Mary Jane Dill, 87, of Alpharetta, GA, formerly of Urbana and East St. Louis, IL, died Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at the home of her daughter surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Urbana, with visitation one hour prior to service time. The Reverend Joseph Hogan officiating.

Mary Jane was born on March 13, 1922, in East St. Louis, IL, the daughter of Frank and Estella Ryan. She attended St. Regis elementary school and graduated from St. Theresa Academy. She married John L. Dill, her loving husband of 69 years, on September 21, 1940, in East St. Louis. Also surviving are her children; John Dill, Jr., of Springfield, Pat (Joyce) Dill of Urbana, and Kathleen (Tom) Marlo of Alpharetta, GA, and one brother, Rev. Frank Ryan, OMI, of Belleville. Mary Jane had eight grandchildren who also survive her: Lisa (Rick) Hummel of Florissant, MO, Gina (Joe) Thebeau of Afton, MO, Laura (Jim) Riemer of Springfield; Stasi (Denny) Kerschner of Atwood; Ryan Dill of Champaign; Jon Marlo, Christina Marlo, and Mary Catherine Marlo of Alpharetta, GA. Mary Jane is also survived by five great grandchildren; Monica Morris, Alex and Paris Thebeau, and Jimmy and Olivia Riemer. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Kramer, a daughter-in-law, Joyce A. Dill of Belleville, and three nephews.

Mary Jane loved her family, her cats, her roses, and her routine. Her legacy will be the smile we have on our faces when we think of her, and the care and concern we exhibit for animals. Memorials may be sent to the Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Urbana, or the Champaign County Humane Society.