Marie E. Hitz of Rantoul, formerly of Paxton, passed away on August 8, 2022, at her home at the grand old age of 96.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baier Family Funeral Service, Paxton.

A private graveside service will be held at Glen Cemetery, Paxton. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 15, 2022, at the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul with Pastor Matt Bahnfleth officiating.

Marie was born March 15, 1926, near St. Joseph in Champaign County to John and Kathryn Bartell Bruns. She was married to Charles Hitz in 1964. He preceded her in death in 1966. She is survived by a stepson Timothy Hitz, Urbana; three step grandchildren, one sister, Jeanette Tabaka, Madison WI, eight nephews and some cousins.  Including her husband, she was preceded in death by parents; four brothers, William, Frank, Carl and Elmer and three sisters, Bernice, Gertrude and Ruth.

She was a member of the American Lutheran Church and was baptized and became a child of God in April 1926 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She confirmed her faith in the Lutheran Church in Rankin in 1940.

Marie graduated from Armstrong High School in 1944. In 1954, she graduated from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago and until her retirement, spent her time working in the health profession.  She was employed at the Paxton Hospital as a bedside nurse for ten years, at Carle Clinic in the Pediatric Clinic for 15 years, then became the coordinator for the Ford County Early Childhood Program and later, the coordinator for the Alzheimer's Support Group.

She was interested in painting for many years and was the founder of the Paxton Art League.  She belonged to the Paxton Women's Club for a time and served on the Altar Guild at First Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed helping make quilts for Lutheran World Relief with her church friends at First Lutheran Church. Paxton.

Marie owned several horses over time and enjoyed camping with them and with her friends.  She loved all animals and children.  She was an avid reader and spent her spare time reading, making handmade quilts and gardening in her early years.  Upon retirement, she moved to Brookstone Estates Assisted Living Facility Rantoul.

Memorials made be made to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue or American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.