Mary L. Stage

Mary Lee Stage (maiden name: Stottler) passed away peacefully with her husband and children by her side on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at OSF Saint Francis Hospital in Peoria.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  A Celebration of Mary’s life and a luncheon will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Geneseo.  

Mary was born on March 3, 1942, in Hagaman, IL.  She was the daughter of Floyd and Grace Stottler.  Mary graduated from Geneseo High School, Class of 1960.  On April 2, 1961, she married Frank Stage at First Baptist Church, Geneseo.  They celebrated sixty-three years of marriage.  Mary was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend to all who knew and loved her.  Mary also loved to fish at the family lake and watch the hummingbirds and other birds at her bird feeder. 

Mary’s prized possession was her family: Four Children, Melody (Scott) Kelly, Kenosha, WI, Keith Stage, Geneseo, Beth (JC) Carey, Savanna, IL, and Kim (Tim) Manthe, Geneseo.  Ten Grandchildren:  Adrienne (Richard) Markiewicz, Mount Pleasant, WI, Amy (Josue) Perez, Mazatlan, MX, Ashlynn (Taylor) Robinette, Cedarville, OH, Alyssa (Luke) Richardson, Chicago, IL, Christian (Mackenzie) Sammons, Homer, IL, Dalton Stage (fiancé’ Dari Velez), Atkinson, IL, Jacob Carey (Kaylee Plattenberger), Glendive, MT, Adam Manthe, Silvis, IL, and Abigail Manthe (fiancé’ Kyle Goldsmith), Geneseo, IL. Eight great grandchildren:  Amelia Markiewicz, Melody Markiewicz, Noah Perez, Owen Robinette, Elsie Robinette, Sofia Mary Stage, Oliver Manthe and Maverick Manthe. 

Mary is survived by her family listed above, brothers Bob Stottler, Floyd (Butch) Stottler, sisters, Diane Frields and Linda Lipke.  

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Betsy Sherbeyn and Donna Bredt, grandson, John (Tripper) Carey III, great grandchildren, Cora Markiewicz, Brandon Markiewicz, baby Markiewicz, and many other extended family members.