Marlys A. Morris, 81 of Rantoul, died at 10:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at American Lutheran Church, 500 Church Drive, Rantoul with Rev. Aaron Dawson officiating.  Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul.

Visitation will be two hours before the funeral service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Marlys was born August 3, 1944, in Champaign the daughter of John and Emma Aden Schluter.  She married Bryce G. Morris January 8, 1967, at the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul.  He preceded her in death July 22, 2020.

She is survived by a daughter, Tracy (Sean) O'Donnell of Thomasboro, a son, Brad (Erin) Morris of Bloomington; a granddaughter, Ellie Morris of Bloomington; two sisters, Joan Shurbet of Thomasboro, Diane (John) Dailey of Thomasboro, and nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters and three brothers-in-law, Linda (Fred) Meek and Donna (Vernon) Rhodes and Larry Shurbet.

Her life could be summed up in three words…faith, family and friends. She was a lifelong member of American Lutheran Church where she faithfully served by singing in the choir, attending Bible studies along with training as a Stephens Minister. She and her sisters also sang frequently at church services and various events. Marlys was instrumental in introducing the Parish Nursing Program at ALC which combined her faith and her profession.

Marlys answered the call to enter the field of nursing where she served faithfully for over 30 years. She worked in the hospital on both general surgery and Hospice/oncology floors and provided home health services before her retirement in 2010. She loved being a nurse and especially appreciated learning about the wonderful creation of the body.

Marlys was very family oriented and would tell you that her kids were "the best"! She was also blessed by her son-in-law and daughter-in-law, who were loving and supportive. Her greatest joy was being "Oma" to Ellie who was a blessing for which she waited for many years.

Marlys was also blessed by the love and support of her many faithful friends, most of whom she has known for many years. She would often reach out through a card, a phone call or a visit when someone was in need and cherished those friendships.

Along with her faith in Jesus, music was a thread that ran through her entire life.  From singing at home doing chores to performances, singing with her sisters was one of the most treasured times in her life. Whether singing hymns or listening to Gaither music.  She always considered music one of God's greatest gifts. Now the music lives on as she sings in heaven's choir.

Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church of Rantoul.