Marlene Anne Cox, 85, of Hoopeston, passed away at 3:15 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2025, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, in Watseka.

She was born on January 19, 1940, in Valparaiso, Indiana, the daughter of James Harlan and Georgia Louise (Shupe) Pelham.  She was previously married to Thomas Churchman, who preceded her in death in 1997.  She later married Robin Lee Cox Sr. on February 14, 2003, at the Hoopeston United Methodist Church.  He preceded her in death on August 31, 2018.

She is survived by her daughter- Lynn Kirland of Lafayette, Indiana; two sons- Emil Michaels and Jack Michaels both of Hoopeston; nine grandchildren- Stephanie Gonzalez, Christopher Gonzalez, Michael Kirland, Dana Michaels, Christopher Michaels, Donna Michaels, Robert Dykeman, LeOnda Michaels and Gabriella Michaels; three great-grandchildren- Orion, Nicholai and Fennec Gonzalez; brother- Marion (Susie) Pelham of Montana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son- Brian Michaels, four-brothers- Merle Pelham, Lester Pelham, Leslie Pelham and Harland Pelham, and three sisters- Patsy Humbers, Zina Michaels and Nancy Sturm.

Marlene worked her entire life in various factories and then later worked as a Home Health Aide, in the Hoopeston area.  She loved to cross stitch and do any type of needlework.  She also enjoyed reading romance novels and could read one in a day.  Marlene was a perfectionist in everything that she did and despite her rough exterior she was a very caring lady.

According to her wishes cremation rites will be arranged and there are not any services scheduled at this time.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Marlene’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.