Marie Dealey, 92, passed away at 2:15am on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 25, 1933, in Piasa, Illinois, the daughter of the late Leroy and Maxie (Downs) Searles. She married Robert “Bob” Dealey on February 14, 1954, in Carlinville, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on May 9, 2012.
Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Kathryn and David Smith of Bethalto, a daughter in law: Patricia Dealey of Allen, Texas, three grandchildren and their spouses: Joseph and Traci Dealey of Princeton, Texas, Matthew and Sarah Smith of Godfrey, Rachel and Ryan Helgen of Moro, six great grandchildren: Hailey Smith, Brady Smith, Natalie Helgen, Gemma Helgen, Archer Helgen, Michael Dealey, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Marie worked at Citizens Savings and Loan where she was the branch manager for many years prior to her retirement. She was a long time member of East Alton United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Bethalto Kiwanis Club and along with her husband served in the Wood River Township Kiwanis Club. She was a former member of PEO, Chapter FC.
Marie was an avid cook and baker and was well known for her homemade bread, pies, cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies and caramel rolls. She frequently shared her cooking with family, friends and neighbors alike. Her door was always open.
Marie enjoyed her monthly card club which she was a member for many years, weekly pinochle club and Friday night ladies dinners. Her choice was always Mexican and she loved a good margarita.
Marie loved her family above all else and enjoyed time spent especially with her six great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son: Michael Dealey.
In celebration of her life, memorial visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, May 12, 2025, East Alton First United Methodist Church, 1002 Third St. in East Alton, Illinois. Visitation will continue from 10:30am until time of funeral services at 11:30am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the church. Pastor Edward Granadosin will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to the East Alton First United Methodist Church or the Kiwanis Club of Bethalto.
Online guestbook available at http://www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
