Marilyn (Eifler) Ayers of Cary, IL passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024.  Beloved first-born daughter of Robert and Mary Eifler of Chicago, IL, she blessed this world with her birth on May 17, 1939.  Marilyn, known to many as DeeDee; is survived by her Daughter Karen (Ayers) and Joseph Downs of LaPlata, MD; Daughter Sherry (Ayers) and Michael Cannon of Marengo, IL; Son David Ayers, Jr and Nikki Hedeen of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Grandson Taylor Kendrick of Westwood, CA; Sister Roberta Stalzer of Southport, NC; Sister Gloria and Rick Loehr of Southport, NC; Sister Linda and Bill Dwyer of Georgetown, TX; Ex Husband David Ayers, Sr of Fox River Grove, IL; Brother In-Law Jack (and Bernice, deceased) Ayers of Plainfield, IL; Brother In-Law Ronald (deceased) and Joanne Ayers of Mokena, IL; Sister In-Law Darlene and Donald Bermingham of Mokena, IL; Dear Friend Linda (Fitzgerald) SanFilippo of Algonquin, IL; and the vast and beloved array of cousins, nieces, nephews, grands, and beyond.

Marilyn loved animals and nature; having many dogs over the years whom she loved as extended furry family members.  She was the first to take on a stray or a rescue dog, loving them unconditionally and with all her heart.  She loved the bounty of flowers and the nature outside her very windows, having an aversion to even cutting the dandelions in her yard because of the beauty in their vibrant and joyful presence.  She was an avid fan of  movies, music and dance and enjoyed keeping up with her favorite television shows and celebrity news. She could be found in the center of a laughing group discussing the latest celebrity gossip at family gatherings. Marilyn enjoyed the theatre and attended many plays and performances, singing beautifully along to the songs she certainly knew every word to.  She enjoyed participating in the variety of Cary Senior Center activities over the years and loved getting out in the community and attending local gatherings, luncheons, ball games, social events and other venues.  Marilyn had a sharp mind and a clever wit and embodied a large, vibrant personality in a deceptively petite and diminutive stature.  She was strong-willed, outspoken, passionate about so many wonderful things and she was always, without fail; your strongest and most supportive ally in all things big and small.  She never told us “You Can’t”, “You Shouldn’t”, “You Didn’t” or “You Mustn’t” ... she would say “You Can, You Should, You Did and You Must!”  And so, we are all that much better, that much more blessed, that much more filled with the joy of life which she showed us every day.

There will be a graveside service for Marilyn on October 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s name would be to Helping Paws Animal Shelter www.helpingpaws.net (815) 338-4400  info@helpingpaws.net