Marion Irene Emling passed away December 21, 2023 at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin at the age of 95. Marion was born on September 12, 1928, in Du Quoin, the oldest child of Dempsey and Irene (Smith) Genesio.
Marion was raised in the northwest section of Du Quoin surrounded by relatives. She attended St. John's Grade School and graduated from Du Quoin Township High School. It was at DTHS where she met and started dating the basketball standout, Bob "Skinny" Emling. After high school, she worked as a secretary before she was married.
Marion married Robert J. Emling on July 7, 1948 in Du Quoin.  They were married for 64 years.  She was a farmer's wife and mother of four, the first two being twins who kept her very busy. She did not have to drive a tractor, but she cooked and delivered many meals to the fields. In 1964, she happily moved from a century old farmhouse in Old Du Quoin to a new brick home closer to town in what was to become the R. J. Emling subdivision.
Marion spent many hours on bleachers watching athletic events of her husband, children, and grandchildren. She even received the "fan of the year" award at Sacred Heart School one year. Although she watched many different sports, basketball was the key Emling sport in the gym and on the driveway "concrete" court outside her kitchen window.
Marion was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was active with the grade school for many years when her children and grandchildren were in school. She was a member of the Catholic Daughter organization for nearly 70 years and was a Sacred Heart Quilter. She loved quilting with the group and would continue to visit the quilters even after her eyesight failed and she could no longer quilt. She had many close friends who passed away in recent years and she missed them dearly, being the last one.
Marion is survived by children: Harold Emling and wife Joyce, Virginia Appuhn and husband Bill, Tom Emling and wife Lisa all of Du Quoin and daughter-in-law Christine Emling of Nashville, IL,
She is also survived by grandchildren: Ryan Emling, Luke Emling (Sherill Moore), Meredith Torbeck and husband Jaron, Arianne Emling, Jonathan Emling and wife Sarah, Eric Emling (Brooke Talley), Taryn Dettman, and Dylan Dettman and great grandchildren:  Rachel, Carter, Emersyn, and Sage.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son Gerald Emling, and siblings Charles Genesio, Virginia Willi Doolin, and Neoma (Beegie) Kimmel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Carl Schrage officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Du Quoin.
Memorials may be made to Masses, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Du Quoin Gold Plate and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.