Marilyn Jane Tomlinson-Lewis

On June 7, 2024, Marilyn Jane Tomlinson Lewis moved home to heaven, surrounded by the love and prayers of family and friends near and far. In her 81 years she touched and blessed an amazing number of people with her warmth, her gracious smile, and her unwavering positivity.

Marilyn was born August 10, 1942, the youngest of the 10 children born to DM and Florence Tomlinson of Rushville. Her recent arrival in heaven makes the circle complete again. She joins sisters Grace Marie (Bayles), Dorothy Mae (Walker), and Anna Lee (Phillips) and her 6 brothers: Robert (Tommy), Jessie Leroy (Orvie), Glen (Polecat) Wayne (Dummer), Gerald (Honk) and John Paul (J.P.)

A 1960 graduate of Rushville High School, Marilyn left Rushville for the University of Illinois. She married George Lewis and lived in Champaign, Urbana before setting off to make her mark in the world through Jafra Cosmetics. Marilyn was instrumental in establishing an Illinois presence for this now international skin care company. Her investment of time, heart, and talent into Jafra took her to Colorado for several years and then to Thousand Oaks, California where she lived and loved for more than 42 years. While in Thousand Oaks she was an active member of Calvary Westlake Community Church. After these successful years, it was time to move home to Illinois permanently, closer to family, and friends.

Marilyn has been an excellent ambassador for Jafra products as well as the business opportunity for growth and fulfillment. Through her hard work and non-stop energies, she was highly successful in business, yet always made time for family and friends. She changed many faces, many lives and touched many hearts along the way. She was a leader, a mentor, and not only a friend but an inspiration with her attentive ear, her enthusiasm for life and her deep-rooted faith that she graciously shared with others all along her journey.

Marilyn was ready to move on, anticipating reunions of joy with loved ones and with Jesus. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, friends across the country and her beloved Tomlinson nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will take place in the Tomlinson tradition, under the tree on the family homestead at 125 East Clinton Street, Rushville during the Annual Family Gathering August 2, 2024, at 10:00 am. All family and friends are invited to bring a story or a memory to share. Burial will follow in the Rushville City Cemetery. The Triplett & Wood Funeral Home of Rushville is assisting the family with local arrangements. 

Memorials in Marilyn’s name may be directed to Schuyler Veterans Homes, a non-profit organization building homes for veterans in Rushville. You are invited to share your memories of Marilyn and leave a condolence at www.triplettwood.com