Marilyn Jean Buckingham

Marilyn Jean (Kelly) Buckingham, age 90 of Dixon, passed away Wednesday Feb. 19, 2020 at KSB Hospital with her daughters by her side. She was born March 8, 1929 in Dixon, the daughter of Catherine (Hill) and John "Jack" Kelly. Marilyn granduated from Dixon High School in 1947. She married Donald E "Buck" Buckingham on April 4, 1952 in Dixon. They were happily married for 66 years, living their lives in Grand Detour, where they raised their two daughters, Laurie and Kay. Marilyn was a stay at home mom for many years while her children were young. She was a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, and a Sunday School teacher for many years. She went to work for the Dixon Chamber of Commerce as the executive secretary, retiring in 1991. Marilyn loved boating on the Rock River with her husband, Buck, and their friends. She was one of the original "River Rats". Marilyn enjoyed traveling with her husband. One of her favorite destinations was St Pete beach Florida, where she spent time visiting with family and friends. Marilyn adored spending time with her sister Jackie and brother in law John. Marilyn never met a stranger, she was easy going, always meeting a new friend or two where ever she went. Marilyn was especially proud of her Irish heritage and loved to celebrate St Patricks Day. She enjoyed cooking for her family, tending to her flower gardens, and watching the different birds come and go from one of her many feeders. Marilyn looked forward to shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughters. She cherished her time with each of her grandchildren, watching them play, having sleepovers and attending their dance recitals and many competitions. She felt especially blessed when her great grandchildren were born. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister Jackie Ambelang. Survivors incluce her daughters Laurie (Tim) McBride and Kay (Steve) Heckman both of Dixon; four grandchildren Katie (Scott) Ragan, Sarah (Mike) Countryman, Jamie (Nick) Barber, and Lukas Heckman; six great grandchildren Jack and Benjamin Ragan, Emma and Madelyn Jean Countryman, and Jackson and Lola Barber; and her brother in law John Ambelang of Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial of cremains will be in Grand Detour Cemtery. A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on Saturday Feb. 22, 2020 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at Porkys 1315 E River Rd in Dixon. A memorial has been established to Heritage Square in Dixon. Special thanks to the staff at Heritage Square for their exceptional care.

Marilyn Jean Buckingham

March 8, 1929 - February 19, 2020