Marilyn M. (Hennenfent) Clute

Marilyn M. (Hennenfent) Clute, 88, of Alexis passed away at 11:50 am, Friday, July 17, 2020 at the Kensington in Galesburg, IL.

She was born December 12, 1931 at the family home, rural Alexis, IL, the daughter of Charles “Chick” and Hazel (Simpson) Hennenfent.  She was raised, educated and lived her entire life around Alexis.  Marilyn graduated from Alexis High School in 1949.  She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Illinois University and later a Masters of Education from the University of Illinois.

Marilyn married her High School sweetheart Donald Clute at the Norwood Church on June 15, 1957 and he survives.

Marilyn was a teacher of music and in the regular classroom for over 41 years first in a 1 room grade school at Duck Creek School and then later at ROWVA; Winola, Rock Island and Sherrard School Districts before retiring 1994.

She was very active with the Norwood Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, pianist, choir director as well as being active as President of the Women’s Organization.  She was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Honorary Teachers Sorority).  She was a member of several teacher’s organizations including IEA: NEA: IRTA, an officer in Delta Kappa Gamma (honorary teachers’ sorority) and the Mercer County Retired Teachers.  She served on the Starting Point board, the Warren County Cancer Board and the Warren County Relay for Life.  Marilyn enjoyed playing in their dance band, giving piano lessons and ten years of wintering in Tucson, AZ. In Tucson she was active in the Rincon West Choir, sang in their barbershop group and participated in their bible studies. They also took many day trips and travelled to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and several great trips around the USA and to South Carolina to spend time with Jane and her family. She loved planting and caring for her flowers as well as landscaping around their lawn at home.

Survivors include her husband; daughter, Jane (Tony) Helms; granddaughter, Tiffany Helms and grandson, John (Church) Helms all of Greer, SC; Sister in law, Sharon Hennenfent of Alexis; nieces, Cristin (David) McGrath of Wayne, IL and Kerry (Mike) Anderson and Kole of St. Petersburg, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Charles & Margaret Simpson and brother, Dean Hennenfent.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Burial will be in Norwood Cemetery.  Friends may call to pay their respects Wednesday morning from 9:00-11:00, the family will not be present during the calling hours. Memorials may be given to the Norwood Presbyterian Church, the Norwood Cemetery, the American Cancer Society or the Haiti Fund, SERVANTS GIFTS, INC, which sponsors a school in Haiti that meets the basic needs for Haitian children. Due to COVID-19 restrictions all social distancing practices and CDC guidelines will be observed during calling hours and the service.