Marion Christine Varney

April 26, 1924 - October 23, 2018

Marion Christine Varney, 94, of Kankakee passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at her home. She was born on April 26, 1924 in Chicago, the daughter of Hermod and Christine Abrahamsson Anthonsen. Marion married LaVerne Varney on June 15, 1946 in Chicago. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2011. Marion and Vern lived a happy and successful life, owning their own businesses and raising their family. They were the owners/operators of Kankakee Sanitary Disposal from 1954-1995. During World War II, Marion lived in California and worked for the Chrysler Corporation inspecting B29 Bomber parts. Marion always enjoyed breeding thoroughbred race horses and watching the races. She enjoyed traveling and raising her three children. While she was raising her family, she studied natural and artificial gemstones and became a certified Gemologist. Marion and Vern were seasoned Entrepreneurs and before retiring, they started Varney Enterprises and became part of the National Renders Association. After retirement, they moved to Ocala, Florida, where they raised black Angus Beef Cattle. They returned to Kankakee in 1993. Marion was a poised, classy lady who always enjoyed entertaining guests and loved playing cards. She spent many hours laughing with friends and family. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law Alan and Antonia Varney of Ocala, FL, and Richard and Debbie Varney of Bourbonnais; one daughter and son-in-law Gayle and Dean Hutson of Limestone; seven grandchildren Theresa (Michael) Lemmer, Ronald (Laura) DeVries, Justin Smith (Julie Cavitt), James (Erica) Varney, Michele Collins (Devon Meents), Elizabeth (Justin) Daniel and Katherine (JD) Roach; eleven great-grandchildren Jaiden and Jersey Collins, Ryan and Jacob DeVries, Roland and Katherine Gayle Smith, and August and Max Varney, Olivia and Caleb Meents and Kayden Roach; and Dean’s cousin and special caregiver and friend, Gail Hutson and special friend Marsha Baker. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Walter Anthonsen. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.