Mary Ann Atherton

Mary Ann (Larkin) Atherton passed away Saturday, May 30th in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mary Ann was born in LaSalle, Illinois on April 9, 1942, the only child of Edward and Vera (Harmon) Larkin. She married the love of her life, Tom Atherton, on October 27, 1962.

Mary Ann lived the majority of her life on a farm south of Earlville, Illinois. She received her degree in education and was a teacher before staying home to raise her three children: Donna (Mike) Dalton, Steve Atherton, and Laura (Matt) Guisti. She had a passion for remodeling, and had her own business hanging wallpaper and painting.
After retirement, Tom and Mary Ann made their home in Chandler, Arizona in the winter months, and LaFollette, Tennessee in the summer months.

Mary Ann was an amazing and proud mother who loved providing for her family. She was best known by friends and family as a kind and giving person who opened her heart and home to anyone. Her door was always open and those who stopped by left with their bellies full and their spirits lifted. She was happiest when her children and grandchildren were all together, or when she was hosting a house full of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Mary Ann is survived by her spouse, three children, and grandchildren: Jon and Josh Dale, Brianna Dalton, and Myah Guisti. She will be dearly missed by her family and many, many friends in Illinois, Tennessee, and Arizona.

Mary Ann's family will host a celebration of her life on Saturday, June 6th from noon to 3:00 pm at the Earlville Township Building, 1506 E US Hwy 34, Earlville, Illinois.

Martin Wilson Funeral Home of LaFollette is in charge of these arrangements.

Mrs. Atherton's guestbook may be viewed at www.martinwilsonfuneralhome.com