Mrs. Marilyn R. Putnam, 92, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 11:32 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.
She was born on March 13, 1933, in Galesburg the daughter of John and Ruth (Jones) Pruett. She married Theodore “Ted” Putnam on July 4, 1953.
Surviving are two sons, J.D. (and Sally) Putnam of Knoxville and Phil (and Lori) Putnam of Abingdon, Illinois, six grandchildren, Lindsey (and Brent) Titus, Angie (and Rony) Harshbarger, Cody (and Telza) Putnam, Zac (and Samantha) Putnam, Nick (and Maddy) Putnam, and Jordan Putnam, and ten great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, John “Butch” Pruett of Knoxville, a sister, Sally (and Larry) Derham of New Mexico, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brian Putnam on May 7, 2014, and a sister-in-law, Connie Pruett.
Marilyn graduated from Knoxville High School in 1951. She operated a cake decorating and catering business from her home for many years and was known as “The Cake Lady” around the area. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Knoxville. She was a former member of the Knoxville Booster Club and volunteered for many activities at her son’s sporting events and donated baked goods for local events. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Marilyn was a very loving mom, grandma and great grandma. She was the glue that held her family together and would do anything for her immediate family, extended family, and many friends. She will be missed by all who know her.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville, Hospice Compassus, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Cemetery with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Library or to the First Christian Church in Knoxville. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
