Marie E. Dilts, 79, of Burlington, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born on April 2, 1946, in Monmouth, Ill., she was the daughter of M. Roger and Grace Ketchum Downes. On June 3, 1994, in Burlington, Iowa, she married Richard Dilts. He preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2008.
Marie graduated in the class of 1964 from Union High School in Biggsville, Ill. She attended and graduated from Burlington Business College. She was a member of Parkside Baptist Church. Marie enjoyed volunteering at Klein Center, and previously at Head Start, Burlington Medical Center, and Hope Haven Area Development Center. In her free time, she enjoyed baking, drawing, and doing arts and crafts, especially liquid embroidery. She also enjoyed word searches, playing bingo, listening to old country and gospel music, and watching a good old western show, especially a western with John Wayne. She was talented at writing poetry, which she loved to do. She was also a major St. Louis Cardinals fan. Marie had a green thumb and loved her houseplants. Most of all, Marie loved to take time out of her day and read a good mystery book. However, she loved taking the time to read her Bible the most.
Marie is survived by her daughter Stephanie McCammon; four grandchildren: Jazmine (Zach) Metzger, Jordan Crowe, Jamie (Kaidon Hamric) McCammon and Sabrina McCammon; great grandson Kaysen Hamric; sister Bonnie Downes and nephew Jason Hummell. Also surviving is a very special friend, Donald “Marty” Martin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters: Elaine Downes and Jane Hummell and her precious little dog Mitzi Sue.
The funeral service for Marie will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Lunning Chapel. The visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at Lunning Chapel, where the family will meet with friends. Interment will be held at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in her memory for Special Needs or West Burlington Rescue Squad.