Marie Nuss, 79 of Paxton died at 8:55 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 407 W. Pells Street, Paxton with Father Scaria Thoppil officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Paxton.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, at Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton with a rosary at 3:30 p.m.

Marie was born April 17, 1938 in rural Ellsworth a daughter of Francis Joseph and Jennie Thelma Carr Leichtenberg. She married Clarence "Jay" Nuss March 2, 1957 in Merna. He preceded her in death June 3, 2015.

She is survived by her five children, Cindy Nuss of Paxton, Mike Nuss of Paxton, Connie (Brad) Atherton of Jacksonville, Florida, Pat (Cathy) Nuss of Paxton, Steve (Susan) Nuss of Loda; seven grandchildren, Megan (Kenneth) Coleman, Eddie Nuss, Sam Nuss, Jamie Atherton, Lauren Atherton, Faith Johnson, Hope Johnson; two great grandchildren, Amari and Kaia Coleman; and a very special friend, Luella Loschen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Mary Catherine Hillaker.

Marie graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1956 and was the McClean County Fair Queen in 1955. She was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church; she sang in the church choir, served on the funeral lunch committee, worked at the blood drives and many other church events. She was a member and past president of St. Mary's CCW and was Woman of The Year in 1998 and 2009 and Honorary Women of The Year in 2011. Marie was also a member of the Paxton Majestic Theater Group and was in many performances. She was a former PTA president and former member of the Paxton Jr. Women's Club.


Marie enjoyed crocheting, knitting and jigsaw puzzles. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Center, EWTN-TV Network, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Mary's CCW or Carle Hospice. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.