn Rash, and Donna (Bob) Newland.
A private graveside service will be held at Keokuk National Cemetery.
Memorials may be left to American Legion Post #41 and the Keokuk Humane Society.
Memories and condolences may be left at printyfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
