Gwendolyn "Gwen" Marie Root

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Marie Root, age 86 of Marissa, formerly of Gillespie and Rushville, passed away at 7:55 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Freeburg Care Center, with her husband of 68 years by her side. 

Gwen was born on December 28, 1936, in Rushville Illinois, the daughter of Claude Howard “Pug” and Nina Rosalie (Armel) Sipes.  She married George Root on June 26, 1954, in Rushville Illinois, and he survives in Marissa.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three sons, Steve Root and wife Vicki of Carlyle, Illinois, Michael Root of Springfield, Illinois, and Darrin Root and wife Pam of Marissa, Illinois; grandchildren, Hannah Linder and husband Alex of O’Fallon, Illinois, Rachel Petrea and husband Lukas of Salem, Illinois Gina Root of Carlyle, Illinois, Matthew Davis of Carlyle, Illinois, Becky Davis of New Baden, Illinois, Beth Root of Marissa, and Becca Root of Marissa, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Myla and Benjamin Linder; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Christopher Root; former daughter-in-law, Billi Jo Hall; and sisters, Portia Brierton and husband Jack, Gladys Taber and husband Amos “Slim”, Delores “Dee” Crouse and husband Robert “Bob”, and Sandy Chockley and husband Richard “Dick”.

Gwen was a member of the United Methodist Church, growing up in the Pleasant View church, and later attending in Rushville and Litchfield.  In her lifetime, she baked and decorated cakes, was a hairdresser with a shop off the side of her house, made ceramics with her sister and best friend Dee, worked at Sparta Kroger baking cakes, was the food administrator for Marissa District 40, made quilts and memory bears.  Gwen was a loving wife, mom, and grandma who will be dearly missed.

The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Freeburg Care Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Their dedication and care given to Gwen was much appreciated during this difficult time.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 17, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Triplett and Wood Funeral Home Rushville Illinois. The service will be held Tuesday, January 17, at 1:00 pm. with Pastor Bill Rucker officiating.

Memorials go to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ Rushville Illinois, Freeburg Care Center Freeburg Illinois, and The Union Avenue Christian Church Litchfield Illinois.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories at www.triplettwood.com