Marilyn Kemple

Marilyn Kemple, 94, of Ridgely, TN (formerly of Gibson City, IL and Bloomington, IL), passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at Signature Healthcare, Ridgely, TN. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2:00 p,m. at Community Evangelical Free Church of Mahomet, IL with Pastor Jason Schifo officiating.

Mrs. Kemple was born February 14, 1932 on the family farm near Gibson City to the late Arthur Gilmore and Rose Schnittker Gilmore.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kemple, her brother Roger Gilmore, her grandson Nathan Stalter, and her great-grandson Tyler Stalter.

Marilyn is survived by her sisters Verna Hutchcraft of Springfield, IL and Karen Melzer (Jack) of Lockport, IL, her son Richard Kemple, Jr. (Mindy) of Golden, CO, daughters Lori Stalter (Dennis) of Ridgely, TN, and Jody Kemple of Yamhill, OR.  Surviving grandchildren are Matthew Stalter (Rachel) of Corvallis, OR, Avalon Stalter of Los Angeles, CA, Michelle Stalter Daniels (Joe) of Bloomington, IL, Molly Kemple, Denver, CO, Ben (Becca) Kemple, Denver, CO, Qristy (Monty) Kurtz, Powell Butte, OR, Rachel (Jared) Collins, Yamhill, OR and Jaci (Jamar) Hill, Anchorage, AK, and eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was a loving wife and mother. She acquired her insurance license and worked along side her husband for several years. Upon moving to Moline, IL she worked for John Deere Insurance and was assigned to a sales territory in West Texas for several years. She and Dick returned to Illinois in 2008 and resided in Bloomington.  In 2013 she moved to Tennessee with her daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Dennis.  She resided at Signature Healthcare nursing home and was treated like family.  She will be remembered for her sweet spirit and encouraging words and her love of God and family.

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