ESMOND — Marcia Ruth Goelitz, 92, of Esmond, Illinois passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, in her new home in Monroe Center, Illinois. She was born in Durand, IL on August 31, 1931, the oldest daughter of Everett and Mildred (Wallace) Laube. 

She grew up on a dairy farm in Durand, and worked hard to skip grades in school to be in her brother Paul's class. Marcia attended Northern Illinois Teachers College (now NIU), and met the love of her life, Boyd W. Goelitz, newly returned from serving in WWII. They married in June 1952, and enjoyed 68 wonderful years together, farming and raising three sons, Roger, Charles, and Michael. Marcia became a licensed pilot and owned her own plane, flying west with Boyd to choose calves to purchase for their cattle-feeding operation in Esmond, Illinois. She also worked for a number of years at the Rochelle Walmart. Her life was spent working with her husband, driving tractors, hauling feed, harvesting grain, and taking care of her family. Marcia was a member of the Esmond United Methodist Church, serving on committees, cooking and helping in many areas for the past 70 years. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was of utmost importance, and she was ready to go to heaven. Marcia loved her family, especially gathered around the table for holiday dinners. Her children and grandchildren have wonderful memories on the farm with their grandparents. 

Marcia is survived by her sons and her daughters-in-love, Roger and Lourdes Goelitz of Loveland, CO, Charles and Nancy Goelitz of Bloomington, IL, and Mike and Judy Goelitz of Monroe Center, IL; grandchildren:  Sara (Chris) Sturgeon, Erin (Robin) Held, Sean Goelitz, Serena Goelitz, and Adam Goelitz; great-grandchildren:  Maggie, Alexandra, and Caleb; siblings: Judy Johnson, Gene (Carol) Laube, Bruce (Diane) Laube; sister-in-law, Gladys Laube; bonus daughter, Teri Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Boyd, brothers: Raymond and Paul, brothers-in-law: Harold and Frank, sisters-in-law:  Pauline, Betty and Catherine, and great-grandchild, Trevor.

Special thanks to Visiting Angels, Prestige and OSF Hospice for their excellent and loving care of Marcia in her last days.

Visitation on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, IL. Memorial service on Wednesday, August 7, 10:00 A.M. at Esmond UMC, 675 Eychaner Rd., Esmond, IL with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. Burial at Greenview Cemetery, with luncheon at Esmond UMC following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenview Cemetery. Cremation services by Unger-Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle, Illinois. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.