Mary Dee Waddell

Mary Dee Waddell, 93, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. She was born on January 15, 1931, in Jasper County, IL, one of twelve children born to Ralph Dayton and Grace Pauline (Bower) Matson. Growing up in a large family during the Great Depression instilled in Mary a deep sense of sacrifice and selflessness-qualities that would define her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Wesley "Bill" Waddell, whom she married on September 2, 1950, and who passed away on August 30, 1990. Mary was also preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Lloyd, Glen, Daniel, Rupert, Dewey, Marjorie Foltz, Kay Woodard, Flavia Gowran, Ruth Carpenter, and Geneva Bozen.

After graduating from Newton High School in 1950, Mary dedicated herself to her family and home. She lived a life content with simplicity, embracing the joys of togetherness with those she loved most. A devoted mother, Mary poured her heart into raising their six children: Lana Briggs, Linda Goad, Billy (Melissa) Waddell, Brad (Lorrie) Waddell, Marty (Melanie) Waddell, and Angie Waddell. She found great purpose in nurturing her family, ensuring her children never went without love, attention, or care. Every morning, she personally prepared each child's breakfast, and her commitment to her family extended well beyond her own children, as she showered her ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren with the same love and care. Sundays at Mary's home were marked by the warmth of family and her famous homemade meals, including her signature fried chicken and meatloaf. Time and again, she made it evident that her children and grandchildren were at the center of her world, and she found great purpose and joy in serving and standing by those she loved.

Music was another great passion in Mary's life. She taught herself to play piano by ear and later learned to read music with the help of her aunt. Her talents took her to the radio in her younger years, though she was always modest about her abilities. Even in her later years, she kept a keyboard in her room at the nursing home, where she played tunes from the 1940s and 50s, reliving fond memories through the soundtrack of her life. In addition to her impressive musical talent, Mary possessed an exceptional memory and a keen intuitive awareness that often amazed her family.

Mary was a private person whose quiet but steady faith carried her through life. She often watched church services on television and found comfort in the spiritual connection they provided. In her later years, she also attended church services at the nursing home, reflecting on the love of her Heavenly Father, a love not unlike the one she gave her own children and grandchildren.

Mary will be remembered as a gentle, soft-spoken woman who never spoke ill of others and was always ready to lend a hand. Her unwavering love, humility, and service to her family shaped them into who they are today-a lasting legacy of grace and kindness that will continue through the generations.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. with her cousin, Larry Matson, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the "NOW Program," which sends supplemental food home on weekends with students in the Robinson School District. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery.