Marcia Lee (Zimmerman) Shanklin

Marcia Lee (Zimmerman) Shanklin, 73, of Chillicothe, IL, formerly of Varna, IL, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021, at Unity Point Health-Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was born in rural Varna on September 29, 1947, to Charles and Alberta (Weis) Zimmerman. She married James R. “Jim” Shanklin on February 15, 1969 in Varna, IL. He passed away on February 25, 1981.

Surviving are their two sons, Todd (Stephanie) Shanklin and Troy Shanklin both of Varna; three grandchildren, Douglas Shanklin, Victoria (Tyler) Bogner, and Sophia Shanklin; brothers and sisters, Melody (Jim) Miller of Peru, Mary Lou (Larry) Lishman of Lacon, Lynn (Tom) Lewis of Peru, Philip (Diane) Zimmerman of Henry, and Zachary (Jamie) Zimmerman of Phoenix, AZ; and “multiple good friends.” She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Marcia attended Henry Beauty School and worked as a beautician mostly out of her home salon. Additionally, she worked at Hobbs in Spring Valley, co-owned the Varna Village Store with her sister Lynn, but the job closest to her heart was babysitting hundreds of children for over 40 years. Marcia was a phenomenal cook and baker, spoiling all those she loved with her food. Her children and grandchildren were her entire life.

Cremation rites have been accorded. To honor her, a private celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Varna with Reverend Richard Joyce officiating. Burial of Ashes will be in Varna First Lutheran Cemetery #2 in Varna, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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